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What is the Connection Between Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen?

Elle Jay
Elle Jay

Hyaluronic acid and collagen are two naturally occurring substances found in the human body. Each compound has a different purpose and benefit, and the main connection between them deals with the skin. Both substances can be used to treat the signs of aging and may help maintain the healthy, youthful appearance of skin.

The main job of hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is regulating and repairing cell growth. Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide, which is a type of carbohydrate structure found all over the body. Despite being called a “fountain of youth,” this popular antiaging ingredient does not actually prevent aging. Hyaluronic acid may minimize the older, wrinkly appearance of skin by attracting and holding in water, however. This results in a plumped up look that can temporarily mask wrinkles and fine lines.

Some face creams contain collagen.
Some face creams contain collagen.

Collagen also plays a supporting role in keeping body tissues healthy. This protein occurs throughout the body and acts as a sort of glue by holding cells and tissues together. When teamed with keratin, collagen promotes strong, firm and flexible skin. Collagen production slows with age and diminishes skin flexibility, which can lead to the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Many antiaging products contain materials such as keratin and hyaluronic acid, which may boost collagen and lead to younger-looking skin.

Research shows that hyaluronic acid gel improves skin condition by plumping the appearance, increasing hydration, and boosting collagen production.
Research shows that hyaluronic acid gel improves skin condition by plumping the appearance, increasing hydration, and boosting collagen production.

Both hyaluronic acid and collagen play a role in maintaining the appearance of youth. Some antiaging products may amplify collagen and its benefits, and these typically come in the form of a face or body cream. Antiaging creams and lotions do not actually contain collagen because it is too dense to be absorbed directly through the skin. The focus is on increasing collagen levels via other materials in order to fight against the signs of aging and promote tissue repair. Some oral supplements claim to promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, but there are few studies to confirm these claims.

Oral supplements that claim to promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen may or may not be effective.
Oral supplements that claim to promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen may or may not be effective.

Antiaging treatments proclaiming the benefits of hyaluronic acid and collagen have been found to reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines and discoloration. It is thought that the hyaluronic acid may induce collagen production and help achieve more normal skin function. In most cases, treatment with products containing these substances must be ongoing in order to see the best results.

Hyaluronic acid is commonly marketed as an anti-aging product.
Hyaluronic acid is commonly marketed as an anti-aging product.

Although the skin-care market offers creams and lotions containing hyaluronic acid, this substance is also sold as an injection under various brand names. When injected directly into the skin, hyaluronic acid products fill in creases and fine lines. These injections can temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles for up to six months, but the treatment is temporary. Hyaluronic acid is also injected into lips to achieve the same plumping appearance.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

The first joint support supplement I bought was a hyaluronic acid supplement. It definitely helped. My joint pain lessened and my knees were not as stiff as before.

When this supplement ran out, I switched to another one that contains hyaluronic acid in addition to other beneficial ingredients, including collagen, MSM and glucosamine. This has been working much better for me. My joint pain is practically gone and I'm active again.

I wish I had discovered hyaluronic acid and collagen before.

discographer

@turquoise-- Hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin all exist in the dermis, the second layer of our skin. This is where wrinkles form because as we get older, we lose more and more of these compounds.

Hyaluronic acid gives plumpness to skin, and collagen and elastin give strength and flexibility. You can think of elastin as the protein that keeps hyaluronic acid and collagen together. All three are required for skin to be healthy and young looking.

You don't necessarily have to use hyaluronic acid and collagen cream together. But keep in mind that they are not the same thing and they have different roles in skin. Skin needs both in healthy proportions. So it might be a good idea to use a product that has both for best results.

I personally use a hyaluronic acid serum and a collagen cream.

turquoise

What is the connection between hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin?

Do I need to use hyaluronic acid cream along with collagen cream for it to be effective?

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    • Some face creams contain collagen.
      By: Mi.Ti.
      Some face creams contain collagen.
    • Research shows that hyaluronic acid gel improves skin condition by plumping the appearance, increasing hydration, and boosting collagen production.
      By: Jan S.
      Research shows that hyaluronic acid gel improves skin condition by plumping the appearance, increasing hydration, and boosting collagen production.
    • Oral supplements that claim to promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen may or may not be effective.
      By: Syda Productions
      Oral supplements that claim to promote the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen may or may not be effective.
    • Hyaluronic acid is commonly marketed as an anti-aging product.
      By: brankatekic
      Hyaluronic acid is commonly marketed as an anti-aging product.
    • As people age, the body's collagen production slows and the skin loses elasticity.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      As people age, the body's collagen production slows and the skin loses elasticity.
    • Both hyaluronic acid and collagen play a role in maintaining the appearance of youth.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Both hyaluronic acid and collagen play a role in maintaining the appearance of youth.
    • Anti-aging creams do not actually contain collagen.
      By: Picture-Factory
      Anti-aging creams do not actually contain collagen.
    • Hyaluronic acid may be injected into the lips to achieve a plumper appearance.
      By: armina
      Hyaluronic acid may be injected into the lips to achieve a plumper appearance.