Collagen In Skincare

It’s a popular skincare ingredient that promises everything from anti-aging to skin plumping – but is it effective when applied topically?

Today we’re taking 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.

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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.

Our Favourite K-beauty Products With Collagen

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. Some of our favourites include:

Collagen in Skincare: APLB Collagen Peptide Moisture Cream

At a versatile pH 5.5, this collagen peptide cream is great for all skin types and is particularly suited for those looking to refine skin tone and reduce wrinkles. If your skin is lacking in elasticity, is marred by dark spots and unevenness or has visible signs of aging, then this is the moisturiser for you.

Collagen in Skincare: Etude House Moistfull Collagen Cream

This moisturiser is perfect for skin in its teens and 20s because it is packed with dewy, bouncy goodness. It  promotes wonderfully hydrated skin with a generous boost of collagen.

With an updated formula, this moisturiser now contains more than 65 percent collagen. Once applied, it provides hydration for over 12 hours, helping to soothe and nourish skin for deep moisturisation. Additionally, the gel texture makes this moisturiser suitable all year round and is especially helpful for oily or combination skin.

Collagen in Skincare: APLB Propolis Collagen Eye Cream

Let this diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines thanks to hard-working peptides and collagen. This eye cream improves skin elasticity and boosts skin's hydration levels . It is perfect for mature and dry skin because it revitalises and stimulates it.

Collagen in Skincare: CKD Retino Collagen Small Molecule 300 Cream 

If you're looking for improved moisture, smoother skin and a stronger skin barrier then this cream is a great addition to your skincare routine.

This moisturiser contains 55% low-molecular-weight, water-soluble collagen & 200 ppm of stabilised third-generation retinol. Retino Collagen 300 Cream also contains collagen supporting ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and Elastin to reinforce your skin's barrier.

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

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