But do they work? Let’s take a look…
Collagen is known to bind together and support skin tissues, it’s usually associated with the bounciness or squishiness of the skin. You know, the “boing” feeling that happens when you pinch a section of your skin and it springs back into place? The more collagen you have, the bouncier the skin. It’s no wonder everyone is buzzing about collagen!
Collagen is found throughout the body, deep in the dermis. In fact, approximately 80% of the dermis is made of collagen. It’s what gives your skin strength.
So, it makes sense that the more collagen you have, the stronger your skin, right? Right!
As we age, our collagen production naturally starts to diminish, and this can occur as early as your 20’s. Yikes! Other factors play a role too of course, such as exposure to the sun and poor lifestyle choices.
When collagen starts to break down, the process of ageing gets underway. This means… an increase in lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of firmness. That’s just the beginning.
In order to help slow this process, many people turn to skincare that contains collagen, with hopes to reverse the signs of ageing.
At some point everyone has seen an outrageous anti-ageing skincare product ad.
Whether in the magazine, on a late night TV infomercial, and even when scrolling through social media. We’re bombarded with claims to “get rid of wrinkles overnight” or “look 20 years younger in 7 days” simply by using an innocent-looking jar of cream being peddled by Dr. So and So.
The message they want you to take out of it of course is that with a simple application of the magic potion, you’ll see the same age-defying result as expensive injections.
If you’re thinking to yourself “I’ll never fall for those schemes!” you’re certainly not alone. Dr. Marsha Gordan, vice chairman of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC says, “The bottom line is that if these creams could accomplish the same thing as a medical procedure, they would be drugs and not cosmetics — and that’s what you have to keep in mind when deciding whether to try or where to buy collagen.”
The skincare industry is known for being rife with marketing tactics, so it’s no surprise that when a new product with a new “magic” ingredient enters the market, those who are aware become a little bit skeptical..
Collagen is of course one of those magical ingredients that skincare lines have jumped on!
Science shows that collagen molecules are famously large and unable to actually penetrate the dermis. The dermis as you know from the start of this article is where you need collagen.
This isn’t to say that applying collagen skincare products to your skin is going to do damage or have no effect at all.
If your skin is well-moisturized with a cream or serum that contains collagen (a natural humectant), it will look better, healthier. But that’s not because it’s absorbing the collagen. Make sense?
Here at ProPlenish, we advocate for a more holistic approach to steer clear from collagen breakdown. Instead of trying to rely on magic potions and lotions, it’s really as easy as taking stock of your current lifestyle and making just a few changes. Not getting enough sleep, smoking, eating poorly, and overexposure to sun, all contribute to loss of collagen.
Being conscious of what you’re fueling your body with and how you’re treating your body in general is a great start. Supplementing with ingestible collagen is one of the easiest ways to ensure your body keeps producing healthy levels for you to maintain youthful skin.
Of course, there are skin care products that when used in conjunction with collagen supplements (for inner beauty), do work wonders for the skin (outer beauty).
Our Anti-ageing Bio-cellulose masks are formulated with a potent blend of powerful active ingredients Swiss Snow Algae, Hyaluronic Acid, Goldenrod, Green Caviar® and Plantago extracts, to help boost collagen and elastin production. This leaves you with firmer skin, reduces lines and wrinkles, and repairs and protects!
Thinking of ways to stay looking and feeling youthful? Start from the inside out with ProPlenish marine collagen for scientifically proven results.
What is a bio-cellulose facemask?
Why collagen is vital to skin health
Photo credits: pexels.com – cottonbro / Mathilde Langevin
