Collagen and Skincare: The latest trend
If you’ve ever searched for an anti-ageing skincare product, then you will have definitely heard of collagen. The reason for that? Among other roles in the body, collagen is the most important structural protein in our skin, and this can break down over time. In an effort to restore collagen levels, we turn to products that can support us through the natural ageing process such as collagen-infused creams, collagen-stimulating ingredients, and collagen supplements.
We’re going to delve in deeper to find out more about collagen’s role within skincare and why it’s a vital ingredient everyone should be using.
Collagen and skin
Here is a fact for you. The skin is the largest organ in the body, it acts as a protective barrier between the outside and the inside of the body. It is made up of several components, such as water, protein, and minerals. Your skin goes through many changes throughout a lifetime. The environment, stress, ageing and other lifestyle factors play a significant part in this. So, basically, your skin faces a lot! This is why many women and men first turn to high performing skincare to help combat some of these factors. However, a vital ingredient that's on the tip of everyone's tongue is collagen. Collagen is essential to maintaining the health and vitality of this organ.
To understand why collagen is so important in skincare, we first need to know where it is found in the skin and how it works. Your skin is divided into three layers; Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis.
Here’s a guide to what those layers do:
Epidermis: This is the outer layer of the skin, and the thinnest. It is responsible for protecting you from the harsh environment. The cells that make up this layer continually shed and are replaced by new cells.
Dermis: This is the middle layer of skin and is made up of a complex combination of glands, hair follicles, connective tissues, and nerve endings. You’ll also find collagen and elastin within this layer, which offer support and elasticity to the skin.
Hypodermis: The bottom layer which provides insulation for your body and is the layer that attaches your skin to the muscles and tissue below it.
The ageing process results in all three of these layers thinning, which is accompanied by a decrease in collagen. Which is where you start to see a loss of firmness and elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Using products with collagen can help to build these levels back up and stimulate the synthesis of new collagen production. But we’ll look into this a little bit further on.
Collagen in skincare
Collagen is actually a vital ingredient in a skin care routine. Now, using topical collagen skincare isn’t going to stimulate collagen. This is because the molecules in collagen are too big to penetrate the top layer of skin and reach into the further layers that we identified earlier. However, it is known for having great moisturising benefits – making your skin appear plump and more hydrated. And who doesn’t want glowing skin?
One way of combining your skincare and collagen stimulation is by using products that contain ingredients to help rebuild collagen and really tackle the signs of ageing. Here’s a few ingredients to look out for:
Vitamin C: this is one of the most potent antioxidants, and skincare products containing this are an effective way to fight against ageing skin. Using Vitamin C topically can help regulate the synthesis of collagen, as well as elastin. You can read more about collagen boosting vitamins here.
Glycolic Acid: this can be very effective if applied regularly to strip away dead skin that builds up. This stimulates the new skin and fibroblasts underneath which produces increased amounts of collagen.
You should also wear an SPF every day, as sunlight can be a big factor in ageing skin and collagen degradation. Over-exposure from the sun’s UVA rays can also hurt collagen stimulation.
Our range of Proto-col skincare products have all been formulated so that they work on the outer layers of the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis. They have utilised powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and fruit enzymes to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin complexion and texture.
What skincare essentials do I need?
A vital part of any skincare routine is our Collagen Cleansing Milk. We recommend cleansing both morning and evening to remove any impurities and free radicals that can build up during the day and while you sleep. Your skincare routine will be able to work more effectively after a good cleanse.
We recommend using Microdermabrasion 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin concerns. Use this in conjunction with our Collagen Facemask for ultimate results. This gentle exfoliator is infused with crushed diamonds and pearls to dissolve congested pores and leave you with glowing skin.
Collagen Facemask
The Collagen Facemask is a must have favourite with the likes of Zara McDermott and Lucie Donlan. It serves as the perfect recovery to a long and hectic day or night. Not only can the Collagen Facemask be used as a perfect treatment before a special occasion, but it also makes for a luxury sleeping treatment. It restores and revitalises the skin, leaving you with a softer and brighter complexion.
Collagen Facial Serum
The Proto-col Collagen Facial Serum is your power product, why? Because it works on the layers that we physically cannot see, whilst your moisturiser works on the top surface. As our skin renews itself, our serum is ensuring we continue to see long-lasting results. It also helps your moisturiser work twice as hard, leaving your skin radiant, plump and smooth.
What about supplements?
Using collagen-infused skincare isn’t the only way that you can increase your collagen levels. Regular consumption of collagen supplements can also help increase production. Whether its our collagen drinks, collagen capsules or vegan collagen-boosting ingredients, our potent ingredients can support the vitality of your skin from the inside out.
Collagen’s popularity within skincare will continue to grow as people are becoming more aware of its incredible benefits. As we know you begin to deplete collagen from the age of 20, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. So adding collagen skincare and supplements into your routine early is a good idea, and your skin will thank you in your 30s, 40s and beyond!
Begin your collagen journey today, by shopping our collagen-infused skincare and collagen supplements on our website. If you aren’t sure what would be best to add into your routine, why not take our quiz to help you discover your personalised beauty and wellness routine?