ANTI-AGEING : Collagen
Stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins in our body. It is responsible for several biological functions, one of which is to provide structural support in connective tissue, muscle, and skin.
Skincare expert Caroline Hirons explains it beautifully, she explains "The Dermis, the thicker layer of skin that contains the blood vessels and nerves and gives you your sense of touch. The connective tissues are made up of two proteins: collagen, which gives skin it's fullness and shape; and elastin, which gives skin resilience and it's ability to 'snap back' into shape."
"When you are young, the dermis is so full of collagen and elastin that it can bounce back into shape, but as we age, they break down faster than our cells can replace them, and this leads to wrinkles and dry skin."
What causes Collagen depletion?
Once a person is in their twenties, collagen production naturally decreases by about 1% each year and by the time we have reached our mid-forties, collagen levels can fall as much as 30%.
Other culprits that also work to destroy collagen are:
Sun / UV rays - don't sit in the sun for too long and always use a daily spf cream, one that sits well under your makeup without looking greasy. See my recommendations below.
Sugar - try and cut it out as much as you can.
Smoking - just stop ;)
How does Collagen work?
Collagen supplements and skincare products derive collagen from four main sources: bovine (cows), porcine (pigs), chicken collagen (chicken) and marine collagen (fish).
Marine Collagen or Peptides (hydrolysed collagen) are used in skin care as they are small and lightweight and has been shown to have superior bioavailability (the rate at which it is absorbed into the blood stream) making it the best collagen to aid and stimulate your collagen production.
Skincare products containing Vitamin A (Retinoids like Retinol ) and Vitamin C also play a role in stimulating collagen production.
Use just one of the above and don't use a product containing Vitamin C simultaneously with a product containing Peptides / Marine Collagen as they can cancel each other out. You can however, quite happily alternate products on a daily basis.
After continued use (approximately one month, if you are forty plus) of your chosen collagen stimulating product, your face will look more plumped and firmer. What's not to like?
To follow are a few recommended Collagen stimulating products. Enjoy!
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream 50ml £87.00
The powerful anti-ageing ingredients of the award-winning Pro-Collagen Marine Cream has been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles, improve skin firmness and hydration in 14 days. For all skin types.
The unique Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica is blended with Ginkgo Biloba providing superior free-radical protection has been blended with precious Rose and Mimosa Absolutes, thus creating the ultimate anti-ageing cream from ELEMIS.
Zelens Marine Complex Deep Restorative Cream 50ml £125.00
The depths of the sea are a veritable goldmine when it comes to utterly amazing skin care ingredients – case in point is Zelens’ ingenious new Marine Complex Deep Restorative Cream. Perfect for those with ageing yet sensitive skin, this works hard to restore and rejuvenate without risk of irritation. The formula features numerous active, marine-based ingredients to plump and soothe (without any harsh, redness-causing chemicals).
Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum £21.00
Tackle the many signs of ageing with Oskia Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum, a powerful serum that targets and minimises the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines. The rich blend of 16 super nutrients and bio-actives work together to impart a youthful radiance for healthier looking skin.
The advanced formula boasts the ground-breaking ingredient Bakuchiol, derived from Indian Babchi seeds, which has been hailed as a natural alternative to retinol without the skin sensitivity effects. The gentle and lightweight serum improves skin elasticity and also repairs and soothes sun damaged and irritated skin.
Enriched with chondrus crispus seaweed extract, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and C and other essential antioxidants, Super 16 Pro-Collagen Serum works meticulously on uneven skin tones and boosts sensitive skin for a glowing complexion.
Collagen Stimulating Vitamin A - Retinol
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane 30ml £4.20
This water-free solution contains 0.2% pure Retinol, an ingredient that can reduce the appearances of fine lines, of photo damage and of general skin aging.
Apply a small amount to face in the PM as part of your skincare regimen, after water-based serums but before heavier treatments. Do not use with other retinoid treatments. Avoid unprotected solar exposure.
0.2% is a great place to start. Also available in 0.5% & 1%.
