No other ingredients have been quoted more than these two for women over 25 on social media. And with good reason too!
Common questions that keep coming up include: Are they the same substances? Which one should I focus on building in my skin as I age?
If you have similar concerns about your skin elasticity, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about hyaluronic acid and collagen. These naturally occurring substances in the human body play a big role in keeping our skin plump and smooth while allowing joints to glide fluidly.
But when it comes to deciding whether to use hyaluronic acid or collagen supplements, serums or treatments, what’s the difference between them? Which one is better for your particular needs? Can they be used together or should you only choose one? Let’s break down how these compounds help preserve youthful skin, ease joint discomfort and repair connective tissues throughout the body.
Understanding the Basics: Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen
Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero
What is Hyaluronic Acid? Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the human body, known for its ability to retain water and keep the skin hydrated. It is also called hyaluronan) and differs from collagen in that rather than providing structure, it plays an important role in delivering lasting moisture. This gooey, gel-like compound has an unmatched ability to attract and retain huge volumes of fluid, making it an integral hydrating agent.
Role in Skin Health: It plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, supporting connective tissues, and promoting youthful skin by preventing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Up to a third of hyaluronic acid in the body resides in skin tissues where it hydrates connective fibers between cells. It’s concentration is also relatively high in joint fluids, the eye, cartilage and blood vessels. Hyaluronic acid combines with fluid to create a viscous, cushioning barrier. This sponge-like nature allows it to soak up over 1000 times its weight in moisture! It gives young skin a plump, dewy look while acting as a lubricating shock absorber inside joints. Age-related declines in hyaluronic acid also contribute to drying skin and shrinking moisture content in cartilage, the vitreous jelly of eyes, and barrier tissues throughout the body. Joint movement becomes impaired when friction increases. Skin loses its supple humidity, allowing wrinkles and sagging to develop more readily.
Collagen: The Structural Superstar
What is Collagen? Collagen is a structural protein found in the human body, responsible for providing strength and elasticity to the skin, connective tissues, and bones. Collagen is an essential structural protein, making up about 30% of the total protein composition in the human body. It’s found in notably high concentrations in tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, blood vessels and the dermal layer of skin.
Role in Skin Health: It contributes to skin moisture, aids in wound healing, and is vital for the overall appearance of youthful skin. Collagen molecules attach to one another and form strong cross-linked fibrous networks that provide structure, elasticity, and moisture retention. This helps build the foundation for smooth, firm skin, cushioning joint cartilages, stable bones and resilience in connective tissues body-wide. Our collagen supply is abundantly plentiful in youth. Fibroblast cells regularly synthesize new collagen molecules as older ones degrade. But starting in our mid-20s, collagen production begins decreasing by about 1-2% yearly as fibroblast activity declines with age. Meanwhile, collagen degradation outpaces collagen synthesis, weakening connective tissue networks. The result is sagging skin, wrinkling, less padding around joints and easier tendon/ligament injury. Joint discomfort and stiffness often increase due to eroded cartilage.
Key Differences between Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid
Now that we’ve introduced the mechanisms and bodily functions of these two connective tissue superstars, how do collagen and hyaluronic acid measure up?
Which one should you prioritize for anti-aging, skin enhancement, and joint comfort?
First, it’s important to understand collagen and hyaluronic acid work synergistically in the human body. Collagen fibers provide structural integrity while hyaluronic acid molecules hydrate and lubricate tissues by latching onto water and dispersing it evenly. This is what gives young skin a firm yet moisturized feel. As we age, both collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decline. But collagen production falls much faster. Each year the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin only drops by about 0.1% on average versus up to 2% for collagen, as stated in a research paper published in the Clinical Interventions in Aging journal in 2013, titled “Hyaluronan: A Key Factor in Skin Aging”. This is why fine lines, sagging, stiffening joints and thinning skin manifest more rapidly.
Aesthetic Treatments for Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen
Fortunately, recent years have brought about a myriad of supplements to replenish collagen and hyaluronic acid both topically and internally.
What are the best options for your needs? Let’s outline the pros, cons, and ideal uses of each.
Applying collagen topically through skin creams and serums attempts to stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Creams also aim to replenish collagen that is fragmented through the skin barrier. There is some evidence daily use of topicals improves facial collagen density. But results take over 8 weeks.
