A Complete Guide to Applying Collagen Skincare

Seeing billboards promoting skincare products and supplements with the term “collagen” a decade ago was rarely heard of. Seeing “collagen” plastered across the packaging of various day-to-day products – from collagen-infused serums and moisturiser to your favourite protein shakes, and even collagen creamer to sweeten your morning coffee – was once unusual.

However, this has taken a drastic change in recent years since the surge in the popularity of collagen products. A report by Grand View Research showed that the global collagen market was at an estimated US$3.5 billion in 2018 and slowly skyrocketed to US$8.36 billion in 2020, with anticipated growth to US$16.70 billion by 2028.

For a market that is growing rapidly in size, why is collagen so sought after and why are people feeding into the narrative?

What is collagen and where does it come from?

According to Solray Beauty, collagen derives from the Greek word “kolla” which means ‘glue’, a term coined for its key role in providing the main structural support for our body’s tissues. It also plays an important role in cellular processes such as tissue repair, immune response and cellular communication.

Essentially, collagen is what’s responsible for giving your skin its elasticity and bounce. While collagen is produced throughout your lifetime, its production naturally decreases with age.

MAGDALENE LIAU; https://www.facebook.com/drmagdaleneliau

Dr Magdalene Liau, an aesthetician who holds accreditations in various aesthetic procedures from the Aesthetic Dermatology Education Group and the Dermatological Society of Singapore, credits collagen to being an essential part of maintaining youthful and radiant skin.

“We lose about one per cent of our skin’s collagen per year at the beginning of our twenties. Taking steps early on will help in the long run,” Dr Liau says.

Collagen found in skincare products and supplements is derived from animal sources such as fish, poultry, meat and eggs.

While components can vary vastly depending on the collagen product, collagen is an essential protein mainly of amino acids – specifically glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.

What does collagen do for the skin?

When applied topically, collagen can help to soften and moisturise the skin, which will ultimately aid in minimising wrinkles and making the skin look plumper.

Besides consuming collagen through supplements or in the natural foods that you eat, collagen can also be incorporated into your skincare routine for maximised results.

How can I incorporate collagen into my skincare routine?

If you’re looking to add collagen to your skincare routine, consider Fawn Lab’s F A W N + elixir renewing night serum.

Formulated with AHA and BHA, the serum contains key ingredient malachite extract, also known as the botox of the crystal world, which increases collagen and elastic production. Malachite is rich in copper and high in antioxidant activity, protecting the skin against oxidative stress.

Besides plumping the skin, the serum has anti-ageing benefits and will aid in exfoliating, brightening and renewing the skin by removing dead skin cells and providing a deep pore cleanse.

The unique ingredient of malachite gives the serum its natural blue tint. 

While the main usage of applying Fawn Lab’s serum is to stimulate collagen production, it can also help with other skin issues such as acne, whiteheads and blackheads, as well as reducing inflammation, scars and pigmentation.

Generally, collagen products can be applied topically onto your skin and are safe to use in the morning or at night depending on the ingredients in the product.

Collagen-infused skincare products should work well with any other ingredients, but it is recommended that you double-check the packaging of your skincare products for specific instructions to avoid ingredient combinations that clash.

For optimal results, you should apply a moisturiser and sunscreen during the day. This step nourishes and balances skin so that it doesn’t overproduce oil. “Invest in quality skincare and be consistent with it. It’s also important to wear sunscreen, even when you’re indoors,” Dr Liau adds.

Applying collagen-infused skincare is just one of the few ways you can stimulate collagen production in your skin. Collagen supplements and collagen injectables are also other forms of collagen consumption for a smoother, radiant complexion.