La Roche-Possay Redermic Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment 30ml £32.00
Specifically formulated to combat the visible signs of anti-ageing including wrinkles, uneven skin tone, crows feet, dark spots, forehead and lip lines. Award-winning Redermic R, with 0.3% retinol, has clinically tested anti-wrinkle efficacy. Specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
Please note: Due to active ingredients in this product it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight whilst using this product, we advise to wear product as part of night time regime.
Collagen Stimulating Vitamin C
Rodial Vit C Face Soufflé 50ml £85.00
This luxurious Vit C Face Soufflé works to deeply hydrate the skin while diminishing the appearance of age spots and hyper pigmentation. Ideal for dry/dehydrated skin, this unique, indulgent formula is enriched with 2% Vitamin C to brighten and renew the complexion.
Vitamin C boosts radiance, illuminates and brightens the complexion
Elasticity boosting ingredients
Firming and toning actives
Glossier Super Glow vitamin c + magnesium serum 1 fl oz / 30 ml £24.00
Brighter skin, bottled.
A daily serum that gives your skin that lit-from-within look, all the time
Vitamin C and Magnesium visibly energize skin and make it look even
Milky emulsion soaks in immediately with no sticky residue. Skin looks radiant and feels recharged, like a fresh battery at 100%
5% Vitamin C derivative (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate aka MAP): A more stable form of Vitamin C, it helps improve the appearance of dark spots and creates smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Magnesium PCA: Like a fresh battery, it energizes tired-looking skin.
And I'll say it again that whenever you use Retinol in your skincare routine it is imperative that you use an SPF cream (you should be using one daily anyway). Any form of UV rays (through summer & winter and it doesn't have to be sunny out) are the most contributing factor in ageing our skin. And you will definitely want to keep your fresh, new, plump skin cells protected!
Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
SPF 30 £20.00
'Lightweight, transparent and suitable for all skin tones.'
Transparent formula means no greasy residue and no white cast. Active microcapsules instantly absorb into skin, so it plays well with makeup.
Active Microcapsules Little spheres packed with UVA/UVB filters (Avobenzone, Homosalate, and Octisalate) freshly delivered to your skin with every application.
H2O Watergel formula with no drying alcohol and no thick, greasy ingredients for a texture that disappears onto skin.
Antioxidant Complex Powerful mix of Vitamin E, Vitamin P, Broccoli, and Aloe Leaf extracts help neutralize free radicals.
Fermented Yeast and Vegetal Extract Create an invisible and breathable matrix on top of skin that prevents pollution from getting in.
Sweet Orange Peel Oil A tiny dash provides a pleasant scent.
Eight Hour® Great 8™ Daily Defense Moisturiser SPF 35 £36.00
1 step, 8 great benefits. More than a moisturiser, more than an SPF, Great 8™ is your all-in-one protector and perfector for healthy-looking, glowing skin. Addictive, semi-translucent gel formula goes on clear – leaving no white residue. Suitable for all skin types.
Tropic SUN DAY facial UV defence SPF 50 15ml £10.00
Whatever your lifestyle, you deserve a facial SPF that will keep your skin protected from harmful UV rays and free radical damage every day. This innovative facial sunscreen features an ultra-lightweight, super-silky formulation which glides onto skin to provide broad spectrum, factor 50 protection, while prebiotics and plant polymers prime the skin for flawless makeup application.
Our entire sun protection range is certified reef-safe by Protect Land +Sea.
Thank you for all your lovely messages about how you are getting on with your newly purchased Retinol products. Let me know what Collagen stimulating product you decide to go with! I love hearing all about it! Please comment below and don't forget to subscribe!
"Improve your skin and your makeup will look effortless!" HS x
#collagen #elastin #skincare #marinecollagen #peptides #vitaminc #vitamina #retinol #suncare #sunprotection #spf #snapback #skinstrcuture #skinprotiens #plumpedskin #radientskin #theordinary #rodial #elemis #zelens #glossier #oskia #larocheposay #tropicskincare #elizabetharden