Skincare glossary: everything you need to know about collagen
A key ingredient in daily skincare
G-Club
October 3rd, 2022
October 3rd, 2022
It is impossible to talk about anti-aging skincare without mentioning collagen. Perhaps this is because collagen is the most important structural protein in our skin and is responsible for younger-looking skin. Unfortunately, however, as we age, the body begins to produce less and less of it: as early as just 25 years old, its production begins to decline; that's why wrinkles appear and skin loses firmness and radiance. And in an effort to restore that collagen, we turn to whatever we can get our hands on the fastest, whether it's creams, stimulating ingredients or supplements. But with all the different forms and types of collagen skin care products, things can get pretty confusing.
What is collagen? Its name comes from the Greek word kólla and, as the word suggests, it acts as an adhesive substance between tissues. In fact, one of collagen's roles is to hold together bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments in which it is present in large quantities, but it is also found in many other parts of the body, including blood vessels, corneas and teeth. We mistakenly call it a protein, but in fact, as its chemical structure reminds us, it is a collection of proteins. In fact, it consists of three helices made up of more than 20 amino acids, molecules that are important for the functioning of the body. There are at least 16 types but there are four main ones: type I is about 90 percent of our collagen and is made from very dense fibers as it gives structure to the skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, teeth and connective tissues; type II is made from less dense fibers and is found in the elastic parts of cartilage and in the pads between joints; type III supports the structure of muscles, organs and arteries; and finally, type IV helps support the lower layers of the skin.
Collagen production, however, as mentioned, is not forever. Due to age, stress, pollution, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and diet, it declines. In other words, as we age, we lose more collagen than we produce. So what is the solution?
In addition to eating a diet rich in foods that contain it (turkey, salmon, egg yolk, wheat germ oil, oil seeds, potatoes, tomatoes, red peppers), you can take collagen as a drink or tablet or supplement (Jennifer Aniston, a perfect example of a perennial, has been using them for years now). In any case, the protein found inside the capsules is in a hydrolyzed form, since, otherwise, it would be too difficult to digest and absorb. Collagen supplements are therefore an excellent ally for skin health and beauty, but they should not be understood as a rejuvenating treatment. The latter, in essence, should not be considered the weapon with which to "fight" skin imperfections, such as expression lines, crow's feet or sagging skin; rather, collagen supplements should be used to avoid possible deficiencies. This would go a long way toward ensuring the right amount for the affected parts.
Collagen creams, serums and masks can also make a difference. And while it is true that collagen molecules are often too large to be absorbed by the skin, cosmetics are more likely to include skin care actives to support the skin's ability to produce collagen. Vitamin A (called retinol) has been shown in several studies to be able to stimulate collagen production in the skin, same thing Vitamin C. The ideal, then, is to choose a collagen cream that is actually able to stimulate collagen production within the skin itself: and this is actually possible.
Are you ready? nss G-Club has selected for you the 10 must-have collagen products:
KORFF Collagen Age Filler Face cream
70€
MARIO BADESCU Collagen Mask
21,50€
OSLO SKIN LAB The Solution™ Beauty Collagen
39,80€
THE LONGEVITY SUITE Collagen 60 Capsules
38€
MIZON Original Skin Energy Collagen
23,80€
MARY&MAY Marine Collagen Serum
18,50€
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
112€
FIRST AID BEAUTY Ultra Repair Firming Collagen
42€
PIXI Collagen Plumping Mask
23,50€
SWEDISH COLLAGEN Collagen Pure
33,33€