
Collagen or hyaluronic acid: which one should you choose for your skin?
With age, skin loses elasticity, firmness, and hydration. Two star active ingredients are often cited to combat these effects of skin aging : collagen and hyaluronic acid . But what are their differences? Which one should you choose for your skin? And can they be combined for enhanced action? Let's decipher these essential active ingredients for youthful, healthy skin.
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the skin, cartilage, and eyes. Its main role is to retain water and thus maintain tissue hydration and volume. With age, the natural production of hyaluronic acid decreases, resulting in drier, thinner skin marked by fine lines and wrinkles.
The properties of hyaluronic acid are closely linked to its molecular weight :
- High molecular weight : acts on the surface to hydrate and smooth the skin.
- Low molecular weight : penetrates deeper and stimulates the production of endogenous hyaluronic acid.
- Ultra-low molecular weight : penetrates even deeper into skin layers for improved hydration and density.
In cosmetics, only low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can truly penetrate the skin. This is why taking hyaluronic acid supplements can affect all layers of the skin, resulting in a more lasting, overall plumping effect.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a fibrous protein essential for the structure of skin, joints, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It provides firmness and strength to the skin. As with hyaluronic acid, its natural production declines with age, leading to a loss of elasticity and the appearance of more pronounced wrinkles.
There are several types of collagen, but type I collagen is the most abundant in the skin. Collagen supplements , especially marine collagen , are often used to strengthen skin structure and combat sagging skin.
What are the differences between collagen and hyaluronic acid?
Although often associated, collagen and hyaluronic acid perform distinct functions:
Hyaluronic acid |
Collagen |
Hydrates the skin and retains water |
Provides firmness and structure to the skin |
Fills in fine lines of dehydration |
Reduces sagging skin and deep wrinkles |
Bouncy and volumizing effect |
Improves skin resistance and elasticity |
Hyaluronic acid is ideal for skin lacking moisture or showing the first signs of wrinkles . Collagen is better suited to deep wrinkles and volume loss associated with aging.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid and collagen?
The benefits of collagen and hyaluronic acid are numerous:
- Intense hydration : Hyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration by retaining water in the skin.
- Anti-wrinkle action : Collagen strengthens the skin and reduces deep wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid smoothes fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improved elasticity and firmness : collagen restructures the skin and limits sagging skin .
- Plumping effect : by acting in synergy, these active ingredients provide an overall plumping effect .
- Protection against premature aging : they contribute to cell regeneration and maintaining youthful skin for longer.
When should you choose collagen and hyaluronic acid treatments?
Hyaluronic acid is recommended for:
- Dehydrated skin
- The first wrinkles and fine lines
- Thin and fragile skin
- Those looking for a plumping and volumizing effect
Collagen , on the other hand, is more suitable for:
- Skin losing firmness
- Deep wrinkles and sagging skin
- Loss of facial oval
- Those who want to strengthen the skin structure in the long term
Is it possible to combine collagen and hyaluronic acid in my routine?
Yes, and it's even recommended! Hyaluronic acid and collagen work together to create younger, healthier skin. Combining the two targets all skin layers for optimal results:
- Immediate hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid
- Long-lasting firmness thanks to collagen
- Overall reduction of wrinkles by changing their nature (fine lines vs. deep wrinkles)
The ideal is to adapt the dosages according to your needs:
- If your main concern is dehydration and fine lines , opt for a program rich in hyaluronic acid , with a moderate dose of collagen.
- If you are struggling with pronounced sagging skin , opt for a food supplement with a higher concentration of marine collagen , while still maintaining a supply of hyaluronic acid.
Biocyte, an expert in nutricosmetics for over 17 years , offers innovative and scientifically proven formulas, adapted to the specific needs of the skin. Thanks to a combination of triple molecular weight hyaluronic acid and collagen , its solutions offer comprehensive care for overall and lasting rejuvenation.
In conclusion
Collagen or hyaluronic acid? Rather than choosing, why not combine them? These two active ingredients play complementary roles and help fight skin aging at different levels. Whether in cream, serum, or dietary supplement form , they are your allies for more hydrated, firmer, and visibly rejuvenated skin.
👉 Adapt your routine according to your needs and opt for treatments combining these two active ingredients for maximum effectiveness!