Marine collagen derived from fish may have higher bioavailability for better absorption into the dermis layer of skin when applied in creams. Combining collagen with antioxidants like vitamin C or skin-supporting oils like rosehip, avocado or olive oil also improves moisturizing and anti-aging ability in lotions.
If you don’t have the patience of a saint and want something faster, read on.
cosmetic treatments to help stimulate collagen:
Collagen fillers and aesthetic treatments are popular for restoring volume, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and promoting skin elasticity.
These products contain ingredients like collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, peptides, and niacinamide, which help stimulate collagen production and improve skin’s texture and firmness. Remember that collagen creams alone cannot replace other skincare products or treatments, and it is essential to maintain a consistent skincare routine for optimal results.
Microneedling – Uses tiny needles to create micro-channels that trigger the body’s natural healing and collagen regeneration. Often combined with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C or retinol serums for amplified results.
Chemical peels – Exfoliating acids like glycolic, salicylic or trichloroacetic acid remove damaged outer skin layers to promote new collagen fibers and elasticity. Improves texture, tone and fine lines.
Ultrasound therapy – Focused ultrasound waves transmit heat below the skin’s surface which kick-starts new collagen synthesis. Especially helpful for sagging skin.
Laser skin resurfacing – Ablative fractional CO2 lasers vaporize tiny columns of aged skin so deeper collagen production ramps up as tissue remodels itself. Tightens skin overall with just a few treatments.
Radiofrequency microneedling – Heated RF energy is delivered through insulated microneedles to stimulate subdermal collagen remodeling. Smooths wrinkles and firms skin more rapidly than needling alone.
A licensed esthetician can recommend a customized plan using these collagen boosting technologies along with supportive in-office or at-home treatments like hyaluronic acid serums, plasma rich platelet therapies and LED light therapy for maximizing vibrant skin rejuvenation.
Hyaluronic acid is commonly used in dermal fillers (e.g. lip augmentation) and serums to enhance skin volume and treat joint pain. Incorporating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is touted for achieving youthful-looking skin, combating dryness, and improving skin texture.
Due to its exceptional fluid-binding ability, hyaluronic acid is a go-to ingredient in topical skin care formulas focused on replenishing moisture. Lower molecular weight hyaluronic acid penetrates skin tissue better while higher weights sit on the dermal surface, pulling in hydration. Using both creates 24 hour hydration support.
Look for serums combining low-weight HA with antioxidant botanicals like aloe vera, vitamins C and E. Light clinical needling paired with HA serums drives better absorption as well. Follow serum use with a rich collagen-boosting cream for amplified rejuvenating effects.
Aesthetic and cosmetic HA treatment options include:
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Crosslinked HA filler injected into the dermis binds to water and expands, providing volume. But the body also reacts by producing more of its own native HA for hydration and elasticity. Effects can last 9-12 months.
Profhilo – These pure HA injections contain strands that stimulate fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells that produce hyaluronan and other compounds for glowing skin. Profhilo boosts HA for up to 6 months.
Mesotherapy – A cocktail of amino acids, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid is injected into the mesoderm – or middle layer of skin. This nourishes skin cells and kickstarts formation of new HA and collagen.
Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm along with bovine or human-derived collagen fillers like Sculptra Aesthetic restructure facial contours, fill wrinkles and replenish volume where sagging occurs. Injections pass through the skin barrier to structurally augment tissue for 6 months up to 5 years.
Fillers with lidocaine minimize discomfort during the procedure. But you may experience some initial bruising, redness, swelling at injection sites afterwards. Avoid blood thinners and anti-inflammatory meds several days before injections as this exacerbates swelling and bleeding risk. Proper aftercare is also essential.
Dietary Supplements for Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid
Additional supplements to promote collagen are available in various forms like peptides and bone broth, as well as offer additional support for collagen synthesis and tissue repair. The best collagen peptide supplements utilize patented enzymatic or low-temperature hydrolysis processes to ensure bioactive, highly absorbable small particles that survive digestion.
Look for types I, II, III, V and X collagen sourced from grass-fed bovine, wild fish, eggshell membranes, or chicken collagen contain the full amino acid spectrum for best results.
