Everyone wants a healthy and bouncy skin, right? Collagen is often talked about as a must have anti-aging ingredient, but does collagen really work in skincare? Collagen has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics for decades and can also be found in many Korean products as well as in Yeppo's selection. What is the truth about collagen and what are the real benefits of collagen?
Content:
- The truth about collagen
- Vegan collagen
- What are collagen peptides?
- How to maintain the collagen in skin?
- To whom collagen is suitable for?
- Yeppo's favorite collagen products 💜
- Collagen 101
The truth about collagen
What is collagen? Collagen is found in our skin and actually all over our body - there are over 20 different types of collagen. For example, our connective tissue is composed of 80% collagen. The skin contains a high amount of type 1 collagen and a little of type 3 collagen, which maintain the structure of the skin. Collagen also affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin. It's no wonder that collagen is a great interest among cosmetic experts and enthusiasts!
Collagen is a large protein, about 300,000 daltons. This is a huge size considering that molecules up to about 500 daltons can be absorbed into the skin. For this reason, collagen molecules do not penetrate the skin but only affect on the surface of the skin. Collagen in cosmetics also does not transform into collagen in our skin, rather they work primarily by moisturizing the skin. Collagen is indeed one of the most moisturizing ingredients in cosmetics, often compared to other popular ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin for its ability to bind water to itself! 💦
What about vegan collagen?
Collagen found in nature is of animal origin. The collagen used in cosmetics is obtained from, among other things, marine organisms. In contrast, vegan collagen is not real collagen, but is biotechnologically produced to resemble collagen in nature. It has the same properties, but is not technically real collagen. However, it is a viable alternative for those who prefer vegan products and want to use effective moisturizing products for the skin 🌱 You can find wonderful vegan collagen products, such as Ma:nyo's nourishing V.collagen Heart Fit Multi Balm.
What are collagen peptides?
Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is collagen that has been broken down into smaller forms by enzymes. Their size is smaller than that of collagen, and they can be absorbed slightly better into the skin. However, these are often still too large to penetrate deeper than the surface, as they are often over 500 daltons. Some very small molecular collagen products include Mediheal Retinol Collagen Ampoule Lifting Mask, that is just 300 daltons and thus a great option for dry, aging skin!
What about internally consumed collagen?
Hydrolyzed collagen is also consumed internally, and its effects have been tested more than topically applied collagen, but further testing is needed to obtain reliable results. Many of the studies are funded by companies that produce dietary supplements, and more independent research is needed. However, positive effects on skin health have been found, especially regarding skin hydration and the reduction of wrinkles.
How to boost collagen production in the skin?
We can't do anything about the fact that collagen production decreases as we age. But we can make sure it decreases as slowly as possible through our own lifestyle choices! This is not only beneficial for the well-being of our skin but also for the health of our bones, joints, and even our eyesight.
- Protect yourself from the sun: one of the biggest stress factors for the skin is UV radiation from the sun. So protect your skin from UV radiation, at least when the UV index is over 3 ⛅
- Healthy lifestyles: smoking and a poor diet affect the condition of the skin and its ability to take care of itself. Strive to be balanced and eat a varied diet 🙌🏼
- Ingredients that boost skin functions: Vitamin C, centella, and Vitamin A derivatives, such as retinol, can accelerate skin function and potentially affect collagen production in the skin 🪄
To whom collagen is suitable for?
The purpose of collagen is primarily to hydrate the skin, which is why it is suitable for people of all ages in skincare. However, most collagen-containing products on the market are aimed at aging skin, and therefore may not always be a natural choice for younger individuals. However, a young person looking for a moisturizing product can very well use collagen-containing products with a good conscience, as they have not been found to be absorbed into the skin and they rarely cause skin irritation.
When it comes to animal-based collagen, it is important to consider existing allergies. Make sure to check the source of the collagen if you are allergic to common sources of collagen such as bovine.
Collagen is most beneficial for dry, dehydrated, and combination skin. It effectively provides moisture but does not clog the pores.
Here are some of Yeppo's favorites:
For the indulger: MediAnswer Pore Collagen Mask - effective hydration for moisture-deprived skin 💦 A two-part hydrogel mask fits snugly on the face - you get the best benefit by keeping the mask on as long as possible, you can even sleep with it overnight!
Simple and effective: the delicious Numbuzin No. 4 serum contains low molecular weight collagen, as well as skin-firming adenosine and elastin peptides 🧬
For the busy bee: The medicube Collagen Glow Booster serum is packed full of moisturizing and firming ingredients - this is a suitable choice for aging skin 💜
for the K-Beauty enthusiast: Toner pads are a sure choice for those excited about Korean cosmetics! Mediheal's Collagen Ampoule pads hydrate the skin and leave it glowing from within ✨
Collagen 101:
- structural protein found throughout our body
- essential for skin's function
- large molecular structure: approx. 300,000 daltons (doesn't penetrate the skin)
- collagen peptides are smaller particles of collagen but often still too big to penetrate the skin
- vegan collagen doesn't exist, it is biotechically produced to mimic collagen in our skin
- collagen has an excellent moisture-retaining ability making it a good hydrator for skin
- collagen decreases with age and free radicals can destroy it
- The reduction of collagen is influenced by, among other things, the sun's UV radiation.
- The production (and maintaining) of collagen can be improved by using sunscreen and favoring products that contain antioxidants and collagen boosting ingredients.
- ingredients that have been studied to possibly boost collagen production are for example vitamin C, ginseng, centella asiatica, retinol
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Sources:
Solunetti: Collagens. Accessed 20.11.2024. https://www.solunetti.fi/en/solubiology/collagens/
Jadach, B., Mielcarek, Z., Osmalek, T. 24.3.2024. Use of Collagen in Cosmetic Products. Accessed 20.11.2024. https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/46/3/132
Lin, Y-K, Liang, C-H, Lin, Y-H, Lin, T-W, Vázquez, J. J., van Campen, A., Chiang, C-F. 15.12.2023. Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Accessed 20.11.2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623005558
