Collagen remains one of skincare's most talked-about ingredients — and for good reason. It plays a key role in keeping our complexion healthy, bouncy, and resilient. In this blogpost, we cover everything you need to know about this powerful protein: the how, what, and why.
The benefits of collagen
Collagen is one of the main proteins in our body, found in connective tissue, skin, tendon, bones, and cartilage. Our body produces collagen naturally – production reaches its peak when we're in the womb and then slowly decreases over time.
Collagen plays a vital role in keeping our skin firm and supple, while also improving hydration, elasticity, and a healthy blood flow, healing and preventing damaged skin, and reducing dark spots and dull skin. With time, our collagen content declines while the process of producing new collagen slows down – accelerating the development of fine lines and wrinkles, while the skin becomes gradually weaker, thinner, and sometimes drier. We can't stop collagen breakdown completely – but we can slow down the processes that lead to collagen loss.
What causes collagen loss?
Excessive alcohol intake has shown to accelerate skin aging and damage collagen production. UV rays are known to degrade collagen and speed up the formation of aging signs. Cigarettes decrease collagen production radically. Poor diet – especially processed foods high in sugar – can damage the functions of collagen. An unhealthy lifestyle also affects your hair, nails, and joints, so it can be beneficial to reevaluate habits to keep your body healthy inside out.
How can I prevent collagen loss?
Use SPF
SPF is an essential step in your routine if you want to preserve your skin's health. UV rays from the sun and blue light from your screen trigger collagen breakdown, making a protective layer of SPF a mandatory last step in your daily rituals. Try our Facial Sunscreen SPF50 or Facial Sunscreen SPF30.
Be mindful of your diet
Leading a healthy lifestyle should be a top priority if you want to maintain a healthy collagen content and production. Make sure your diet contains collagen-supportive nutrients and proteins such as fruits and vegetables.
Use skincare that triggers collagen production
Vitamin C effectively boosts the skin's natural collagen production to help ensure a bouncy, resilient surface. You can find this key ingredient in our Skin Perfector SeboClear and Skin Perfector 2% BHA. Our Daily Hydra Cream contains essential omega fatty acids and nutrients from sea buckthorn, also known to support the skin's natural collagen production.
Another ingredient worth knowing: Antarctic Ferment Extract, a glycoprotein found in microorganisms that survive Antarctica's extreme cold. Applied to skin, it supports hydration, strengthens the skin's barrier, and stimulates collagen production. You'll find it in our Vitamin Lifting Serum and Intense Hydra Serum.