Oral vs. Topical Collagen: Do You Get the Same Benefits?

As we age, we experience a drop in collagen synthesis, leading to the development of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s no wonder collagen-boosting products have become a must-have part of caring for aging skin. Today, you can find collagen in both topical skin care and oral supplements — but which is more effective? 

Let’s explore the differences between oral collagen supplements and topical collagen in skin care, how topical peptides come into play, and what you can expect from collagen for skin. 

Key Takeaways 

• Topical collagen helps hydrate and smooth the skin, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a softer, more supple-looking complexion. 
• Oral collagen supplements may help improve skin hydration and elasticity over time, potentially reducing the appearance of wrinkles and roughness. 
• Peptides in skin care can support collagen-related processes while improving the look of skin elasticity, firmness and texture, making them a popular choice for anti-aging skin care. 
• Combining topical collagen, peptides and oral collagen can complement a skin care routine for aging skin, while daily sunscreen, hydration, a balanced diet and quality sleep help support healthy-looking skin. 

Oral Collagen vs. Topical Collagen: Benefits & What’s the Difference? 

Collagen is often referred to as the skin’s mortar (fun fact: its name comes from the Greek word, “kolla,” meaning glue). This structural protein binds our cells and tissues together, helping them retain their strength and bounce. Unfortunately, the synthesis of collagen diminishes over time, leading to the emergence of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This is where collagen supplementation comes in.

There are two ways to deliver collagen to the skin. The first is to take it orally through supplements like pills or powders. According to Harvard Health, when taken orally, collagen breaks down into peptides and amino acids during digestion. These peptides enter the bloodstream and may help support collagen-related processes in the skin. Clinical trials have linked oral supplements to deeper improvements in skin hydration, firmness, wrinkle reduction and joint support.  

Topical collagen is applied in cream or lotion form and provides surface hydration by acting as a humectant on the outer layer of the skin, temporarily plumping fine lines and wrinkles through water binding. The effects can be seen on the skin where the product is applied, but topical collagen on its own does not offer long-term structural remodeling of the skin. 

Topical Collagen in Skin Care: Does It Work? 

Topical collagen can be found in creams, serums and targeted treatments designed to improve skin firmness and strength. Although collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, they do have water-binding properties. Topical collagen creams hydrate the skin, which in turn minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This hydration also leaves the skin looking smoother and more supple. 

To get the maximum plumping and smoothing benefits from topical collagen, quadruple board-certified surgeon specializing in dermatological and cosmetic surgery, Dr. Hooman Khorasani recommends applying it on damp skin, which “swells slightly, loosening the surface enough for the product to sink in instead of sitting on top.” This allows the water to do some of the plumping work because “water absorbed into the stratum corneum causes the corneocytes to take on volume, which pushes them apart slightly and loosens the intercellular packing. This creates the pathway for ingredients to move through.” 

If you're looking for an additional ingredient to work together with topical collagen, we recommend topical peptides. Let’s explore this potent active next. 

Can Topical Peptides Improve the Skin’s Appearance? 

Thanks to their smaller molecular size, certain topical peptides are formulated to be more easily absorbed than collagen molecules and help visibly revitalize the skin’s appearance. When topical peptides reach the dermis, they provide the skin’s fibroblasts with the building blocks that aid in the production of new collagen. By supporting collagen-related processes, peptides can improve the look of elasticity to enhance skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This explains why skin care products designed to boost collagen add topical peptides into their formulas as well. 

Our Product Support Team here at Eminence Organic Skin Care explains the role of peptides in skin care this way: “A peptide is a molecule consisting of smaller chains of amino acids, making them more easily absorbed by the skin. There are various benefits that peptides provide to visibly revitalize the skin and different peptides work on the skin in different ways. Some peptides trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin tone and texture. Increasing these proteins can give aging skin increased elasticity and suppleness.” 

The combination of topical collagen and topical peptides is a great option for plumper-looking skin. A different approach you can take is oral collagen supplements. But do oral collagen supplements actually work? 

Will Ingesting Oral Collagen Improve the Look of Skin?

Oral collagen is another way to add this essential protein to your beauty routine. Available in powder, pill and liquid forms, oral collagen for skin support is hydrolyzed, meaning it’s been broken down into peptides that are small enough to be digested and absorbed. 

Taking oral collagen pumps up the moisture content and elasticity of the skin, which can help reduce the look of wrinkles. Beyond skin care, oral collagen supplements are also beneficial for hair, nails and joint health. They promote healthy digestion, exercise recovery and even more for your body’s overall wellness.

Now let's debunk a common myth! Oral collagen is not a magic ingredient for immediate results. The benefits from oral collagen take time and may vary by individual. It’s best to talk to your physician before introducing collagen supplements into your diet.

