A Facialist's Notes On Collagen

I have been doing a lot of posts on socials and on my blog recently about collagen. Mainly because I think it’s important for people to actually understand what collagen is and how it works.

It’s definitely one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around constantly, and everyone seems to think they need to be “on it”. But what actually is it? Do we take a drink, a powder, a tablet, or is good old-fashioned bone broth going to do the trick?

Here are your notes on collagen from a facialist who has been in the industry for over twenty-two years and has been taking collagen for over ten… you know, before the world and his wife were talking about it.

Collagen is your skin’s structural support. It’s what gives your skin its firmness, strength and that slightly bouncy quality we associate with youthful skin.

Alongside collagen, you have elastin, which gives stretch, and hyaluronic acid, which holds hydration. Together, they create skin that looks healthy, plump and hydrated.

As we start to get older, our collagen levels begin to decline. We actually start to break it down faster than we can replace it, which is slightly depressing, but also completely normal. You might notice that your skin feels thinner, less firm and not quite as plump, and that fine lines begin to appear. Again, this is all part of the process.

What I find interesting is that most people are actively trying to “boost collagen”, while at the same time unknowingly destroying it every single day.

UV exposure is the biggest reason collagen breaks down. Alongside that, stress, poor sleep, inflammation, over-treating the skin, aggressive treatments and even lifestyle choices like alcohol and smoking all play a role.

If you’re not protecting your collagen, it doesn’t matter how many products or supplements you use.

When it comes to boosting collagen, not all products are created equal. Just because a product contains collagen, it doesn’t mean it will make a difference to your skin. Collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate to the level where collagen is actually produced, so creams need to do more than simply contain it.

This is where formulation comes in, and where good, medical-grade skincare really matters.

We want to be using advanced topical products that can stimulate collagen production over time. My go-to products for this are the SkinBetter Science AlphaRet range and the Calecim Multi-Action Cream.

MULTI ACTION CREAM

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My favourite way to support collagen, though, is through supplementation. And again, it all comes down to formulation.

Most collagen supplements are broken down in the digestive system into amino acids before the body uses them. So while they can contribute to your overall protein intake, the body then decides where those building blocks are used.

This is why many people take collagen supplements and don’t see a noticeable difference in their skin.

Skinade, however, is different. It has been formulated to allow for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, meaning absorption begins in the mouth rather than relying solely on the digestive process.

Skinade

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Because of this, a large proportion is absorbed before it reaches the gut, allowing the active ingredients to become available to the body more efficiently. It’s also backed by clinical studies and has a patented formulation, which is why it can’t simply be replicated.

In my experience, this is why I consistently see better and more visible results compared to standard collagen supplements.

That said, collagen isn’t about one product or one treatment. It’s something we need to maintain and support over time.

We need to protect the collagen we already have, think daily SPF and being mindful of sun exposure, while also supporting new collagen production through the right skincare and supplements.

Keeping the skin barrier healthy is also incredibly important, as this helps prevent further breakdown and allows the skin to function properly.

So yes, it can feel like a bit of a constant battle with time and the environment, but with the right approach, it is absolutely something you can support.

If you want to learn more about how to maintain and support your collagen levels, you can book a consultation with me here. We’ll go through your current routine and look at what you can adjust in both your skincare and lifestyle to support your skin properly.

Thank you so much for reading,

Emmaline