Discover the anti-ageing power of collagen – from everyday skincare to supplements promising beauty from within
COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
Collagen is the beauty buzzword currently favoured by bloggers, nutritionists and skincare aficionados. But what exactly is it? Put simply, it’s a substance that occurs naturally within the body, and is made up of amino acids – those protein building-blocks that give cells their structure.
Ingestible collagen supplements are beginning to appear on the market, promising potent anti-ageing formulations for a youthful appearance. Winner of the Beauty from Within category in our 2017 International Beauty Awards, Skinade is a peach and mangosteen flavoured collagen drink which reduces oxidative stress, boosts moisture and hydration, and increases natural hyaluronic acid production. This acid may sound harsh, but don’t worry – it is found naturally in the body, and helps to prevent ageing owing to its water-retentive qualities.
Skinade, £105, skinade.com
Skinade, £105, skinade.com
Rejuvenated Collagen Shots also impressed the NH team – each shot contains a high-strength, skin-firming blend of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, acai berry antioxidant and vitamins to help improve skin tone and texture.
Rejuvenated Collagen Shots, £39.95, rejuvenated.co.uk
Rejuvenated Collagen Shots, £39.95, rejuvenated.co.uk
COLLAGEN-BOOSTING INGREDIENTS
Peptides: Collagen depletes with age, resulting in thinner, wrinkled skin. The good news is that as this is happening, peptides are also produced – research from the National Institutes of Health in the USA has shown that these substances prompt the skin to create more collagen. By applying products containing peptides, you are mimicking this process. A range of serums by Nourish Skincare contains super-hydrating hyaluronic acid and tripeptides to stimulate the creation of collagen revealing a smoother, fresher, more youthful appearance and minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
Nourish Skincare peptide serums, £22, nourishskinrange.com
Nourish Skincare peptide serums, £22, nourishskinrange.com
MDI complex: This is a formula containing a marine enzyme which slows the depletion of collagen in skin. It is a main ingredient in the Anti-ageing Absolute Face Serum Mask from Aroma Works, demonstrating that naturally-derived substances can work brilliantly on ageing skin to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Aroma Works Anti-ageing Absolute Face Serum Mask, £48, aroma-works.com
Aroma Works Anti-ageing Absolute Face Serum Mask, £48, aroma-works.com
Retinol: Also known as Vitamin A₁, retinol increases skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis. Interestingly, the winner of our Skin Serum category in the 2017 International Beauty Awards has a natural retinol alternative derived from chicory root and tara tree, providing the same results. Category judge Glynis Barber described Éminence Bamboo Firming Liquid as ‘a runaway winner – my skin felt transformed within days’.
Éminence Bamboo Firming Liquid, £44, eminenceorganics.com
Éminence Bamboo Firming Liquid, £44, eminenceorganics.com
Resveratrol: This is an ingredient found in many collagen boosters, helping to hydrate skin and blur imperfections. Caudalie Resveratrol Face Lifting Soft Cream is a luxurious day cream which acts as a two-for-one moisturiser and primer. It absorbs quickly, plumping contours for a youthful appearance.
Caudalie Resveratrol Face Lifting Soft Cream, £42, uk.caudalie.com
Caudalie Resveratrol Face Lifting Soft Cream, £42, uk.caudalie.com
Antioxidants: Vitamin C, vitamin A or beta-carotene are good examples of antioxidants. They fight the free radicals that damage cells and collagen proteins within the body – by applying skincare products with antioxidants, you can fight the depletion of collagen. ESPA Tri-Active Advanced Instant Facial is a serum packed with antioxidants derived from macroalgae cell extract to help smooth fine lines, along with white truffle extract to boost elasticity, and a variety of natural oils to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
ESPA Tri-Active Advanced Instant Facial, £58, espaskincare.com
ESPA Tri-Active Advanced Instant Facial, £58, espaskincare.com
