Collagen is a naturally occurring connective tissue component that provides strength and structure to the skin. Collagen degrades with age and environmental factors such as sun exposure.
Collagen as a skin care product ingredient
Many skin care products claim to restore or rebuild collagen. Few can demonstrate the ability to replace collagen at a rate that outpaces natural collagen loss. Medical experts have found that collagen is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin, even if it is latched to a carrier protein. Thus, spreading collagen on the skin using a collagen wrinkle cream does not allow it to penetrate the effective skin barrier.
There is evidence that Retinoids or Retin-A stimulate collagen. There is more limited evidence that alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) stimulate collagen.
Cosmetic procedures to stimulate collagen growth
There are techniques to stimulate collagen production. In fact, collagen stimulation is the basis of laser resurfacing, IPL treatment, and some dermal fillers.
Often collagen is replaced with another substance, such as injected hyaluronic acid. Cosmetic fillers are used by dermatologists and plastic surgeons to restore facial volume and wrinkles caused by the loss of collagen. Popular fillers include Juvederm and Restylane. Wrinkle treatments like Botox and Dysport are not considered fillers. Rather, these products are muscle paralyzers that temporarily freeze the wrinkle causing muscles in the face and neck.