Science & Skincare

What is collagen? The latest question I aim to answer in the new edition of my series ‘The Essential Skincare Alphabet’.

If you don’t know what this series is please click here for further information. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with what we are going to cover, we will waste no time and get started!

What is collagen?

It’s a building block essentially. Collagen is a structural protein and is incredibly abundant in mammals.

Collagen plays a huge role in the structure of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is an important factor in skin elasticity.

What are the sources of collagen?

We naturally make collagen, it is found in the connective tissue and flesh of mammals. However, as we age, the amount of collagen in our system decreases. Hence, why anti-aging skincare focuses on increasing the amount of collagen in our skin.

Almost all of the collagen supplements are derived from animals. They come from the bones skin, and connective tissue of animals including; pigs, rabbits, and horses.

Is collagen vegan?

Collagen comes mostly from animal sources, so a lot of collagen supplements are not vegan.

However, science has found a way to make vegan collagen. Collagen can now be made using genetically modified yeast and bacteria.

You should always check with the brand you wish to purchase from, about where they source their collagen.

What are collagens uses and potential side effects?

In skincare, the replenishment of collagen is a must for anti-ageing. As collagen is such a major component in skin strength, hydration and elasticity, adding a collagen supplement/product to your skincare routine will help reinforce those skin characteristics.

You’ll also be relived to know that collagen doesn’t seem to have many side effects. It shouldn’t cause any irritation to your skin.

If you’re thinking of taking a collagen supplement, however, you should note that some of them are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish, and eggs. If you have any of these allergies, it’s essential you check where your collagen is sourced from.

Product recommendations

Collagen Inner Beauty Boost The Beauty Chef

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• fragrance-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe

GENIUS Liquid Collagen Algenist

This product is formulated without gluten, GMO, binders, waxers, fillers, alcohol, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, triclosan, nitrosamines, synthetic dyes, or mineral oil.

• alcohol-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe

Collagen & Retinol Serum PIXI

• alcohol-free
• silicon-free
• sulfate-free
• paraben-free
• oil-free
• EU-allergen-free
• reef-safe
• fungal-acne safe

References

Collagen Structure and Stability

Matthew D. Shoulders and Ronald T. Raines

Annual Review of Biochemistry 2009 78:1, 929-958 

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