03-06-2025
Can Skincare Actually Stimulate Collagen Production?
'Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and peptides are well-known for this,' he explains. 'Retinol speeds up cell turnover and encourages the production of new collagen, while vitamin C is essential in the collagen-making process. These ingredients work by gently pushing your skin into repair mode, which helps strengthen its deeper layers,' Dr Galadari adds. That said, he also stresses the importance of formulation, as the result largely depends on 'whether these ingredients actually reach the dermis, where collagen is made.'
Elsewhere, Dr Hall explains that while some products list 'collagen' as ingredients, the science behind it is far less straightforward than you'd think. 'You would automatically think that by applying collagen your collagen levels will be automatically increased. But in fact, the size of a collagen molecule itself is too large to be absorbed,' she shares.
However, Dr Hall also points out that 'collagen has humectant properties like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, meaning that it attracts water and is a very strong hydrating ingredient.'
How does topical skincare compare to in-office procedures in terms of stimulating collagen?
'They work on very different levels. Topicals are great for prevention and long-term maintenance, and they tend to support skin health in a gentler, more holistic way,' says Dr Hall.
'Topical skincare should form the foundation of any skincare or anti-aging programme. It is by far the most cost-effective way of slowing down the signs of aging and a good skincare routine really will make a considerable difference,' she adds.
According to Dr Hall, 'in-office procedures like microneedling and CO2 lasers go deeper and actively induce controlled injury or inflammation to trigger a more robust collagen production response. Your body recognises the injury and puts itself into repair mode creating more collagen than you started with.'
As far as collagen-boosting injectables go, Dr Hall recommends trying 'polynucleotides and Poly-L-Lactic-Acid (PLLA) like Julaine which are biostimulants.'
For a more dramatic result, Dr Galadari also mentioned the Morpheus8 treatment, which is 'a combination of microneedling and radiofrequency that reaches the deeper layers of the skin, triggering a strong collagen renewal process.'
'It's particularly effective for skin tightening, smoothing fine lines, and improving skin texture - things topicals alone often can't deliver on their own,' he adds.
Collagen supplements vs. collagen-boosting skincare – which is better?
'They actually complement each other really well,' shares Dr Galadari. 'While skincare focuses on stimulating collagen in the top layers of skin, supplements work from the inside out. These usually contain hydrolysed collagen peptides that your body can absorb and use to support skin structure,' he explains.
