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Collagen is the main structural protein in human connective tissues, most notably our skin. The vast majority of the collagen in our skin is found in the dermis the second layer of skin that sits beneath the epidermis), where it's also produced. Skin cells in the dermis (fibroblasts) synthesize the collagen that holds the rest of the dermis together, giving our skin its underlying structure.
As for the structure of collagen itself, it’s kind of like a braid or rope: Individual amino acids link up to form long chains, which bundle together to form thicker strands. Those strands then twist and coil around each other to form triple helices. Finally, those helices connect end to end and stack on top of each other to form clusters called fibrils. In other words, collagen is a pretty complex and massive molecule.
That’s why creams formulated with pure collagen simply can’t live up to their lofty claims— those huge braided molecules are just too big to penetrate your epidermis, and definitely too big to get down into the dermis where the real magic happens. So even though collagen creams feel nice and may help moisturize the skin, that’s about it in terms of benefits.
A red tint to the skin can be caused by a myriad of situations. Some redness, such as that caused by rosacea, is caused a genetic disorder that affects the blood vessels at the surface of the skin. Other genetic conditions include psoriasis, which also causes redness. Some redness is caused by inflammation due to acne, blemishes, or eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis can also cause redness in the face. Minor irritations or skin allergies will also cause your face to appear red, so it is important to work with a dermatologist to determine the cause of redness on your skin.
There are a few ingredients that can help reduce inflammation associated with redness. For example, rosehip oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, red tea are good for reducing inflammation associated with certain conditions that cause redness. However, it is important to work with a dermatologist to determine the cause of redness on your skin to determine the right course of treatment.
Sun rays can make redness worse so it is important to wear sunscreen daily when you have redness.
collagen may be effective for redness, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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