Topical Collagen vs. Oral Collagen: What Experts Say

What do the experts think about these two collagen delivery systems? Dr. Jeannette Graf tells Byrdie that putting collagen on your skin provides moisturizing benefits and makes the skin feel softer and smoother. Marie Hayag, MD adds that it’s the intentional layering of ingredients, topical collagen and topical peptides that creates the best results. 

Combining Topical Collagen, Peptides & Oral Supplements

There is a case to be made for combining all three elements together and integrating oral supplements into a skin care regimen with topical collagen and peptides. Collagen peptides taken orally may support skin hydration and firmness while topical peptides may help address visible signs of aging by supporting collagen-related processes in the skin. Dermatologist Doris Day says that “supplements are here to stay” and they have a definite place in a skin care routine, alongside a good diet, sun protection and moisturizer. The New York Times also supports ingestible collagen, saying: “Studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity (i.e. wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging.” 

The best way to improve the look and feel of your skin could be to combine all three: Topical collagen, peptides and oral collagen often work synergistically to support the skin’s health. 

While topical collagen provides more immediate skin-smoothing results, topical peptides and oral collagen work overtime to improve the look of elasticity in the skin. The result: a firmer, smoother, bouncier-looking complexion. 

Essentials for Healthy-Looking Skin

Here’s how you can incorporate topical collagen and topical peptides into your Eminence Organics skin care routine.

Marine Flower Peptide Collection

The award-winning Marine Flower Peptide Collection includes products with both botanical peptides and collagen. Let’s explore how these products combine the two to support the look of your skin. 

The Marine Flower Peptide Serum, Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum all contain botanical collagen with water-binding properties that hydrate the look of the skin as well as botanical peptides that improve the look of elasticity in the skin, resulting in visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream also include the Smart Collagen+ Complex, formulated with cruelty-free collagen, natural plant peptides and sustainably-sourced freshwater and saltwater algae. These advanced actives improve the appearance of the skin so that it looks significantly smoother, plumper and more youthful. 

All of the products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection, including the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, contain botanical peptides. By supporting collagen-related processes, peptides can improve the look of skin elasticity, enhance skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Pro Tip: Add the Birch Water Purifying Essence to your routine for an added dose of botanical collagen. 

Both topical collagen and topical peptides have a place in your skin care routine. And oral collagen rounds them out. Together, these ingredients pack a powerful punch that leaves skin looking smoother and bouncier. 

Other Natural Ways To Boost Collagen

Now that you know the benefits of topical collagen, peptides and oral supplements, let’s explore strategies to further enhance your skin care routine and effectively boost collagen production. 

Balanced Diet & Hydration

Incorporate collagen-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants found in citrus fruits, leafy greens and lean protein. And stay hydrated! Because the body requires vitamin C to make collagen, diet and hydration work together to support the production of collagen. Registered dietician, Tony Castillo, tells Forbes: "Since vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, it needs water to get around the body. So, if you are dehydrated, vitamin C cannot be used by the body to stimulate collagen production." 

Regular Exercise

Exercise also benefits skin health by increasing blood flow, which is critical for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Consider engaging in activities that stimulate blood flow and oxygenation, promoting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity. And it doesn’t have to be high-intensity exercise; anything from walking to cycling to strength training can get that blood flowing.  

Quality Sleep

Sleep is always a beauty hack. Prioritize restful sleep to support the body's natural repair and regeneration processes and overall skin health. 

Use Hyaluronic Acid

Use products with hyaluronic acid to boost skin hydration and maintain skin suppleness. Its ability to retain moisture can help improve skin texture and firmness, while also contributing to overall skin health and a youthful appearance. 

Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen daily to shield skin from UV damage and prevent collagen breakdown. Daily sunscreen application is a vital step in preserving your skin's firmness and elasticity. 

Your Common Collagen Questions Answered 

What is the best way to use collagen for skin? For a comprehensive approach, consider combining collagen-focused skin care and oral supplementation with a balanced diet, daily sunscreen and other ingredients that support the appearance of youthful-looking skin. 

When should you take collagen supplements? There isn’t a universally established best time of day to take collagen supplements. Consistency is more important than timing, so choose a time that fits easily into your daily routine. 

Does topical collagen penetrate the skin? Collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate deeply into the skin. Instead, topical collagen is primarily used for its moisturizing and skin-smoothing benefits. 

How long does it take for collagen supplements to work? Collagen supplements are not associated with instant results. Studies suggest that changes in skin appearance may take several weeks to months, and results can vary from person to person. 

Can you use collagen and retinol together? Yes. Collagen-focused products can generally be used alongside retinol. Since retinol can be irritating, introduce it gradually and follow with a moisturizer to help support the skin barrier. 

Are you interested in finding out more about how to incorporate collagen into your skin care routine? Visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner. Tell us what has worked for you in the comments below.