What is the difference between Collagen and Hyaluronic acid?

 Collagen and Hyaluronic acid are used in different ways to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of skin, and both of these ingredients can be found in nutritional supplements and beauty products. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are two organic components that have many benefits on the skin, but there are a number of differences between them, which we will present to you in the following lines.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the primary protein in human connective tissue. The source of the name is from the Greek word “kola” which means glue, and “gene” which means produce. Collagen is made of long, spiral polypeptide chains. Each chain contains between 19 and 105 amino acids. Collagen is insoluble and cannot be absorbed or digested. Collagen is found in nature mainly in mammals, especially in animals. Collagen makes up 30% of human protein. Its concentration varies in different parts of our body:

• 23% in the bones of the skull.
• 50% in cartilage.
• Up to 75% in the skin.

Collagen is produced in the body all the time. However, after the age of 30, collagen production becomes difficult and even gradually weakens over the years. Collagen is involved in the functioning of most systems, tissues and organs in the human body. It is responsible for impermeability, firmness, correct hydration, elasticity and continuous renewal of skin cells. Collagen is a major component of cartilage, joints, teeth and bones. Collagen plays an important role in the development and growth of tissues in blood vessels and is essential for muscle function. Collagen is used in the medical world for several reasons:

• bone transplantation
• Tissue regeneration.
• Burn treatment.
• Plastic surgeries.
• Treat complex wounds.
• Uses in reconstructive surgery.
• Slow down skin aging.
• Strengthening nails, hair, and more.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most common mucopolysaccharides in nature and is produced by all organisms except algae. The name hyaluronic acid is derived from the Greek word hyalos which means glass and for the first time hyaluronic acid was isolated from the vitreous of calf eyes.

A person weighing 70 kg has approximately 15 grams of hyaluronic acid in the body. The function of this acid is to build the substance inside the cells of mammals, and it is present in several human organs and tissues: skin, heart valves, eye vitreous, synovial fluid, connective tissue, epithelium and nervous tissues.More than 50% of the hyaluronic acid in our body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid is produced in the human body by proteins present in the plasma membrane of primary fibroblasts.

Hyaluronic acid is responsible for the smooth, supple appearance of the skin due to its ability to bind large amounts of water molecules. Hyaluronic acid can bind water from 1,000 to 4,000 times its weight. Hyaluronic acid in the dermis has to do with the restoration and repair of tissues. It is the building block of the vitreous of the human eye and forms an important component of the articular cartilage, where it is present as the envelope around each chondrocyte and as a major part of the synovial fluid, where it acts as a lubricant, a metabolic intermediate and a filter. Hyaluronic acid is used for:

• Eye surgeries.
• Neurosurgery.
• Orthopedics and Traumatology.
• Leather care.

What is the difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid?

1- The difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid in terms of composition

• Collagen: It is a protein that contains a large amount of hydroxyproline and hydroxylin acids, which provide flexibility and strength to tissues, and work to repair damaged skin cells.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A type of carbohydrate that can bind large amounts of water, it is key to skin moisture.

2- The difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid in terms of source

• Collagen: Collagen is produced naturally in the body, but its production can be stimulated by adopting a diet containing beans, cabbage, and garlic. These sulfur-rich foods facilitate collagen formation and maintain healthy skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in stimulating collagen production and reducing oxidative damage to cells. This vitamin can be obtained from citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach, kiwi, and parsley. Collagen can also be obtained through creams and skin care treatments.
• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally in the body, but there are a group of foods that stimulate its production, such as chicken and meat bone broth, soy products, root vegetables, fruits, and more.

3- The difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid in terms of its percentage in the skin

• The epidermis contains about 75% of collagen.
• The epidermis contains about 50% hyaluronic acid.

4- The difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid in terms of its benefits to the skin

• Collagen: Responsible for skin cells' firmness, firmness, and continuous renewal. It also helps regenerate skin tissue and strengthen nails and hair.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Responsible for skin smoothness, maintaining skin moisture, which makes it always glowing. It is also used in different concentrations and under different trade names in ophthalmology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and others.

5- The difference between collagen and hyaluronic acid in terms of use

- How to use liquid collagen on the skin

You can obtain collagen through several methods, including injecting collagen needles in a specialized clinic once every 3 or 6 months, or taking collagen supplements according to the doctor’s prescription, or using liquid collagen that you can add to your skin care routine in this way:

• Wash your hands well, then wash your face with lukewarm water and a suitable cleanser, and clean your skin well of makeup, before using liquid collagen.
• After washing the skin with lotion, wipe your face with toner, to balance the acidity of the skin.
• Half an hour after applying the toner, apply drops of liquid collagen ampoules to the skin, taking into account the commitment to the number of points written on the package.
• After that, gently massage the collagen with your fingers on your face, in a circular direction, for a few minutes, until the skin absorbs the collagen completely.
• Liquid collagen can be added to the moisturizing cream suitable for your skin type, then spread it on your skin with your fingertips, with a gentle massage, before going to sleep, to get a fresh and glowing skin.
• You can use liquid collagen on your skin once or twice a day and no more, and it is preferable to read the instructions on the packaging.

-How to use liquid hyaluronic acid on the skin

You can use hyaluronic serum, through the following steps:

• Wash the skin with the appropriate lotion.
• Gently dry the skin.
• Put two to three drops on your face, then distribute it well, and massage the skin from bottom to top until the serum is completely absorbed.
• Apply moisturizing cream after using the serum.
• You can use hyaluronic serum twice, once in the morning and once in the evening.