The question of which is better, collagen or hyaluronic acid, interests many representatives of the fairer sex. It is known that both remedies have a beneficial effect on the body and can prolong our youth and beauty. Their use can significantly slow down the aging process, get rid of wrinkles, and make the skin more toned and elastic. But which drug should you prefer? And how do they differ from each other?
Collagen and hyaluronic acid: what is the difference and which is better
If we consider which is better, hyaluronic acid or collagen, then it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. These are different substances with their own structure and beneficial properties, although both of them are natural components that are produced by the body.
What is the difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid:
- Collagen is a thread-like protein (fibers), hyaluronic acid (molecules) is a carbohydrate (mucopolysaccharide).
- The main property of hyaluronate is to maintain water balance in the body: just 1 g of the substance can hold up to 6 liters of water. Collagen fibers are the basis for teeth, bones, muscles, skin, etc. Due to their elasticity, they maintain the firmness and tone of the skin, determining 70-80% of its appearance.
- As a fibrillar protein, collagen acts as the basis only for connective tissue in the body: tendons, bones, cartilage, while hyaluronate is found in almost all tissues.
What is the difference in properties
When deciding whether to choose collagen or hyaluronic acid, you need to take into account the properties of each of them. Hyaluronate maintains the required level of moisture, binds collagen with elastin, providing good skin turgor that looks radiant and nourished. Other functions of the substance include:
- Increasing the viscosity of synovial fluid plays the role of a lubricant and reduces friction between the elements of the joint.
- Increasing the elasticity of cartilage, their resistance to compression (shock) load.
- Acceleration of tissue regeneration - damage heals quickly, and tissues are easily restored.
- Improving the condition of the hair (gaining a natural shine and stopping falling out) occurs due to the acceleration of keratin production, moisturizing the hair and nourishing the follicles.
On the subject:
Hyaluronic acid for healthy joints and skin: how effective, how and with what to take it
With a lack of hyaluronate, the skin becomes dry, wrinkles appear on it, and with a lack of collagen fibers, it fades and loses its elasticity. Collagen, being a protein, is important for metabolism. It is distinguished from other proteins by its increased content of glycine, arginine and proline. These amino acids provide the main beneficial properties of protein:
- protection of the skin from mechanical damage;
- reduction of unpleasant symptoms in joint diseases;
- increasing skin firmness and elasticity;
- accelerating the renewal and restoration of tissue cells.
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Which collagen for joints is best to buy: basic forms, examples of supplements (+ unusual and inexpensive replacement)
Thanks to collagen, the skin looks firm and elastic, and the hair looks heavy, thick and shiny. The benefits of protein are evident in many organs and systems. It improves digestion, normalizes hormonal levels, and helps with weight loss. While taking collagen, a general improvement of the skin occurs: dermatitis, acne, inflammation disappear, and roughness disappears. To obtain these effects, 5-7 g of collagen per day is enough, although it is better to start with 1-2 g.
What do hyaluron and collagen contain?
Collagen used in cosmetology is extracted from fish skin and animal skins. To replenish collagen fibers, it is recommended to regularly eat duck, chicken, beef, and turkey. A balanced diet naturally allows you to stimulate the synthesis of your own collagen in the body:
| Useful substance | Product |
| Lutein | Cabbage |
| Omega 3 | Fish |
| Ascorbic acid | Citrus fruits, Berries, |
| Copper | Legumes |
| Iron | Apples, Meat |
| Zinc | Sprouted wheat |
| Vitamin A | Milk |
Hyaluronate is found naturally in the following products:
- rooster combs, animal joints and tendons (used for making broths);
- potatoes, beets (starchy fruits);
- soy;
- red wine, grape juice.
For the synthesis of this acid, vitamin P is necessary (present in sorrel, apples, oranges, black currants, lemons, garlic.
The benefits of combining collagen and hyaluronic acid
The simultaneous intake of hyaluronic acid and collagen is beneficial for hair, skin, joints, cartilage and bones. It is recommended to supplement the substances with vitamin C, which improves absorption and additionally stimulates the synthesis of one’s own collagen fibers. Both components have a cumulative effect, so they should be taken in long courses - 3-6 months, after which there should be a break for 2-3 months.
While taking hyaluronate, it is important to consume a sufficient amount of liquid - at least 30 ml per 1 kg of weight. Otherwise, the substance will take water from the body, which will lead to the opposite effect.
Results from combining two components:
- relief from joint diseases, reduction of inflammation;
- rejuvenation, reduction of wrinkles;
- reducing the appearance of cellulite;
- strengthening nail plates;
- increase in muscle mass;
- stimulation of metabolism (weight loss).
Marine Collagen Skin Care (Strawberry, 500 ml) Collagen
MAXLER (GERMANY)
Collagen Skin Care from the German company MAXLER is a collagen complex aimed at improving skin condition. This is what the name of the Skin Care product says...
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- Efficiency 5.0
- Price quality
5.0 - Taste
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RUB 1,399
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Servings:20
Starting to drink hyaluronic acid and collagen is a good solution if there are signs of aging and aging of the skin, fine expression wrinkles, problems with hair and nails, and joint pain.
