Eshe.FACT: The collagen in creams and lotions acts like any protein ingredient in that it merely provides a coating on the skin's surface (Chase). The collagen molecule cannot penetrate your skin because it is much too large to be absorbed by the epidermis (Brumberg).  Collagen, elastin, or other proteins and amino acids cannot get into the skin through topical application. The molecules of these substances are simply too large to penetrate your skin (Novick).