Benefits of Using a Collagen Serum and Why You Need It

Benefits of Using a Collagen Serum and Why You Need It

One of the trending topics on TikTok is jello skin. The term was coined by Korean TikToker Ava Lee and has been used to refer to healthy plump skin that has the same consistency as jello. With the video tallying over 15 million views, the concept has quickly caught on among skincare enthusiasts who love the idea of having glowy and bouncy skin. This type of skin has a healthy amount of collagen, subcutaneous fat, and elastin, giving it a supple and envy-inducing texture.

Collagen has become a key ingredient in skincare products and for good reason. This super ingredient is no longer solely used in injectables and oral supplements. If you’ve been wondering if you need to make it part of your skincare regimen, we’re here to tell you all you need to know about it.

What is collagen, what does it do for you, and what are its benefits?

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is from the Greek word kolla meaning glue, an apt term for it since it plays a key role in holding the body’s cells together. This essential protein is made up of a wholesome amino acid profile that includes glutamine, glycine, proline, alanine, and hydroxyproline.

Amino Acid Profile of Collagen

Collagen is the body’s richest reserve of protein. It’s responsible for giving skin its bouncy, youthful appearance. Collagen also exists in the connective tissues of our bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, digestive system, and other vital organs. The protein plays a crucial role in strengthening the bones and healing wounds. 

UV light exposure can break down collagen in the skin in addition to smoking, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and air pollution.

A baby’s skin is taut, elastic, and bouncy, thanks to an abundance of collagen in the skin. As we age, the body produces less collagen. It’s estimated that we lose about 1% of collagen in our skin every year. However, delaying this process is possible with the right skincare products, lifestyle changes, and oral supplements.

Benefits of Using a Collagen Serum

A highly recommended way to add collagen to the skin is through topical products like serums. Serums are usually applied after washing and cleansing the skin. With their higher concentration of active ingredients, they are quickly absorbed and more potent than other skincare creams and ointments.

Serums that have been formulated with collagen can thus give you more visible and immediate results. They can also do wonders for aging skin.

Let’s take a look at some of its benefits.

Softens the Appearance of Wrinkles and Lines

Collagen is a popular ingredient in injections that fill deep-set lines and improve the natural contours of the skin. A collagen serum can be a more convenient alternative to these more invasive facial injections. 

Collagen sources such as powders and supplements can encourage collagen synthesis in the body. However, once collagen reaches the organs that need it, only trace amounts are delivered to the skin. This is why using a topical collagen serum can help replenish your skin from the outside.

Supplies a Boost of Hydration

Collagen serums are highly effective when combined with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (a humectant that helps the skin hold water) and peptides (stimulates collagen production). Together, these ingredients plump the skin, leaving it smooth, hydrated, and radiant. Consistency is key to seeing results from a collagen serum.

This 2009 clinical trial and its questionnaire results (see below) reveal how topical collagen supports long-term and immediate effects on the skin. Thirty-five women aged 33 to 45 years old stayed for the 3-month study. 

The following chart compares their personal observations on how collagen affected their skin just minutes after topically applying collagen and after three months of use

Fights Off Pathogens

Pathogens are germs that interfere with the skin’s healthy flora. A collagen serum balances the skin’s pH, particularly when external factors interfere like over-exfoliation, allergens, and lack of hydration. Regularly using a collagen serum can help the skin maintain a healthy moisture barrier. Ultimately, if you’re prone to acne or atopic dermatitis, you’ll have fewer episodes over time.

Is a Collagen Serum Better Than a Collagen Moisturizer?

In general, serums contain a richer, more concentrated form of certain ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Collagen moisturizers often contain a weaker concentration of the ingredient. Many moisturizers (particularly the creamy variety) tend to have more occlusive emollients, which can clog pores and make the skin feel greasy. A collagen serum holds non-occlusive emollients and settles across the skin beautifully without feeling heavy or thick.

The last thing you want is for a skincare product to transfer to your pillow or other surfaces your skin touches. Finish your skincare routine with a lightweight moisturizer that seals the serum in and absorbs quickly. While a collagen serum is better, it’s still wise to follow it up with a moisturizer.

Collagen serums are formulated to penetrate the skin deeply without the dreaded greasiness. Go with a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores and can keep acne and oiliness at bay.

SolRay Beauty Collagen Serum: Infused With Skin-Loving Ingredients

SolRay Beauty brings you a collagen serum that promises to soften, plump, and hydrate skin with every use. The oil-free, non-comedogenic collagen serum boasts a trifecta of winning ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. Together, these ingredients supply the skin with everything it needs to target visible lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and sagginess.

How to Use SolRay Beauty Collagen Serum

Reveal smoother, glowy, and healthier skin by applying 2 to 3 drops of the collagen serum in the AM and PM. Once you’ve washed and toned your skin, apply the collagen serum to slightly damp skin by gently tapping the formula across your face. Apply moisturizer as a final step to seal in all that goodness underneath. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen over your moisturizer to protect your skin from UV exposure during the day.

For optimal results, consider having microneedling treatments. The technique entails pricking your skin with up to 36 fine needles to promote skin healing and collagen production. Once the skin heals, patients notice plump, taut, and smoother skin.

Source: Rousselot SAS