{"id":83428,"date":"2025-08-21T20:37:19","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T20:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/83428\/"},"modified":"2025-08-21T20:37:19","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T20:37:19","slug":"from-cutting-edge-treatments-to-hardworking-serums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/83428\/","title":{"rendered":"from cutting-edge treatments to hardworking serums"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once you hit a certain age, it can feel as though everyone you know with a passing interest in skin health has become obsessed with collagen<\/a>. There are creams<\/a>, there are serums<\/a>, there are supplements<\/a>, there are treatments<\/a> \u2013 and each of them claims to be the Holy Grail for boosting collagen. But which of them works most effectively? And why is collagen so important in the first place? <\/p>\n

What is collagen, and what does it do within the skin?<\/p>\n

\u201cCollagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, acting as the main structural component in our skin, hair, nails, joints, and connective tissue,\u201d says Anna Lahey<\/a>, founder of supplements brand Vida Glow<\/a>. That plumpness and fullness which gives skin a more youthful appearance? That\u2019s collagen, which is why everyone wants more of it.<\/p>\n

As Malvina Cunningham<\/a>, consultant dermatologist at Skin + Me<\/a>, says: \u201cThink of collagen as a scaffold that provides structure, tensile strength and firmness, allowing the skin to look plump and smooth.\u201d <\/p>\n

What to Read Next<\/p>\n

Collagen is produced naturally within the skin, and goes through a process of degradation and renewal, with new collagen being generated as the older collagen breaks down. \u201cTo boost collagen, we need to support the processes that help collagen production, but also address the factors that impact collagen breakdown which – besides age – are mainly environmental,\u201d adds Cunningham. <\/p>\n

Related StoryWhat are the benefits of boosting collagen in mature skin?<\/p>\n

You know how a child\u2019s plump cheeks feel almost bouncy? That\u2019s collagen for you. Sadly though, that firmness doesn\u2019t last forever. \u201cWe lose about 1-1.15% of collagen a year starting in our 20s, and this process dramatically accelerates post-menopause,\u201d says Cunningham. \u201cThis once tight scaffold becomes loose and unorganised, and that translates into noticeable changes. We lose firmness and elasticity, leading to sagging, as well as developing fine lines and wrinkles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collagen-focused skincare, supplements and treatments focus on boosting the skin\u2019s own collagen production which, whilst slowed down significantly, is still ongoing.<\/p>\n

\"best<\/p>\n

Andrea Adriani\/\/LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT<\/p>\n

How does collagen skincare work?<\/p>\n

First of all, it\u2019s important to distinguish between products that contain collagen, and products designed to boost collagen production. \u201cSkincare that contains collagen does not work, as it is too big a molecule to enter the skin,\u201d clarifies Cunningham. \u201cSmaller collagen molecules such as collagen peptides might influence collagen production, as they are small enough to penetrate the outer skin layer, but the evidence on this is still not conclusive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Collagen-containing skincare does have its benefits – think hydration, and barrier support. But to boost collagen levels in the skin, focus on ingredients that stimulate its production, or prevent collagen from breaking down in the first place. <\/p>\n

According to Cunningham, the following ingredients all help support collagen in the skin:<\/p>\n

Sunscreen:<\/a> \u201cThe number one ingredient that will help you slow down collagen loss induced by environmental factors.\u201d Use a good-quality, broad-spectrum SPF product, and get into the habit of using it daily.Retinoids:<\/a> \u201cThe most researched and most effective ingredient when it comes to collagen production, and the gold standard in anti-ageing skincare.\u201dVitamin C:<\/a> A potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals that could damage existing collagen. \u201cIt\u2019s an excellent adjunct to sunscreen, and has other benefits such as targeting pigmentation.\u201dNiacinamide:<\/a> \u201cAnother gentle ingredient that has been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin.\u201d It also acts on skin barrier function, so works well alongside retinoids.\"Paula's<\/a>Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser\"Renew<\/a>Renew + Me Nightly-Active-Treatment\"The<\/a>The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion\"On\"Riemann<\/a>Riemann P20 Sensitive Face SPF50 Cream 50ml<\/p>\n