List of best-selling dietary supplements that promote collagen and hyaluronic acid are:
Doctor’s Best Hyaluronic Acid with Chondroitin Sulfate, Featuring BioCell Collagen: This supplement provides joint support and features BioCell Collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate.
Nature’s Lab Hyaluronic Acid with Biocell Collagen and MSM: This supplement supports skin hydration and joint health, containing hyaluronic acid, Biocell Collagen, and MSM
Left Coast Performance Collagen with Biotin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C: This supplement is recommended for improving hair, skin, nails, and joint health, containing collagen, biotin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
Vital Proteins: This supplement contains collagen, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to support skin appearance.
NeoCell Collagen Beauty Builder: This supplement contains hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other nutrients to support radiant and nourished skin.
Dietary Foods for Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid
While topical products attempt to replenish aging levels of collagen and hyaluronic acid from the outside-in, a healthy diet can help to boost internal production for inside-out rejuvenation. Consuming collagen-promoting foods provides key amino acids to build new collagen fibers.
Collagen peptides are highly bioavailable amino acid chains, also called hydrolyzed collagen. When taken regularly through diet or supplements, strands break down further into individual amino acids during digestion. The body then synthesizes these building blocks into new collagen structures wherever needed.
Studies show ingesting bioactive collagen peptides measurably increases dermal collagen density and skin hydration while decreasing visible wrinkles. This helps strengthen the collagen network to smooth over fine lines. Peptides have also been shown to minimize joint pain and improve flexibility. They support tendon repair post-injury as well.
Bone broth shines as an abundant source of gut-healing, collagen-rich gelatin from animal bones, skin, ligaments and tendons simmered into a mineral-rich soup stock. Pair with vitamin C rich veggies which helps manufacture collagen. Citrus, berries, bell peppers and dark leafy greens all supply this.
Some top foods that can help increase collagen and hydration(natural HA) in skin:
Leafy Greens – Spinach, kale, swiss chard, arugula and other greens contain good amounts of hyaluronic acid as well as vitamins A, C, E key for production.
Root Vegetables – Potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots and beets encourage hyaluronic acid synthesis thanks to their vitamin content.
Citrus Fruits – Oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C to promote natural HA production and preserve what’s there.
Bell Peppers – Red, yellow and orange bell peppers also supply high vitamin C for supporting healthy HA levels through diet.
Berries – Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries provide a compound called anthocyanin that enhances overall skin health and hyaluronic acid concentration.
Nuts & Seeds – Walnuts, almonds, chia and flax help balance inflammation levels while delivering skin-nourishing nutrients like essential fatty acids.
Fermented Foods – Kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and yogurt contain probiotics to support the microbiome plus bioactive compounds that maintain sufficient HA levels.
Oily Fish – Salmon, mackerel and sardines supply anti-inflammatory omega-3s to reinforce skin cell membrane fluidity and moisture retention provided by hyaluronic acid throughout the body.
Coconut Water – A natural electrolyte-rich beverage that can support hydration.
Chia Seeds – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can absorb water, helping to keep the body and skin hydrated.
Watermelon – C
ontains high water content. It provides hydration and supports overall skin health.
The key is eating a balanced whole foods diet filled with plants, healthy fats and antimicrobial foods daily. Supplemental forms of hyaluronic acid can also help counteract natural depletion from aging.
Youthful Hydrated Skin Don’t Come Easy (or Cheap)
The key lies in understanding your skin’s unique needs. Both substances play integral roles in supporting skin health, and the choice between them depends on your specific goals, whether it’s combatting dry skin, reducing wrinkles, or maintaining overall skin elasticity.
Dietary collagen and hyaluronic acid-boosting foods combined with targeted topicals and injectables as needed offer the best chance to nourish, plump up and tone the skin while keeping joints limber. Amino acid packed collagen peptides also minimize tendon/ligament injury and help reinforce the dermal structure.
Use collagen creams followed by hyaluronic acid serums to maximize skin hydration, firmness and elasticity. If you’re losing the battle with gravity and want a quick and fast solution, consider facial fillers including both ingredients for augmented, long term structural improvements. For those with extensive skin sagging, filler injections prepped on clean skin may create a better foundation that topicals can then build upon.
Achieving youthful skin is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Embrace the diversity of options available, consult with skincare professionals, and tailor your routine to meet the unique needs of your skin.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a dermatologist and/or healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.