Collagen is an essential building block of our skin that’s regularly touted as an anti-ageing must-have, but what is it, and why do we actually need it?
Here, we’re taking a closer look at how to boost collagen in your skin, why you may want to, when is a good time to start using it, and the ZO Skin Health products our Skin Experts regularly recommend for boosting collagen; ZO Firming Serum, ZO Wrinkle and Texture Repair, and ZO Vitamin C Self Activating 10%.
Let’s dive into all things collagen….
Keen to reap those anti-ageing benefits everyone’s always talking about? Book an appointment with one of our Skin Experts here:
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
- What is collagen?
- What does collagen do for your skin?
- When should you start encouraging collagen with your skincare routine?
- What ZO products help to boost collagen?
- Do I need a prescription for collagen boosting products?
- Summary: What collagen boosting product should I use?
What is collagen?
Collagen is a popular supplement and skincare ingredient that helps to support skin health as well as other functions in the body. It’s a type of protein that accounts for around 30% of our total protein within the body, and helps make up the structure of our cells and tissues.
There are 28 types of collagen in the body, but ‘type I’ collagen makes up 90%, and it is found in connective tissue, tendons, bones, cartilage, and — the one we’re most interested in for beauty — our skin.
What does collagen do for your skin?
Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, and any existing natural collagen we have in our skin starts to break down faster and reduce in quality due to environmental damage. Many women will have a significant decline in collagen production after they go through the menopause, too.
A lack of collagen often leads to a loss of elastin within the skin, which leads to signs of ageing like wrinkles or skin sagging. As collagen provides structural support to tissues and cells, and helps with cellular migration (which is necessary for tissue maintenance), collagen supplements or skincare can help to maintain a youthful complexion. This is why collagen is one of our top 6 skincare ingredients to treat ageing skin.
Studies have found that collagen supplements can improve skin moisture, elasticity and hydration, while reducing wrinkling and roughness of skin, and one 2019 study found that skin ageing could be addressed using collagen to restore skin density.
By using collagen boosting skincare or supplements, you may experience:
- Improved fine lines
- Fewer wrinkles
- Improved skin elasticity
- Improved skin texture
- Firmer skin
- A healthier, more youthful complexion
When should you start encouraging collagen with your skincare routine?
You don’t have to start using collagen boosting products at all — there is no specific age or time when everyone must add this to their skincare routine. However, if skin ageing is a particular concern of yours, and you are hoping to prevent some of the common signs of ageing, some experts recommend using an anti-ageing product with active ingredients as early as your 20s.
The truth is there is no specific age you should start. Whatever age you are, if you feel your skin could benefit from additional collagen boosting ingredients, these products may help. At Face Dr, your Skin Expert can recommend the best products for you based on your skin goals and concerns.
What ZO products help to boost collagen?
ZO Skin Health is known for its highly effective formulations, and has products to help with every possible skin concern. If you are keen to start an anti-ageing regime, they have a fantastic range of collagen-boosting products that your Skin Expert may recommend to you. Here are just a few:
- ZO Firming Serum: This serum is formulated with exclusive Sodium DNA and ZCORE™ complex to help visibly tighten and firm sagging skin so you see the effects instantly. The result is a more defined facial contour, and more youthful appearance.
- Vitamin C Self-Activating 10%: This product is packed full of efficacious antioxidant protection for skin, and contains two forms of vitamin C with added vitamin E to boost skin protection against environmental aggressors and free radical damage, both of which affect cellular function.
- Wrinkle + Texture Repair: This high-potency retinol product helps to minimise the look and feel of ageing skin by improving texture, skin uniformity, and evening out skin tone. With its ZCORE™ complex to improve sagging skin, it offers a more youthful complexion for ageing skin.
As they are so effective, many of these products are included in our article ‘How to tackle ageing skin with your skincare routine’. If you would like to learn more about them or any of the other products we offer, your Skin Expert can help you find the perfect combination.
Do I need a prescription for collagen boosting products?
There are many products on the market that will help increase collagen in your skin, and you do not need a prescription for non-medical grade skincare products with collagen boosting benefits, specifically. However, ZO’s collagen boosting products mentioned above are only available on prescription as they contain active ingredients in strengths that make them highly effective. You can purchase ZO Skin Health products through an official clinic stockists, and Face Dr is one such stockist.
It’s quick and simple to speak to one of our Skin Experts. You can book a free online consultation with one of our team, who will provide tailored advice on what products are best for you based on your skin history, issues, goals and more. After your consultation, you can purchase ZO Skin Health products through your Face Dr account.
Summary: What collagen boosting product should I use?
There are so many collagen boosting products available, including skincare and supplements; however, many claim to contain effective amounts of collagen when, in fact, they do not. While it may seem more beneficial to grab a collagen product off a shelf in a high street store, doing a little more research and finding the products that are formulated to provide real anti-ageing benefits, and that have strong reviews, are more likely to get you the results you want in the long run.
“Amazing product which really tightens and firms skin! Feel that it improved skin around jowl area which is my main concern. Also helped tighten enlarged pores! Will definitely be investing in this cream again. Worth every penny!”
- Deirdre C., Face Dr client using ZO Firming Serum
If you are unsure which collagen product might be right for you, you can ask any questions you have about your skincare on a free video call with one of our Skin Experts to find the routine and products that are best for you, with absolutely no pressure to buy.
You may also find it helpful to read; How to choose the right anti-ageing skincare routine.
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