Skin elasticity: which is more effective, collagen or hyaluronic acid?

If there's one thing we all want, it's skin that's always toned , supple , and youthful -looking . But why does it lose firmness, become thinner, and less radiant as we age?

The answer lies in a combination of factors: from the natural reduction of collagen and elastin, to the reduced ability to retain water, to continuous exposure to oxidative stress and UV rays.

To combat these signs of aging, the cosmetics industry has two aces up its sleeve: collagen and hyaluronic acid . Both are essential, but have different and complementary roles. Which should you choose ? And above all, how best to use them based on your needs ?

Let's get this straight!

Collagen: The Youth Ingredient That's Been Around for Millions of Years

Few people know that facial collagen isn't just a current trend, but one of the oldest proteins in human evolution . Scientists estimate it's been around for over 500 million years , and it's an essential component of the skin's connective tissue in many organisms, from humans to several marine species.

The very name of this protein gives us a clue to its function: " collagen " derives from the Greek " kólla ," which means " glue ." And just like glue, its main task is to hold our body's tissues together , giving them structure and strength .

In the human body, it is so important that it represents about 30% of total proteins and is found not only in the skin, but also in bones , tendons and cartilage .

However, over time, its production slows , leading to a loss of skin tone and firmness. And this is where cosmetics come into play : to counteract this process, many beauty treatments exploit different forms of collagen. The most commonly used in cosmetic products are:

• Type I collagen : the most abundant in the skin, it gives firmness and tone

• Type III collagen : maintains elasticity and prevents stretch marks

• Type IV collagen : essential for skin regeneration

In case you were wondering, type II collagen , on the other hand, is primarily used in dietary supplements.

How does collagen work in our skin?

Let's imagine the skin as if it were a well-constructed building: collagen represents the supporting scaffolding , the structure that gives strength and compactness to the entire system. It is no coincidence, in fact, that it constitutes approximately 75% of the skin .

Unfortunately, as we said before, its production begins to slow down from the age of 25 and around the age of 40 the decline becomes decidedly more evident.

Added to this are external factors that accelerate its degradation: smoking , a diet low in proteins , prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate protection and oxidative stress are all enemies of our precious collagen.

But let's not despair! There are several measures we can consider.

Let's see them together!

How to Reintegrate Collagen into Your Beauty Routine

To combat this loss, we can use products enriched with this protein, preferably in combination with elastin , which is very useful for preserving skin elasticity .

Cosmetics

Creams containing collagen and elastin are ideal for preventing loss of firmness. They are particularly useful for preventing stretch marks (for example, during pregnancy) and for repairing damaged skin.

Diet

An effective way to stimulate its production is to consume the right nutrients: choose foods such as meat, fish and egg whites , while citrus fruits, berries and green leafy vegetables help your body produce it naturally.

Skin protection

In addition to encouraging its formation, it's essential to preserve it over time. Daily use of sunscreen (even better if rich in hyaluronic acid for a dual effect, hydrating and protecting) and a healthy lifestyle can make a difference in maintaining skin elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid: from a chance discovery to a cosmetics boom

Hyaluronic acid has a fascinating history that began almost by chance. In 1934 , researchers Karl Meyer and John Palmer isolated it from the vitreous humor of cows ' eyes . Its name derives from " hyalos ," which in Greek means " glass ," chosen precisely for its characteristic transparency .

At the time of its discovery, no one could have imagined that it would become one of the most precious and sought-after ingredients in the world of cosmetics. In fact, it was only in the 1980s that scientists began to grasp its incredible potential for skin health .

The first uses in the aesthetic field were rather complex : hyaluronic acid was mainly extracted from rooster combs, an effective method but unsustainable and decidedly expensive.

With the advances in biotechnology , we are fortunate today that it is now produced in laboratories through bacterial fermentation processes , making it purer , safer , and more accessible to a much wider audience. And so, what was once just a curious laboratory discovery has become the star ingredient in countless beauty products, from serums to fillers , including moisturizers and anti-aging treatments .

How does hyaluronic acid work on the skin?

If we've compared collagen to the supporting structure of a building, we can imagine hyaluronic acid as a cushion of water that keeps the walls firm and protected , preventing them from drying out. This molecule has an astonishing capacity: it can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water! It's thanks to this property that our skin stays plump , smooth , and radiant .

Even in this case, however, as we age, the quantity present in the dermis progressively decreases , leaving the skin drier , thinner , and more prone to wrinkle formation . This is why integrating hyaluronic acid-based products into our routine becomes essential , especially when we notice that our skin appears dull , dehydrated , or has lost its natural radiance.

How to choose the most suitable hyaluronic acid