As you get older, your collagen production slows down, resulting in saggy skin, wrinkles, joint pains, and more. You can replenish your body with amino acids found in collagen through foods like cabbage, seaweed, and sweet potatoes, however, Healthline notes that hydrolyzed collagen in supplements is absorbed more efficiently than collagen from meals.
Most collagen supplements are produced using the bones and protein of animals such as pigs and fish, but vegan-friendly, plant-based collagen supplements and creams are also available. Studies have found that hydrolyzed collagen peptides stimulate your body’s production of collagen, and can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density, as well as decrease skin roughness.
If you're looking for topical alternatives to aid your collagen production aside from oral intake, it is best to avoid collagen creams. Scientifically, it's not possible for collagen to be absorbed into your skin, so your best bet will be to use sunscreen and retinoids to prevent collagen loss from happening in the first place.