On this topic:
Joints hurt after training - what to do?
When is it better to use collagen and when to use hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is effective in cases where the cause of deterioration of the skin is dryness or problems with hydrobalance. Such problems can cause peeling of the skin, deterioration of skin color, and increased pigmentation. The use of collagen is a measure that is justified by a decrease in skin elasticity and its flabby shape. Such manifestations are typical for mature skin that needs collagen support. The drug is effective when injected into the deep layers of the dermis, while the effect of hyaluron is noticeable even when simply used in the form of masks or creams.
Effective complexes with collagen and hyaluronic acid
Maxler Marine Collagen Skin Care. A complex of hyaluronic acid and collagen specifically for the skin, with which you can restore its water balance and reduce the number of wrinkles. Vitamin C in the composition helps the main components be better absorbed, which increases the overall effectiveness of the supplement. Thanks to the liquid form of release, the complex is very easy to take, can be taken in pure form or with water. To get the effect, you need 2 servings of 25 ml per day, for maintenance one will be enough.
Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C from Neo Labs. A complex with collagen and hyaluronic acid for joints, bone tissue and muscles, also presented in liquid form. Concentrated juice has been added to the composition, so the supplement tastes good. The difference from the previous complex is the content of a different type of collagen - beef, not sea. It helps relieve arthritis and prevent bone loss (important if you have or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis).
On this topic:
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Review of cosmetic products
In cosmetology, both products: hyaluronic acid and collagen are used to care for mature skin, and for other types, hyaluronic acid is most often used. Collagen preparations are shown as “heavy artillery” for solving complex cosmetic problems.
Important! Do not overuse products with hyaluronic acid if it is not necessary. This practice leads to the body slowing down the production of its own substance.
Use of collagen preparations
For cosmetic purposes, collagen preparations are most often used, injected under the skin. Most often these are “cocktails” of several substances, the synergistic effect of which allows you to visually quickly rejuvenate the skin. The effect of the “beauty injection” is noticeable instantly and lasts up to 9 months. Today, the method of introducing collagen grown in laboratory conditions from the client’s own biomaterial is gaining popularity. The technique is new, offered in few clinics, and there is debate about its effectiveness among cosmetologists. Popular products for injection use: Zyplast, Xenoderm, Zyderm .
Collagen can be used externally. It is added to creams, masks, boosters (products containing a specific component in concentrated form). There are a number of drugs for internal use in the form of tablets and powder. The products of Japanese manufacturers are especially interesting in this area. These are not medicines, they are positioned as dietary supplements. Among the most popular: Collagen UP, Super Collagen, Meiji Collagen Premium, Amino Collagen Lotte.
In cosmetology, there are a number of methods that stimulate the production of your own collagen in cells:
- microdermabrasion: removal of dead cells to build new collagen fibers;
- collagen therapy: synthesis is stimulated by light exposure;
- ultrasonic peeling;
- microcurrent therapy.
You can also adjust the amount of collagen in the body through nutrition.
Preparations with hyaluronic acid
In cosmetology, high molecular weight acid is actively used (its main advantage is the ability to bind moisture) and low molecular weight acid (its anti-inflammatory effect is valued). In order for preparations containing hyaluronic acid to “work” fully, their application is combined with special skin treatment techniques:
- microcurrent;
- ultrasound;
- adjusted oxygen flow;
- galvanic current;
- laser beam.
These techniques allow the acid to penetrate deep into the epidermal cells. Compositions based on this compound are used in mesotherapy to combat the first signs of aging, improve skin color, and additionally moisturize it. Fillers with hyaluron are used for facial contouring. The most famous drugs from this series: Teosyal, Belotero, Princess series, Reslitane .
Many pharmaceutical cosmetics manufacturers use hyaluronic acid in recipes for their skin care products. Such cosmetics are presented in the assortment of Vichi, Cora, Evelyn, Libriderm , etc.
In home cosmetology, you can use pharmaceutical hyaluronic acid powder. It is diluted to a gel consistency and added to rejuvenating, moisturizing masks.
Types of cosmetics with hyaluronic acid
There is an opinion: the higher the percentage of hyaluronic acid in the cream, the higher the level of skin hydration it provides. But this is not so: the content of hyaluronic acid in cosmetics rarely exceeds 2-5%. Therefore, for effective moisturizing, it is not the percentage of the substance that is important, but the correct use of the product. Creams, serums and toners with hyaluronic acid should be applied to clean and slightly damp skin. Let's consider the main types of products in which this component is found.
Tonics with hyaluronic acid
The ideal product format for oily, dehydrated skin (yes, oily skin can be dehydrated too!): the tonic is quickly absorbed and does not provoke the secretion of sebum. It is often produced in the form of a spray - this makes the tonic more convenient to apply to the skin.
Serums with hyaluronic acid
Serum is an express product for giving the skin a healthy glow and additional hydration. It is applied with light tapping movements onto clean, damp skin, after which the cream is used, literally “sealing” the serum (so that the moisture does not evaporate).
Moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid
The most common product that solves several problems at once: fills the skin with moisture and does not allow it to evaporate. Suitable for the summer heat, when you don’t want to overload your skin with different textures.
