Vegan collagen vs. animal collagen: these are the differences

Different Types of Collagen

There are at least 16 different types of collagen, but the most common ones are Type I, II, and III. Type I is the most abundant and can be found in skin, tendons, and bones. Type II is mainly present in cartilage, while Type III often occurs in the skin and blood vessels. In skincare, Type I and Type III play a significant role as they are directly related to skin structure and firmness.

Factors for Low Collagen Levels

Low collagen levels can be caused by various factors, including:

• Age: Collagen production decreases with age.
• UV radiation: Excessive sun exposure accelerates collagen breakdown.
• Smoking: Nicotine damages collagen fibers.
• Unhealthy diet: A lack of vitamin C and proteins can affect collagen production.
• Stress: Chronic stress increases the production of free radicals that break down collagen.

Importance of Collagen for the Skin

As we age, collagen production in the body decreases. This process begins as early as age 25, leading to visible signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. This is where collagen-containing products come into play. Our collagen serum and collagen cream aim to compensate for this natural decline by directly supplying collagen to the skin or stimulating the body's own collagen production. This can help the skin appear plumper, smoother, and more youthful.

Think of collagen as the building block that holds your skin together and maintains its structure. By using products containing this valuable protein, you can effectively counteract the signs of aging and keep your skin in top shape.

How does the effectiveness of oral collagen compare to topical collagen?

Oral collagen and topical collagen work differently as they are absorbed into the body in different ways.

Oral Collagen (Supplements):
Oral collagen supplements are taken in the form of powders, tablets, or drinks. They enter the bloodstream through the digestive tract, where they support the entire body, including skin, hair, nails, and joints. Studies show that oral collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles by stimulating the body's own collagen production.

Topical Collagen (Collagen creams):
Topical collagen is applied directly to the skin, where it penetrates into the upper layers of the skin. Collagen creams intensely hydrate the skin, strengthen the skin barrier, and locally improve skin structure. These products are particularly effective in targeting specific skin issues such as dryness and fine lines.

Both forms of collagen have their benefits: Oral collagen offers systemic advantages and supports the skin from the inside out, while topical collagen acts directly on the skin and provides quick, localized improvements.

How much collagen per day is necessary?

The recommended daily dose of collagen varies depending on the form and individual needs. For collagen supplements, a dose of 2.5 to 15 grams per day is often recommended. It is advisable to follow the dosage recommendations of the specific product and, if necessary, consult a doctor to determine the optimal amount for personal needs.

Collagen Serum vs. Collagen Cream

When it comes to skincare, collagen serums and collagen creams are among the most popular products. But what exactly sets these two apart and which one is right for your skin? In this section, we will clarify the differences and advantages of both products and provide you with guidance for your skincare routine.

Collagen Serums

Collagen serums, like the Collagen Serum by DOC.BERGER | EFFECT, are highly concentrated liquids specifically formulated to penetrate deep into the skin. Serums have a lighter texture than creams and typically contain a higher concentration of active ingredients. This makes them particularly effective in targeting specific skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Our Collagen Serum provides an instant lifting effect, intensely hydrates the skin, reduces dry lines, and improves skin elasticity.

Application: A few drops of the Collagen Serum should be applied to the skin after double cleansing with foam and tonic, and before moisturizing. Serums are excellent for daily use as they absorb quickly and prepare the skin optimally for subsequent skincare.

Collagen Creams

Collagen creams, like our Collagen Night Cream, have a richer texture designed to intensely nourish and moisturize the skin. They create a protective layer on the skin's surface to help retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. The Collagen Night Cream is ideal for nourishing and regenerating the skin overnight. This cream offers rich nightcare with plumping collagen and growth factors that intensely nourish and regenerate your skin while you sleep.

Application: Collagen night creams are typically applied after serums and after the Retinol Serum.

Differences in Mechanism of Action and Benefits

Collagen Serums:

• Light Texture: Absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy feeling.
• High Concentration of Active Ingredients: Effective in targeting specific skin issues.
• Deep Penetration: Penetrates deep into the layers of the skin to work where it is needed most.

Collagen Creams:

• Rich Texture: Ideal for intense moisturization.
• Long-lasting Effect: Forms a protective barrier to retain moisture.
• Regenerating Nightcare: Mainly used as regenerating night creams to effectively repair skin damage.

