If you’re looking for an age-defying elixir that can give your skin the glow and youthfulness of your younger days, then collagen may be the answer to your prayers! Of all the skincare ingredients out there, collagen holds a special place in many hearts, earning it its designation as an anti-aging holy grail.
Today, we’ll explore what makes collagen such a powerful tool for fighting visible signs of aging on our skin and why adding it to your daily routine will help you get glowing skin back again!
What is collagen skin care?
Did you know that collagen is the glue that holds us together, literally? Collagen is a protein found in the human body, and it’s responsible for giving our skin structure and strength. So, collagen helps skin to stretch and return to its original form quickly and easily. Without it, our skin would wrinkle up like a raisin, and we'd have trouble moving around too! It’s not only important for keeping us looking young; it's also vital for joint health and repair.
As we age, collagen levels start to decrease and you can expect to see some unwelcome signs of aging. Fine lines can start to develop on your face, joints may become more stiff and more rigid, and even hair may thin out as a result of less collagen in the body. This decrease in collagen has an effect on the entire body and its overall health, so it isn’t just wrinkles and grey hairs that you need to worry about.
In this sense, using collagen skin care products is the best way to keep your skin structure and prevent aging signs.
Pros & Cons of using collagen skin products
Pros
- Regular use of collagen can replenish moisture within the skin to soften fine lines and wrinkles.
- Helps reinforce the skin's barrier by providing both hydration and protection from environmental stressors like UV Rays and pollution
- Improves your skin's elasticity and firmness
- Smooths out skin texture for a soft complexion
- Keeps skin hydrated so you can avoid dryness which can lead to dullness and breakouts.
Cons
- Even though it’s rare, some collagen skin products can cause irritation, rashes, and itchiness. So, it’s important to do a patch test first
Ingredients specifications
Clean
Though collagen is a naturally occurring protein, the collagen used in skincare products can be sourced from animals or it can be made synthetically (hydrolyzed collagen). So, if collagen is from animal sources, it’s clean, but if it’s hydrolyzed it’s not clean
Vegan
Whether hydrolyzed or unhydrolyzed, collagen comes from animal sources like pigs and salmon, so it’s not vegan
Pregnancy safe
Collagen is considered safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, it’s great to apply collagen on face while expecting to prevent aging
Breastfeeding safe
This ingredient can be used while breastfeeding since it doesn’t go into the bloodstream, which can affect lactating moms.
Active ingredient
Collagen is considered an active ingredient thanks to its anti-aging benefits for the skin
Comedogenic
Collagen doesn’t clog pores or cause acne breakouts, so it’s labeled as non-comedogenic
EWG (Environment Working Group) Score
Collagen has a EWG score of 1 with fair data, meaning that research has proven that this ingredient has a low probability of causing allergic or negative reactions to the skin
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A
The CIR has rated collagen with an A, meaning that it’s safe to use in skincare and cosmetic products.
PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient
When to use collagen for skin?
Collagen on face can be used at any time of the day, both in the morning and nighttime routines. However, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What skin type is collagen good for?
Collagen can benefit all skin types because it delivers hydration to your complexion while also helping to support elasticity; this is especially helpful in combating the signs of aging. People with dry or sensitive skin will be especially thankful for collagen's nourishing properties, while combination or oily skin may benefit from its ability to absorb quickly without leaving behind a sticky residue.
What you can’t mix with collagen?
Collagen is not known to react negatively when mixed with other skincare ingredients. In fact, a good ingredient to mix with collagen is vitamin C or hyaluronic acid to improve even more your moisture levels.
Top Picks
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- Collagen Cleansing Foam
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$15 and under collagen products for face
- Blue Sapphire Collagen Hydration Mask
- 0.2mm Therapy Air Mask - Collagen
- Pure Skin Collagen Essence Mask Sheet
- Baby Pet Magic Mask Sheet - Anti-Wrinkle Pug
FAQ’s
Will using collagen skin products help with aging?
Aging is a fact of life that no one can outrun. However, you might be able to slow its effects with the help of collagen! Collagen has long been used in skincare as it helps restore moisture, elasticity, and firmness—all of which come in handy if you’re looking to keep your youthful glow for as long as possible. You can find collagen in everything from face creams and serums to scrubs, lotions, and supplements, making it an easy addition to any skincare routine.
Can I use collagen for face every day?
Collagen is certainly one of the latest buzzwords on everyone's lips- or, more accurately, in everyone's skincare! It's true that collagen provides great benefits for your face - from helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles to increasing hydration. But is it something you can use every day? The answer is both yes and no. Depending on the type of collagen product you choose and how sensitive your skin is, daily use may be too harsh for some people.
What is better collagen or retinol?
Collagen is a superior skin-care ingredient compared to retinol. For one, collagen is naturally occurring in our bodies, meaning that if you introduce it externally through your skincare products its likely to be well-accepted by your skin. Collagen also penetrates deeply into the skin layers which can help activate cell rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. Comparatively, retinol is known for its ability to reduce wrinkles over time - but its strength can sometimes cause irritation or redness on more sensitive skin types.
Tips & Tricks to include collagen in your skincare routine
- Incorporate collagen-containing foods into your diet like fish and eggs
- Try adding a collagen mask into your bedtime routine and you’ll wake up looking refreshed and glowing
- Start using collagen skin products in your 20s to prevent premature aging
- One simple way to incorporate collagen into your beauty routine is by switching out your regular moisturizer for one that contains collagen.