In the world of skincare, few ingredients have garnered as much attention and acclaim as collagen. This vital protein plays an essential role in maintaining the skin's structure, elasticity, and overall appearance. As we age, the natural production of collagen diminishes, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. So, what can we do to combat these signs of ageing? Let’s dive deep into the wonders of collagen and how it can bring our skin back to life. 

So, what actually is Collagen?  

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about 30% of our total protein content. It serves as a primary building block for bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, providing structure and strength. In the skin, collagen works together with elastin to keep it firm and supple. However, factors such as ageing, genetics, and environmental influences can lead to a significant decrease in collagen production over time.  

Collagen production begins to slow down in our mid-20s. By the time we reach our 30s and 40s, many may start to notice fine lines and a loss of firmness. By the age of 50, the effects are even more pronounced, often leading to more significant skin laxity and the emergence of deeper wrinkles. 

28 Forms of Collagen in the Body  

Surprisingly, there are 28 different forms of collagen in our body, although only one generic type is commonly known. Each type has a different structure and serves different functions in the body. 

Most are fibrillar, meaning they are long and thin structures which are both flexible and very strong. The major collagens in the skin are types 1 and 3, which account for around 80% and 10% of the total bulk of collagen within the dermis, bones and tendons. 

As we age, Type 3 collagen degrades faster than Type 1, disrupting the regenerative process and making it harder for the skin to heal. This decline in collagen levels results in weaker, thinner fibres, leading to a loss of plumpness and volume. 

Gravity and various factors such as hormonal changes, health conditions, pollution and environmental damage, sun exposure, and low Vitamin C levels can all contribute to the breakdown of collagen. 

The Myth: Collagen Only Works When Ingested 

There’s a common belief that collagen is only effective when taken as a supplement or through food, with many dismissing collagen in skincare as ineffective due to its large molecular size. But that’s simply not the case. 

While it’s true that collagen molecules in their natural state are too large to penetrate the skin, advancements in skincare technology have led to the development of hydrolysed collagen peptides and collagen-boosting ingredients. These work in a completely different way—acting as messengers that signal the skin’s fibroblasts to increase the production of its own collagen. 

So, while ingestible collagen supports overall collagen levels in the body, topical collagen-infused products stimulate production exactly where it’s needed, helping to reinforce the skin’s natural structure, improve elasticity, and maintain hydration. 

Endogenous Collagen 

Ingesting collagen can improve joint movement and lubrication in tendons and joints, but it needs to be transported throughout the body before it reaches the skin. Although ingesting collagen can have an impact on the skin, its large molecular size may prevent it from reaching the outer layers. 

Like drinking water, the body will take the molecules throughout the whole body first before reaching the skin which is our outer and largest living organ. Ingestible and topical collagens are split into endogenous collagen (natural, self-made collagen) and exogenous collagen (synthetic from an outside source). 

The most beneficial for the body are those that help increase the production of endogenous collagen, which the body can better synthesise and recognise. To achieve this, collagen in supplements and skincare products is broken down into peptides or fragments that act as messengers between cells and help accelerate the production of naturally occurring skin proteins like collagen and elastin. 

These peptides help the skin repair and rebuild by healing damaged cells, acting like miniature pieces of the original protein that can be more easily absorbed and recognised by the body, allowing it to produce more. Isn't that clever? 

Strengthening the D.E.J. 

Other types of collagen, such as Type 4 and Type 7, are important for skin health as they are present in the Dermal-Epidermal Junction (DEJ) and the Vascular Basement Membranes. This miniscule layer within the skin has a major impact on strength and communication within the skin, the dermis contains most of our processes within the skin: melanin production, collagen and elastin production, ageing and the very sad glycation process. 

These collagens help strengthen the communication between the skin cells and facilitate the production of collagen, allowing peptides to signal the fibroblasts more easily. By strengthening the DEJ, the skin becomes structurally stronger, allowing for better communication of the deeper skin cells from the membrane. 

When these collagens, known as anchoring fibrils, are prevalent it allows the layer to functionally connect and separate the deeper skin cells to the membrane making it structurally much stronger as these collagens are adhesive. Overall, collagen is a complex and vital protein for maintaining skin health. 

Why Incorporate Collagen into Your Skincare Routine? 

Taking the Plunge: 

The good news is that incorporating collagen into your skincare regime can be easy and effective. At Embassy of Beauty, we house a range of collagen-powered products, spanning from serums to creams and masks, to plump skin and restore your glow.   

EB Recommends: 

AUTEUR’s Definitive Collagen Activator Serum 

AUTEUR’s Definitive Collagen Activator Serum delivers superior regenerative care and protection. Its Biometric Renewal Peptide Complex delivers restructuring effects for a firmer finish while biologically optimised antioxidants target damaged cells, reducing inflammatory responses and protecting collagen degradation.

VENN Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Renewal Sheet Mask 

Venn Collagen Intensive Phyto-Retinol Renewal Sheet Mask is an advanced hydrogel mask that transforms transparent while delivering hydrating, renewing, brightening, and microbiome balancing activates. It leaves skin plump, firm, lifted, and evenly toned.

Biologique Recherche Collagene Original

Biologique Recherche Sérum Collagène Originel boosts four key collagen types (I, III, IV, VIII) to firm, smooth, plump, and redensify the skin. Powered by Patented Type-0 Collagen©, it works at the gene and protein levels to reduce wrinkles and strengthen the dermal-epidermal junction. Soybean Glycopeptides enhance skin density, while Green Microalgae minimise vascular imperfections for plumper skin. 

 
Auteur Density Cream 

Auteur Definitive Density Cream harnesses Golden Collagenine, a potent collagen-boosting peptide paired with gold and platinum carrier particles, to deliver actives directly to collagen-producing cells. This advanced formula enhances bioavailability by up to 90x, stimulating collagen synthesis for firmer, plumper, and more resilient skin. It visibly reduces wrinkles, improves skin density, and restores a radiant glow.