Collagen – The superhero ingredient for age-defying skin

You hear about skincare super-ingredients all the time. Hyaluronic acid, AHA and BHAs, niacinamide, retinol, the list goes on and we love them all equally. However, there is one skincare ingredient that we cannot go past.

Let us introduce you to one of our favourite skin superstars of all time.

Say ‘Hello’ to collagen – the super-ingredient that will help your skin remain youthful and vibrant for decades to come! Sound good? We’ve gathered all the info you need to know about collagen, what it is, how to use it and why you need it in your life.

So, what is collagen?

Time for a quick high school chemistry lesson. Collagen is made up of four amino acids: proline, glycine, aginine and hydroxyproline. It is found in your bones, muscles, skin and tendons, making it the most abundant protein in the human body. In fact, collagen makes up 80% of the middle layer of our skin (known as the dermis), making it one of the most important building blocks of our skin.

Our bodies naturally produce collagen, however this production decreases as we age resulting in the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Collagen levels can also be disrupted by stress, chemical substances, or disease. Often thought of as the most important protein in the human body, it’s little wonder why scientists have been working hard over the years to use it in medical and cosmetic environments.

Although collagen dates back to the caveman era (they used collagen in the form of bone broth), the biggest breakthrough in collagen research and development occurred in the 1980s. Since then, ingredients and methods have been refined to be able to bring collagen into easily acquired forms such as supplements, powders and beauty and skincare products.

Your collagen levels are predominantly what will determine the appearance of your skin in terms of aging. But don’t fear – you can start using collagen now to slow down the aging process.

Wait, can I only find it in food products or supplements?

We’re glad you asked! While collagen supplements are definitely having their moment, you can get collagen in a variety of forms.

Including supplement powders and pills, you can also find collagen in foods – such as bone broth, chicken, fish, egg whites and leafy greens to name a few – as well as topical forms.

Topical collagen has been tried and tested as a hero skincare ingredient for decades. Whether it takes the form of a cream, serum or face mask, topical collagen treatments allow the body to absorb the skincare superhero directly through the skin.

Benefits of collagen

One of the superpowers of collagen is that it plays a major role in maintaining youthful skin in a variety of ways:

• Promotes elasticity – the fibrous and supportive nature of collagen helps skin cells adhere to one another, tightening the dermis level of our skin. This helps the skin to gain elasticity.

• Boosts moisture – applying a collagen face mask infused with hydrolysed collagen and collagen peptides will improve the symptoms of dry skin and leave your face feeling hydrated.

• Helps skin cells to repair and renew themselves – topical collagen contains properties that help speed the body’s healing process. This can help your body heal from acne or other wounds in no time!

• Can decrease wrinkle depth and volume – using a collagen mask infused with a high concentration of hydrolysed collagen, increases the collagen in your skin layers. This helps your skin smooth out and reduces the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

The best thing about getting a nice, big dose of collagen from one of our sheet masks? They’re not only easy to use, there’s no need to apply serums or moisturisers after! Simply pop one on at home after dinner, sit back and let the collagen absorb and penetrate deep into your skin.

What products should I use and why?

Because we love collagen so much, we have several products that incorporate the key ingredient. In addition, by using other important ingredients such as retinol and Vitamin C, you can help your skin boost collagen growth.

Collagen Infusion Biodegradable Face Mask Sheet

This anti-aging sheet mask incorporates collagen, elastin and Vitamin E to help revitalise the skin’s elasticity, tone and firmness. It will also help to minimise the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles, leaving your skin smooth, firm and more youthful looking.

Use this if your skin concerns are aging, sagging skin or uneven skin tone.

Collagen Biodegradable Hydrogel Face Mask Sheet

While this sheet mask is packed with collagen, the other main ingredients are argan oil and sea water. The collagen and argan oil work together to reduce the visible signs of aging, and the sea water helps to treat acne and acne scarring.

Use this if your skin concerns are aging, acne or scarring.

Collagen 2% + SPF 15 Serum

The new collagen 2% serum with SPF works to intensely moisturise the skin, reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen encourages the renewal of cells and minimises facial muscle contraction, the cause of wrinkles. As an added bonus, the serum also contains SPF 15, which will help to prevent the skin against harmful rays.

Use this if your skin concerns are aging or sun protection.

Retinol Infusion Mask

Retinol can help to stimulate the production of collagen to assist in firming the skin, so it’s great to use in combination with other collagen products. The Retinol mask will help improve skin tone, texture and firmness while boosting collagen to reduce fine lines and speeding up cell turnover to even out discolouration and smooth the skin.

Use this in addition with collagen masks/serum, and if your skin concerns include aging, firmness or discolouration.

Vitamin C 6% & Alpha Arbutin 1.5% Serum

This serum is packed with 6% Vitamin C which helps to boost the skin’s collagen production, reduce inflammation, dark spots and imperfections. It will assist in slowing the rate of free-radical damage from environmental factors such as the sun, pollution and oxygen.

Use this if you want to even out your skin tone and are concerned about aging.

It doesn’t matter whether you use any of the masks or serums in the morning or evening. If your choice is one of the serums, you can use these as a standalone product, or with ourreusable silicone mask as a DIY mask to maximise results.

Great, how long until I see results?

Like most skincare superheroes, consistency and patience are key. Research suggests you will start to see results within four weeks of adding collagen into your regular beauty routine. As the skin has a 4-week regeneration period, we recommend using a collagen mask 1-2 times a week for the first month, then as required.

Our skin is the largest organ in the body, and we think that’s a worthy enough reason to pay special attention to it. It’s never too late (or early) to start including collagen into your skincare routine!