Aumento de colágeno

How to Choose a Collagen Boosting Serum

Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firm, smooth structure, and the amount the skin makes falls with age. In a study comparing skin from adults aged 18 to 29 with adults 80 and older, fibroblasts from the older group produced less type I procollagen in the lab (Varani, 2006). The serums in this collection do not contain collagen itself. Instead they use matrix peptides such as Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl Synthe-6, and Syn-Coll, and in one case retinol, which are studied for the look of firmer, smoother skin.

Compare the Serums

Which one should you pick?

• One active you can measure against the research: the 20% Matrixyl 3000 Collagen Serum.
• Firmness plus a fuller look: the Ageless Advanced Age-Defying Serum.
• You already tolerate retinol: the Liquid Facelift Collagen Serum at night.
• Lines from expression as well as loss of firmness, or sensitive skin: the Expression Line Deep Wrinkle Serum, which is listed for all skin types including sensitive.

What the Research Shows

• Matrixyl 3000: in Sederma's supplier study, a cream with 3% Matrixyl 3000 used twice daily for 2 months decreased the surface occupied by deep wrinkles by 39.4% and improved skin tone by 15.5% from the start, while the placebo side showed no significant change in deep wrinkles (supplier data).
• Matrixyl Synthe-6: in Sederma's supplier study of women aged 42 to 70, a 2% cream used twice daily for 2 months decreased crow's feet wrinkle volume by 21.1% versus placebo (supplier data).
• Retinol: in a 24-week study of 36 older adults, 0.4% retinol lotion improved fine wrinkle scores, and skin samples measured more procollagen and glycosaminoglycans than the plain-lotion arm (Kafi, 2007).

How to Use Them

1. Cleanse and tone, then apply a pea-size amount to the face and neck.
2. Let it dry, then follow with a hydrator and moisturizer.
3. Use the peptide serums morning and night as directed; use the Liquid Facelift at night only.
4. Wear sunscreen every morning. In a 4.5-year trial of 903 adults, daily sunscreen users showed 24% less skin aging than discretionary users (Hughes, 2013).

Sensitive skin: patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours and start once a day. For more ways to support firm-looking skin, read 8 natural ways to support collagen, or learn about the key peptides in the Matrixyl and Syn-Coll guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a collagen serum add collagen to your skin?

Not the way the name suggests. These serums contain peptides and, in one case, retinol, which are studied for the look of firmer skin, rather than collagen itself.

What ingredients support collagen in skincare?

Commonly studied options are retinol, matrix peptides such as Matrixyl 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe-6, and vitamin C. In a 24-week retinol study, skin samples measured more procollagen on the retinol arm, and a review of topical vitamin C summarizes placebo-controlled studies of 5% to 10% vitamin C (Al-Niaimi and Chiang, 2017).

How long does it take to see results from a collagen serum?

The peptide studies above measured changes at 2 months and the retinol study at 24 weeks. Use a serum daily for at least 8 weeks before judging it.

Can I use a collagen serum with retinol?

Yes. Apply the peptide serum first, then retinol at night. The Liquid Facelift already combines both, so do not add a second retinol product the same night.

At what age should I start a collagen serum?

There is no fixed age. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that women lose about 30% of skin collagen in the first five years of menopause, so there is no reason to wait. Daily sunscreen matters at every age.

Sources

• Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, Fligiel SE, Kang S, Fisher GJ, Voorhees JJ. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. American Journal of Pathology. 2006;168(6):1861-1868. doi:10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
• Sederma, Matrixyl 3000 technical document (supplier data).
• Sederma, Matrixyl Synthe'6 technical document (supplier data).
• Kafi R, et al. Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol). Archives of Dermatology. 2007;143(5):606-612. PubMed 17515510
• Hughes MCB, et al. Sunscreen and prevention of skin aging: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2013;158(11):781-790. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002
• Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2017;10(7):14-17. jcadonline.com
• American Academy of Dermatology. Caring for your skin in menopause. aad.org

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author
Written by Kari Thomas, cosmetic formulator and founder of Skin Perfection.