People go to great lengths to defy the signs of aging. They may either buy off-the-shelf anti-aging products or visit a plastic surgeon for facial augmentation. One type of product that is often used in different forms is collagen. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that supports the skin, tendons and ligaments. As we age, less collagen is produced, which leaves our skin prone to wrinkling, sagging and a less youthful appearance.
Injectable
A plastic surgeon can administer collagen injections. Most often made from cow products, injectable collagen at a physician's office is used as a soft-tissue filler, according the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This form of collagen fills in wrinkles, lines and scars on the face. The procedure is quick, taking anywhere between half an hour to an hour and recovery period is also short. Allergic reactions to collagen is the biggest risk. To help prevent this, a physician usually performs a skin test prior to the procedure. Other risks besides infection include skin peeling, scarring and lumpiness in the treated area. Collagen injections are not a permanent solution to wrinkles, however. Repeat injections are often necessary to maintain results.
Topical
Many over-the-counter creams contain a combination of ingredients, one of which is collagen. Such creams claim to improve the skin's appearance by preventing and smoothing out wrinkles. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, moisturizers containing the protein along with keratin, leave a protein film which temporarily stretches the skin. Most scientists believe that topical collagen is not an effective anti-wrinkle cream because naturally occurring collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the depths of the skin. Creams that contain antioxidants such as is L-ascorbic acid for example, stimulate the production of natural collagen, which may be more effective than using cream containing the protein.
Oral
In addition to injectable and topical forms, collagen also comes as an oral dietary supplement, according to ArthritisMD. Usually marketed to relieve symptoms related to connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, oral collagen may also have some benefit on aging skin. Some oral collagen products claim that it works to nourish the skin from the inside out where topical collagen applications cannot reach. Additionally, these supplements claim to be a more permanent solution than injectable collagen. The efficacy of oral collagen as a treatment for aging skin has not been proven; it should not be taken without consulting a physician.
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