Collagen vs Hyaluronic Acid: Which One for Skin Beauty?
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are frequently touted for their ability to improve our skin health.
While these compounds have many widespread roles in our body, they can particularly benefit our skin texture, tone, and hydration.
You might be wondering which one to take, and for what reasons. This article will explain the difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid and the benefits that they can offer.
Collagen vs Hyaluronic Acid: What's the Difference
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found throughout the body. Collagen is found within the bones and joints and also our hair and nails, helping to keep them healthy and strong.
It’s also what gives our skin structure and support. While the body makes it naturally, it can be helpful to take collagen in supplemental form, especially as we age.
On the other hand, hyaluronic acid is a type of carbohydrate molecule that can bind to water. Because of its strong affinity for water, it plays a key role in keeping skin hydrated. In addition to skin, it lubricates joints and other tissues.
While both collagen and hyaluronic acid are key components to skin health – and overall health – it can be simplified to think of collagen as the molecule that provides structure to the skin and hyaluronic acid as the molecule that provides hydration to the skin.
As we age, the body naturally has a drop in collagen and hyaluronic acid production, leaving the skin sagging, thinner, and less hydrated.
In summary, both collagen and hyaluronic acid are necessary to healthy and youthful skin, however, they work in slightly different ways.
What Does Collagen Do For Skin?
Collagen helps keep the skin firm, plump, and youthful. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help exude a glowing appearance.
Contrary to hyaluronic acid, collagen helps to rebuild and strengthen the connective tissues of the skin. After all, it’s the most abundant protein found in our connective tissue. It also is vital in improving skin elasticity.
When collagen production starts to decrease as people enter their 20s, the skin is left thinner, less firm, and the formation of wrinkles may begin. This is the point when adding a supplement can be helpful to account for the drop in collagen production.
The use of collagen has been widely supported in research, too. Studies show that taking oral collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and texture (1).
How Does Hyaluronic Acid Benefit Skin?
Found within the dermis layer of the skin, hyaluronic acid works to provide deep moisture to the skin’s layers. Hydrating the skin from the deepest layers provides longer-lasting and more effective moisture to the skin’s surface.
When skin is deeply moisturized it appears more youthful and glowy, which is exactly why hyaluronic acid is so beneficial.
Hyaluronic acid also helps keep the actual collagen proteins moisturized and elastic. When collagen is well-hydrated, it can better uphold its role in keeping a healthy and firm structure to the skin’s surface, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
One study found that after three months of consistently taking oral hyaluronic acid supplements, people experience significant boosts in skin elasticity and reduction in wrinkles (2).
Hyaluronic acid production decreases as people age, leaving the skin dry and flaky. However, taking supplements with hyaluronic acid can help keep the skin plump and hydrated.
Collagen vs Hyaluronic Acid: How to Choose
Both collagen and hyaluronic acid are important for skin health. While both have similar benefits, they of course work in different ways on the skin. In fact, they are a dynamic duo, and taking both together is actually quite helpful. If you’re looking for a high-quality and potent anti-aging supplement routine, opt for both collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Can I Take Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Together?
Taking both collagen and hyaluronic acid together is safe, and effective, and there are generally no side effects.
Taking several supplements each morning can be overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling or trying to just simply make your mornings less complicated. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose your supplements wisely.
Ella Beauty Protein is a daily beauty supplement that contains both high-quality collagen and hyaluronic acid – so you don't have to choose.
Both work together to nourish, hydrate, and support healthy and youthful skin. Plus, the addition of vitamin C in this supplement blend further promotes collagen production and an overall radiant glow.
Bottom Line
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are both naturally found within the body and play an important role in health, especially when it comes to the skin.
Because the body produces less of these compounds as we age, it can be helpful to incorporate a beauty supplement that contains these compounds to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, boost hydration, and support the health of the skin barrier.
