Can Collagen Cause Acne

Collagen has found its way to becoming one of the most popular buzzwords in the beauty and fashion industry – and rightfully so. It’s a very popular and effective ingredient to make your skin shine with the light of youth, endorsed by almost every celebrity there is.

But with all the pros, there also arises a question of what cons tag along. And one of the most popular questions is: can collagen cause acne? And today, we will learn more about that. 

Can Collagen Cause Acne?

Collagen in and of itself does not cause acne. However, some collagen supplements may contain sulfites and other chemicals that could trigger an acne breakout.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most crucial insoluble fibrous protein and the most abundant protein in the body. It’s found in skin, tendons, and connective tissues, to name a few and has a lot of functions to make out body function properly.

Even though it’s more popularly used as a supplement for your skin, its contribution to bone and muscle development is hard to avoid – especially with the recent scientific findings.

Despite collagen supplements being a very popular dietary supplement, it’s actually formed naturally in the body.

Can Collagen Cause Acne Breakouts?

does collagen cause acne

The answer is no, in most cases. But the conversation does not end there since there are actually some cases where it can. Because the causes of acne breakouts are not collagen peptides, it’s something else.

Often sulfites can be found in collagen supplements which makes the skin congested and ultimately can lead to acne. This is more dangerous for people with already acne-prone skin. In which case, it can worsen acne to a great extent. They can also induce hormonal acne in the people susceptible to it.

So, you should be extremely careful while buying collagen supplements and check the labeling. However, it should be remembered that there might be a trace amount of sulfite, which is not detrimental to normal skin if taken in moderation.

Benefits of Collagen for Skin

Collagen products are actually pretty helpful in the fight against acne and skin breakouts. This is one of the most suggested ingredients for acne treatment in both adults and adolescents, especially marine collagen.

But as we age, some imbalances take place in our bodies, especially in women. And that leads to hormonal imbalance acne leaving huge and noticeable acne scars. Now, can collagen remove acne scars? The answer, luckily, is a yes.

Collagen peptides help your acne scars go away by removing the dead skin cells and improving the natural healing process of the skin. These scar and wound healing capabilities make taking collagen a must for you or anyone who is reaching their mid-30s.

Apart from acne, taking collagen peptides can also help in the reduction of excessive sebum production—which results in limiting the oil production on your skin. And this is really good if you want to get rid of those pesky pimples or clogged pores.

All these make collagen your skin’s best friend. It’s so effective that it’s even paired up with other skin supplements. For example, nowadays, collagen peptides are found in salicylic acid supplements to maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

Collagen peptides are also found in many lotions, topical creams, and over-the-counter cleansers—due to both their popularity and effectiveness.

Other Benefits of Collagen 

Bone Health

Collagen peptides are extremely helpful for supporting bone health and reducing joint pain. It maintains the strength of bones by increasing the absorption of calcium and boosting the density of minerals in the bones.

Maintains Gut Health

Collagen is also a must for proper maintenance of gut health. The essential amino acids that are found in collagen are beneficial for the intestinal linings and the stomach. This ultimately results in a more functioning digestive system.

The Secret to Luscious Hair

Hair is also hugely benefited by collagen peptides. The amino acids available in them can help build hair protein and prevent the hair follicles from becoming damaged and Gray. It also makes the skin containing the hair roots stronger.

Build Muscles

Lastly, collagen peptides help immensely in the development of muscle. This makes collagen a popular ingredient in muscle-building supplements nowadays.

Natural Production of Collagen – And Ways to Trigger It

As mentioned above, collagen is very much available within your body to keep your skin elasticity strong and give you clearer skin. But at some point in time, the rate of collagen production goes down, and eventually, your body cannot produce any more collagen.

Of course, the age when the production goes down is different for different people—but on average, it could be anywhere from 25 to 28 years old. Menopause can cause it to decrease even more. But that’s when collagen is the most needed due to the risk of cystic acne.

However, there are some ways by which it’s possible to increase the natural production of collagen in the body. This will help in keeping your youth intact for as long as possible without any external collagen supplements.

Topical Retinoids for Collagen Boost

Topical retinoids are great for boosting collagen in your body and developing your skin health. On top of promoting collagen production, they inhibit the breakdown of collagen that is already there in your system. They also improve your skin tone.

Vitamin C to Produce Collagen

Vitamin C is arguably the most important factor in producing collagen in your body. In the absence of vitamin C, it’s impossible for your body to generate any collagen on its own. So, it plays a significant role in synthesizing collagen and holding the fibers of collagen together.

Vitamin C also helps in the production of vitamin E. It is another contributor to the production of collagen by increasing the flow of blood to your hair and skin.

Micro-Needling to Induce Collagen Production

Inserting tiny needles into the skin can cause some trauma to the skin – leading to the production of more collagen. This can cause some pain which is typically mild. However, there might be some allergic reactions to it.

These might range from redness and itching to swelling. Although just because there is an allergic reaction does not mean it’s dangerous since they’re very normal to happen for 24 hours. 

But crossing this might be a little worrisome. Since this is considered a risky and extreme step, this must be done by your personal or a board-certified dermatologist.

Other Sources of Collagen

There is also a lot of food acting as collagen sources that can boost collagen levels and production in your body. Some of them are chicken skin, bone broth, fish skin, garlic, albumin, etc.

But still, the usefulness of a collagen supplement cannot be denied, especially after a certain age. So, let’s know about that now.

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements are great dietary supplements and an amazing tool to improve your skin health. They can improve your skin texture to give you the bright, young look you might strive for. But before you purchase supplements, you should know more about them.

Most Common Types of Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements can most commonly be found in these forms:

  1. Bovine Collagen Supplements: They are found in the hides of animals like cows and pigs. They are usually safe for consumption if taken orally.
  2. Marine Collagen: They are extracted from the skin of fishes and are often found to be more popular among people. These are a little more expensive too.
  3. Plant-Based Collagen: As the name suggests, they are extracted from plants—making it the best option for vegans and vegetarians.

Regardless of what type of collagen you take, they will be turned into collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen for ease of absorption in your body. 

And depending on your convenience, you can either take collagen powder or tablets.

Final Words

So, to answer the question: can collagen cause acne? Usually, no. But the sulfites in some of these supplements can cause acne for those with acne-prone skin. Because collagen peptides inherently do not have any possibility of causing acne. Instead, they will help in making your skin better.

Taking collagen peptides can be a great decision for anyone who is upwards of 25. Some might even say it’s absolutely mandatory after the natural production of this necessary protein comes to a halt eventually.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.

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