Glow Getter - The Lowdown on Collagen

Words: Adriana Donnola

Skincare companies have built an entire industry focussed on ramping up the production of collagen. You’ll find a plethora of ingestibles, creams, serums as well as devices and in-salon treatments on offer,S but what do we really need to be using for efficacy? 

Collagen is a hot topic in the beauty world right now because it keeps your skin plump and firm, and your joints healthy. Unfortunately, when you enter your thirties, your body starts to decrease production of the necessary protein. But a thoughtful daily routine can help with retaining and boosting it—without resorting to the needle.

The latest research suggests what we eat could be just as important to boosting collagen as any other line of treatment, regardless of whether or not you’re in your “collagen banking” prime (a term coined to suggest we should preserve it before it declines). 

While collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin on their own via creams and serums, what you need is a carrier - like peptides - to do so. Also, look for products containing antioxidant Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production and keeps existing collagen healthy, and skin renewer retinol which exfoliates and stimulates collagen production. 

5 favourite collagen-boosting products:

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, $585, using a combination of red and near infra-red light, LED light therapy is a painless at-home treatment that triggers your skin’s natural healing abilities to calm redness and promote collagen production, reducing the look of wrinkles. Wear it for 10 mins, 3 - 5 times per week for clinically-proven, visible results. As a bonus, light therapy is mood-boosting too. 

Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream, $575

helps to promote skin surface cell renewal and leaves skin feeling much softer, supple and comfortable with visible results after three weeks of regular use. 

Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Âge Fresh Gel Cream, $725

clinically proven results on firmness and wrinkle smoothing, with a fresh gel feel and shine-free finish. 

Lancôme Absolue Soft Natio Treatments, Plant Peptide Line & Wrinkle Serum, $24.95

helps to promote skin surface cell renewal and leaves skin feeling much softer, supple and comfortable with visible results after three weeks of regular use. 

Dr LeWinn's Ultra R4 Restorative Day Cream, $74.95

works on collagen depletion with skin brightening Vitamin C, skin essential vitamin Niacinamide, that helps improve skin elasticity, evens out skin tone and protects against environmental ageing aggressors, plus a peptide and ceramide blend to smooth out lines and wrinkles. 

Treatments: Laser, ultrasound, chemical peels and microneedling are in-salon professional treatments that can stimulate collagen production; however, these are invasive and require down time so proceed with caution. 

Supplements: The jury is still out on their long-term efficacy but if you want to try then opt for one that’s been clinically-trialled like The Beauty Chef Plumpers, $45.  These are made with hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and the skin-healing postbiotic lactobacillus, to encourage healthier looking skin. Chew one a day, in a choice of Chocolate, Kakadu Plum & Berry and Orange & Turmeric flavours.

To boost collagen naturally, opt for a protein-rich diet that’s low in sugar to preserve what collagen you have in your skin, and stimulate production by eating: 

1. Fish - especially with the skin on. The collagen from fish is mainly in the bones, skin and scales making sardines [tinned or fresh] a great choice. Leave the skin on omega-3 rich salmon to eat, and next time you dine Japanese, order a side of the crispy salmon skins. 
2. Bone broth (aka stock). Not only immune-boosting but having a teacup a day is a collagen-boosting powerhouse drink.
3. Nuts, in particular almonds, cashews, pistachios and hazelnuts, as well as the omega-3 fatty acid rich walnut.