When to Use Collagen Serums and When to Use Collagen Creams

The choice between collagen serums and creams depends on your individual skin needs and goals. If you want to target fine lines and wrinkles specifically or intensely nourish your skin, collagen serums are the right choice. They offer a quick and effective solution for specific skin issues. The Collagen Serum by DOC.BERGER | EFFECT provides intensive hydration, plumps the skin instantly, and improves skin elasticity.

Collagen creams are ideal if you want to intensely moisturize and regenerate your skin. They are particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin that requires rich care. Our Collagen Night Cream offers intense nightcare, deep hydration, and improvement of skin structure and elasticity.

For a comprehensive skincare routine, it is often best to combine both products. Apply a collagen serum first after double cleansing with foam and tonic to deeply nourish the skin with active ingredients, and finish the routine with a collagen cream to lock in moisture and protect the skin. This way, you benefit from the advantages of both products and can effectively care for your skin.

Collagen-Stimulating Ingredients

Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is known for its diverse positive effects on the skin. It is an essential factor for the production of collagen in the skin, protects against free radicals, and stimulates the formation of new skin cells. Additionally, it improves skin texture and reduces pigmentation spots.

Retinol (Vitamin A):
Retinol, a member of the retinoid family, is a well-researched ingredient that stimulates collagen production and skin regeneration. It acts as an antioxidant, reduces inflammatory skin issues, and promotes thicker, more resilient skin.

Peptides:
Peptides are short amino acid chains that signal the skin to produce more collagen. They improve skin firmness and elasticity, leading to a more youthful appearance.

Hyaluronic Acid:
Hyaluronic Acid supports the skin by retaining moisture and increasing elasticity. Indirectly, it promotes collagen production as well-hydrated skin is better able to produce collagen.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3):
Niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and promotes collagen production. It helps reduce redness and improve skin texture, resulting in a more even and healthier complexion.

By combining these collagen-stimulating ingredients in skincare, the natural skin regeneration processes can be supported and the skin texture can be sustainably improved.

Animal and Plant-Based Collagen in Skincare

There are two main types of collagen used in cosmetic products: animal-based and vegan collagen.

Animal collagen is derived from animal sources such as cattle, pigs, and fish. It is often sourced from skin, bone, and cartilage tissues and processed through extraction and hydrolysis to produce smaller peptides that can be easily absorbed by the skin. Animal collagen is known for its high bioavailability and efficacy and is commonly used in anti-aging products.

Vegan collagen, on the other hand, is not directly extracted from plants but is produced using biotechnological processes. Microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria are genetically modified to produce collagen. These microorganisms ferment plant substrates to produce collagen molecules.

Myths and Facts About Animal and Vegan Collagen

Myth 1: Animal collagen is not sustainable.

Fact: Animal collagen is obtained from by-products of the meat and fish industry that would otherwise be discarded. This means that no additional animals need to be bred for collagen production. Using these waste products reduces the industry's ecological footprint, contributing to waste reduction and resource utilization.

Myth 2: Vegan collagen is as effective as animal collagen.

Fact: Animal collagen has a structure similar to human collagen, increasing its bioavailability. This means it can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Scientific studies show that animal collagen improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles more effectively than vegan collagen. Vegan collagen, often produced through biotechnology, usually does not have the same depth of impact and efficiency in improving skin structure and firmness.

Myth 3: Animal collagen can trigger allergic reactions.

Fact: High-quality animal collagen products are generally well-tolerated and rarely cause allergic reactions. The extraction and processing of collagen are subject to strict quality controls to ensure that the end products are pure and safe. Many people with sensitive skin report positive results without side effects. In comparison, plant-based ingredients in vegan collagen products can also trigger allergies depending on the plant extracts used.

Myth 4: Animal collagen is only suitable for older skin.

Fact: Animal collagen is suitable for all skin types and age groups. It is not only ideal for mature skin affected by a decrease in collagen production but also for young skin that can benefit from the moisturizing and protective properties of collagen. Young skin can better retain moisture and prevent premature aging by using collagen products.

Myth 5: Animal collagen needs to be broken down and loses its effectiveness.

Fact: The process of hydrolysis, which breaks collagen down into smaller peptides, actually increases the effectiveness of collagen. These hydrolyzed collagen peptides have high bioavailability and can be easily absorbed by the skin. This process ensures that the peptides can penetrate deeply into the skin to improve its structure, increase firmness, and reduce wrinkles. Hydrolyzed collagen is therefore particularly effective in skincare.