COLLAGEN: INGREDIENT DEEP DIVE

 Hi, babes! 

Emma here with a little semi-deep dive into collagen. You've heard about it, you've seen supplements being advertised, and you have some inside you at the very moment, but how much do you actually know about it? Let's pick it apart today, shall we? 

It is impossible to discuss anti-aging skincare without bringing up specific elements, one of which includes collagen. What's behind it though? The most significant structural protein in our skin, collagen is also responsible for providing us plump, youthful-looking skin, among other functions.

But over time, our collagen degrades due to ageing and other external factors. We resort to whatever we can get our hands on the quickest in an effort to replace that lost collagen, be it collagen lotions, collagen-stimulating substances, collagen supplements - the list really is endless.

Things might be rather overwhelming with all the various collagen skincare products on the market, which is why I'm here to guide you through the sea of possibilities.

So, the first thing we need to clarify is - what is collagen? 

Because collagen is the most significant structural protein in your skin, as we said before, it is frequently referred to as the body's scaffolding. In addition to being produced by our bodies, collagen may also be obtained from both plants and animals. 

It is offered in topical and ingestible forms, and it was once a well-liked injectable (I'll go into more detail about the various types later). In terms of topicals, creams (also known as collagen creams) are where collagen is most frequently found, but depending on your intended purpose, your collagen skincare products may not be as successful as you may expect.

How is utilising collagen helpful for us? 

We begin to naturally generate less collagen in our twenties, and we continue to lose collagen as we age and are exposed to additional variables like sun exposure, smoking, or sweets. In other words, we produce less collagen than we lose as we get older. So what is the remedy? One solution is to use collagen skincare products to apply collagen to the skin in an effort to replace it, however this is much easier said than done for the fact that the complete collagen molecule is far too massive to penetrate the skin's epidermis.

Hydrolyzed collagen, on the other hand, is enzymatically disintegrated into bits that can penetrate the dermis, and as a result, it can really enter the region where collagen would normally be. Even said, little clinical research has been conducted to support the notion that this would result in the production of collagen.

Hmm… Benefits?

Sadly, adding collagen alone to your skin won't cause it to produce more collagen. However, applying collagen topically is known to have excellent moisturising properties, so if your bedtime routine includes using a collagen cream, it's not entirely a loss.

Although topical collagen treatments claim to ease fine lines and wrinkles by replenishing lost collagen, the collagen actually mainly serves to hydrate the skin. Although the skin may seem softer and smoother as a result, does this actually help to create collagen? Not really.

Are there any side effects? 

Although your collagen cream will not, tragically, turn back the hands of time, there is no harm in using one if you enjoy the way it feels and the effects it produces. It's possible to be allergic to any molecule or chemical in a skincare product, so if you experience a reaction, stop using it, according to experts. The same holds true for taking supplements, which is another way to use collagen.

I advise determining the source of the collagen to ensure that there aren’t any unpleasant reactions to the product in question. If someone has a cow allergy, they should probably stay away from cow-derived collagen and opt for another form instead. 

When is the best time to use it? 

You can use collagen skincare at any time of day, morning or night, whether it takes the shape of an oral or topically applied product. Collagen cream can be used as a moisturiser once or twice daily. 

As I previously indicated, collagen is also available orally to enhance hair, nails, and skin. Experts point out that there aren't many studies to support the claims, which range from reduced wrinkles and skin elasticity to bright skin, but the oral collagen supplement would be the most advantageous for the skin among collagen creams and supplements.

What’s the score, then? Does it really make sense to take a collagen supplement? The solution is not entirely obvious. Oral collagen supplements are probably not necessary if you consume a regular, balanced diet that includes foods high in protein, such as meat, eggs, dairy, and beans. Although it has benefits for the skin, it also has interior benefits for things like joints that a topical doesn't have. Your body won't absorb it if you don't need it, and it will excrete any excess supplementation. 

I leave you with an interesting piece of skincare history: Before hyaluronic acid fillers became the preferred option in the 1980s, collagen injectable fillers were in use to smooth out wrinkles and accentuate lips. Since then, longer-lasting hyaluronic acid fillers have taken their place.

Until next time, babes! 

Love, 

Emma

xxxx