Collagen In Korean Skincare

It’s a popular skincare ingredient that's trending in K-Beauty right now. Collagen promises everything from anti-aging to skin plumping – but is it effective when applied topically?

Let's take a look at collagen in skincare products and whether it deserves a place in your beauty routine.

What Is Collagen?

Cоllаgеn iѕ the substance that holds the body together. It’s a tуре of рrоtеin that cоnnесts аnd supports tissues, bone, intеrnаl оrgаnѕ and more. Importantly, it is one of the key components in the deeper layer of the skin – it’s dermis – helping skin to stay toned and supple.

Why Is Collagen So Good?

Collagen helps the skin to retain moisture, making it an important component for healthy, younger looking skin. As it ages, the body stops producing the same amount of collagen, which contributes to saggy skin and poor elasticity. In fact, a lack of collagen is one of the main reasons the skin becomes drier and more wrinkled as we age.

The Truth About Collagen

Despite being a popular ingredient in beauty products since the 1990s, there is little scientific evidence to suggest that the skin’s natural collagen content can be replenished through the use of topical skincare products containing collagen. This is mainly because collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed by the skin.

What is true however, is that collagen in skincare acts as a humectant(a water-binding ingredient). This is beneficial, particularly for dry and aging skin, as it helps plump, soften and smooth the skin. It also helps to properly hydrate it.

Other popular humectants include ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Rather than replacing the skin’s own natural collagen. collagen-infused skincare products instead work to moisturise, hydrate and nourish the skin.

Who Should Use Products With Collagen?

Many skin types can benefit from the collagen contained in skincare products, including:

1 Those with fine lines and wrinkles

2 Those whose skin lacks elasticity

3 Dry skin types

4 Dull skin types

What Results Will You Notice Using It?

Topical collagen can mimic the effects of a plumper, more youthful face by toning and moisturising the skin, reducing visible signs of aging by plumping the skin, and assisting to treat problems like scarring.

Collagen in Korean Skincare 

Collagen is commonly used in Korean Beauty products from face masks, to serums and moisturisers.

Common types of collagen include hydrolyzed collagen and bovine collagen, which work to hydrate and smooth the skin.

You can try it in this overnight serum, which also features retinol, 4 types of hyaluronic acid and probiotics. Best of all, it comes with a refill so you can stock up and save once you've run out of product. 

Have you tried collagen in your skincare products? Let us know your favourite collagen-based products in the comments!

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