Now 25% Off<\/p>\n

\"La<\/a>La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum Anti-Wrinkle and Radiance Restoring Serum \"Paula's<\/a>Paula’s Choice Clinical Niacinamide 20% Treatment<\/p>\n

Targeted treatment products such as Renew + Me\u2019s Nightly-Active-Treatment<\/a>, which contains retinoids and niacinamide, and Paula\u2019s Choice\u2019s Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser<\/a>, are excellent choices.
<\/p>\n

Are there treatments which can boost collagen production, too?<\/p>\n

Polynucleotides<\/a> are arguably the trending treatment of the moment, thanks to their glow-boosting, skin-plumping benefits. As injectable bio-stimulators, they encourage our own cells to produce collagen – along with other proteins such as elastin – leading to a fuller complexion. As aesthetic doctor Sophie Shotter told Bazaar<\/a>, they provide \u201can immediate dewy glow<\/a> while the DNA fragments get to work on longer-term collagen<\/a> repair.\u201d<\/p>\n

LED<\/a> and laser treatments<\/a> also both work to stimulate sluggish collagen production, acting on the fibroblasts in which collagen is formed. You can read about at-home LED treatments here<\/a>, and the benefits of different types of laser therapies here<\/a>. As with all professional treatments, only visit qualified, reputable and experienced practitioners, and look to regulatory bodies BAAPS<\/a> and BAPRAS<\/a> for guidance on injectable treatments. <\/p>\n

What are the benefits of collagen supplements?<\/p>\n

Another popular way of boosting collagen levels in the skin is oral supplementation – usually through either powders, liquid supplements, or capsules.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupplementing with hydrolysed collagen peptides helps to replenish what the body naturally loses with age. Clinical studies have shown that oral collagen supplementation supports skin hydration, improves skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles,\u201d says Lahey. \u201cIt works from within to target the root cause of skin ageing, rather than simply treating symptoms at the surface.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"the<\/p>\n

Sebastian Reuter<\/p>\n

Oral collagen supplements are generally made from either bovine or marine collagen, and – since whole collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by the body – are typically made of collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen to boost their bioavailability.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor mature skin, it\u2019s essential to choose a high-quality, clinically-proven marine collagen with a low molecular weight for optimal absorption,\u201d says Lahey. \u201cIt\u2019s also beneficial to choose a supplement with additional active ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, which further support collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress.\u201d<\/p>\n

The goal? Increased skin firmness, improved hydration, and a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. <\/p>\n

What other lifestyle changes can help to boost collagen in the skin?<\/p>\n

Whilst cutting-edge treatments, supplements, and skincare formulations are a great way to boost collagen production, there are plenty of lifestyle factors which make a difference too.<\/p>\n

\u201cDiet and nutrition are important,\u201d says Cunningham. \u201cCollagen is a protein made up of amino acids, so a diet rich in amino acids such as bone broth, fish, poultry and eggs can help support collagen production.\u201d Plenty of fruit and vegetables packed with antioxidants help too, both in protecting existing collagen against degradation, and in supporting the production of more.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s not all. \u201c80% of skin ageing is attributed to sun exposure, and collagen breakdown is part of that process,\u201d says Cunningham, making the case for staying in the shade when UV levels are high, and wearing a broad-spectrum SPF daily. She also calls out smoking for negatively impacting collagen production, and excess sugar for \u201cstiffening\u201d collagen through a process called glycation.<\/p>\n

Put simply, collagen production is a process affected by myriad factors, both internal and external. And whilst nothing can quite get you back to the super-plumped skin of your youth, taking a multi-pronged approach to supporting it could lead to a firmer, fresher-faced future.
<\/p>\n

Related Story