Collagen shots for your skin: what do they really do for wrinkles?

Collagen shots demonstrably improve your skin quality. Clinical studies show after 8 to 12 weeks of daily intake (10 g): 13 percent reduction in wrinkle depth, 19 percent improvement in elasticity, and 14 percent more hydration. It works by stimulating fibroblasts in the dermis, which start producing more of their own collagen. The effect is real but subtle: don't expect a Photoshop result, but a noticeably plumper and firmer feeling.

How does collagen work in the dermis?

Your skin consists of three layers. The middle layer (dermis) is where collagen does its work. The dermis contains fibroblasts: cells that produce collagen. With age, both the number and activity of these fibroblasts decrease. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides reach the dermis via the bloodstream and stimulate fibroblasts to produce more of their own collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

Study 1: Proksch et al. — wrinkles and elasticity

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 114 women aged between 45 and 65 years. Result after 8 weeks of daily collagen peptides: significantly lower wrinkle depth (-20 percent around the eyes) and better elasticity. The effect was maintained even 4 weeks after stopping.

Study 2: Choi et al. — hydration

In 64 women aged between 40 and 60 years, after 12 weeks: significantly improved skin hydration and less dryness.

Study 3: Inoue et al. — overall skin quality

85 women, 8 weeks, 10 g per day: significant improvements in multiple parameters. Moisture content, elasticity, and roughness all improved significantly.

Realistic before-and-after

What can you expect in 12 weeks?

• Weeks 0-4: no visible difference yet.
• Weeks 4-8: skin feels plumper and less dry.
• Weeks 8-12: fine lines less pronounced, elasticity more noticeable.

What you should not expect: deep static wrinkles will not disappear, pigment spots will not disappear, acne will not be resolved.

What enhances the effect?

Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silicon, and vitamin D3 are cofactors that enhance the effect. ACTIVATE contains all these cofactors in the same shot, along with SOD as an antioxidant for extra protection against skin aging.

What collagen does not do?

Realistic expectations help prevent disappointment. Collagen does not help with:

• Deep static wrinkles (only botox or fillers work for that).
• Pigment spots (topical vitamin C does help).
• Acne or skin irritation.
• Repairing sun damage in a single treatment.

Written by the Labo Mariva team.

Disclaimer: this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.