We all want healthy and elastic skin, right? ✨ The general thought is that collagen is the main ingredient for aging skin, but does collagen really work that way? Collagen has been a popular ingredient in cosmetics for many years and is also found in many Korean products as well as in Yeppo's range. What is the truth about collagen and what are the real benefits?

Subjects:

• The truth about collagen
• Vegan collagen
• What are collagen peptides?
• How does one maintain the skin's collagen production?
• Who is collagen for?
• Yeppo's favorite collagen products 💜
• Collagen 101

The truth about collagen

What is collagen? Collagen is found in our skin and actually throughout our entire body – more than 20 different types of collagen. For example, our connective tissue consists of 80% collagen. The collagen in the skin is mostly type 1 collagen and a small amount of type 3 collagen, which maintains the structure of the skin. Collagen also affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin. No wonder it has captured the interest of beauty experts!

Collagen is a large protein, about 300,000 daltons. This is enormously large when you consider that the skin can only absorb molecules that are up to 500 daltons. Therefore, collagen molecules are not absorbed into the skin but only work on the surface of the skin. Collagen in cosmetics is also not converted into collagen in our skin, but it primarily acts as a moisturizer. Collagen is one of the most moisturizing ingredients in cosmetics and is often compared to hyaluronic acid and glycerin for its ability to bind water! 💦

What is vegan collagen?

Natural collagen comes from animals. Collagen used in cosmetics comes, among other sources, from marine sources. Vegan collagen, on the other hand, is not really collagen but is biotechnologically produced to mimic the skin's collagen. It has the same properties but is not technically real collagen. However, it is a good alternative for those who prefer vegan products and want to use effective moisturizers for the skin 🌱. Wonderful vegan collagen products can be found, among others, from Ma:nyo, with their nourishing V.collagen Heart Fit Multi Balm.

What are collagen peptides?

Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is collagen that has been broken down into a smaller form by enzymes. These are smaller than collagen molecules and can therefore be absorbed a bit better by the skin. However, often these molecules are still too large to penetrate deeper into the skin as they are often over 500 daltons. Some small collagen products, such as Mediheal Retinol Collagen Ampoule Lifting Mask, are examples of such.

What happens when collagen is taken internally?

Hydrolyzed collagen is also taken internally and its effects have been tested more than collagen applied to the skin, but to obtain reliable results, further testing is needed. Many of these studies are funded by companies that produce dietary supplements, and more independent studies are required. However, positive effects on skin health have been found, especially regarding skin hydration and reduction of wrinkles.

How does one maintain the skin's collagen production?

We cannot do anything about the fact that collagen production decreases with age, but we can, through our lifestyle choices, ensure that the process happens as slowly as possible! This is not only beneficial for the well-being of the skin but also for bones, joints, and even vision.

• Protect yourself from the sun: One of the biggest stress factors for the skin is the sun's UV radiation. Protect your skin from UV radiation, at least when the UV index is above 3 ⛅
• Healthy lifestyles: Smoking and poor diet affect the condition of the skin and its ability to take care of itself. Try to be balanced and eat a varied diet 🙌🏼
• Active ingredients for the skin: Vitamin C, centella, and Vitamin A derivatives like retinol can stimulate the skin's functions and potentially affect collagen production 🪄

Who is collagen for?

Collagen primarily aims to hydrate the skin, making it suitable for all ages. However, most collagen products on the market are targeted towards mature skin and may therefore not be the obvious choice for younger individuals. A young person looking for a moisturizing product can, however, use collagen products with a clear conscience, as they are not absorbed into the skin and rarely cause irritation.

When it comes to animal-based collagen, it is important to consider any potential allergies, especially if you are allergic to shellfish. Check the source of the collagen if you are allergic to any form of shellfish!

Collagen is best suited for dry, superficially dry, and combination skin. It effectively provides moisture without clogging the skin.

Here are some of Yeppo's favorites:

• For those who want to treat themselves: MediAnswer Pore Collagen Mask - effective hydration for dry skin 💦. The two-part hydrogel mask fits snugly on the face – you will get the best results if you keep it on for as long as possible, you can even sleep with it overnight!
• Simple and effective: The delicious Numbuzin no 4 serum contains low molecular collagen, as well as skin-rejuvenating adenosine and elastin peptides 🧬
• For those in a hurry: For effective hydration, Medicube's Collagen Glow Booster serum is packed with moisturizing and firming ingredients – perfect for mature skin 💜
• For K-beauty fans: Toner pads are a safe choice for those who love Korean cosmetics! Mediheal Collagen Ampoule pads hydrate the skin and provide a lovely glow ✨

Collagen 101:

• Building block in the body that is found everywhere in the body
• Important for skin function
• Large molecule, approximately 300,000 daltons, acts only on the surface of the skin.
• Collagen peptides are broken down collagen, smaller in size but still too large to penetrate deeply into the skin.
• Vegan collagen is not really collagen but biotechnically produced to mimic it.
• Collagen has an excellent ability to bind moisture, making it a good moisturizer.
• Collagen decreases with age and free radicals can break it down.
• UV radiation from the sun affects the breakdown of collagen.
• To improve the durability of collagen in the skin, one can use sunscreen and antioxidants as well as ingredients that stimulate collagen production, such as vitamin C, ginseng, centella asiatica, and retinol.

Sources:

• Solunetti: Collagen. Retrieved 20.11.2024. Solunetti.fi
• Jadach, B., Mielcarek, Z., Osmalek, T. 24.3.2024. "Use of Collagen in Cosmetic Products." Retrieved 20.11.2024. MDPI.com
• Lin, Y-K, Liang, C-H, Lin, Y-H, Lin, T-W, Vázquez, J. J., van Campen, A., Chiang, C-F. 15.12.2023. "Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Retrieved 20.11.2024. ScienceDirect.com