Fact-checking anti-ageing myths

Hardly any other market relies so heavily on promises as the anti-ageing market. Much of it does not stand up to scrutiny. Six persistent myths – and what the evidence really says.

Myth 1: „Collagen cream smooths out wrinkles from the outside“ – HYPE

The collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the dermis. A cream „containing collagen“ acts as a moisturiser on the surface, but does not build up collagen in the skin. What has been proven to be effective when applied topically are retinoids, vitamin C and sun protection – not the collagen in the jar. The same misconception applies to Hyaluronic acid.

Myth 2: „More expensive means more effective“ – HYPE

The price says nothing about how effective a product is. The most scientifically proven active ingredients – daily sun protection, retinoids and vitamin C – are affordable. Expensive serums with long, unsubstantiated lists of ingredients are no match for them.

Myth 3: „Anti-ageing starts with the first wrinkle“ – FALSE

The most effective anti-ageing measure is prevention – and that starts decades earlier. UV damage and the decline in collagen production begin as early as one’s 20s (see Collagen from the age of 30). Taking precautions early on saves a lot of trouble later on.

Myth 4: „Detox treatments cleanse the skin“ – HYPE

Detoxification takes place via the liver and kidneys, not through teas or detox programmes. „Detox“ is a marketing term with no proven benefits for the skin. What the skin really needs is a constant supply of nutrients – see the 5 Dietary Mistakes, which are harmful to her.

Myth 5: „One miracle cure is enough“ – HYPE

There is no single product that solves everything. What works is the combination: sun protection, diet, sleep, evidence-based active ingredients – and support from within.

Myth 6: „Dietary supplements are pointless“ – PARTLY

The truth lies somewhere in between. There is a solid body of research showing that collagen peptides improve skin elasticity (Proksch et al., 2014) – but they are a means to an end, not a substitute for sun protection and a healthy lifestyle. The key factor is the Bioavailability: the right form with the right cofactor.

What really works

The honest shortlist: daily sun protection, retinoids, vitamin C, no smoking, a good night’s sleep, a nutrient-rich diet – and, as a building block from within, hydrolysed collagen peptides with vitamin C, as found in the Liquid collagen from Bettervita. Unspectacular, but proven.

When it comes to combating skin ageing, it is not the most expensive promises that help, but proven methods – applied consistently over many years.