What Are The Collagen Benefits For Skin?

Collagen is arguably the most important protein in the human body, making up around 75% of your skin's dry weight. It can be found in the dermis — the middle layer of the skin —and acts as the skin’s scaffolding, providing copious amounts of strength and structure. As the ageing process kicks in, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases. This can even be from the age of 25, with collagen production slowing down by around 1% per year.

However, it’s also worth noting that external factors like UV exposure, pollution, and lifestyle habits can accelerate this decline.

Collagen supports the skin’s extracellular matrix, a complex network of proteins and molecules that support surrounding cells. When collagen levels are high, the extracellular matrix is primed to keep your skin firm, hydrated, and more resilient. When collagen levels are low, the skin’s support network weakens. This can lead to sagging, the appearance of fine lines, and reduced elasticity.

We recommend using products enriched with marine and plant-based actives, like those in our Pro-Collagen Skincare Collection, as they are designed to support skin health.

Collagen is the foundation for youthful, healthy skin. As a key structural protein, it plays an essential role in maintaining everything from skin firmness to moisture retention.

1. Skin Structure

To understand collagen’s role in skin structure, we need to dive a bit deeper into the extracellular matrix (ECM).

Collagen makes up the majority of this matrix, and as collagen levels decline with age, the ECM weakens, which can lead to sagging and a loss of structure. Without collagen, the skin’s support system deteriorates, and the skin becomes more vulnerable to external stressors, leading to more visible signs of ageing.

2. Skin Elasticity

One of the first signs of collagen decline is a change in skin elasticity. Elasticity is your skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back into place, and collagen fibres are key for maintaining this process.

When collagen levels are high, your skin can adapt to movements more (like those triggered by facial expressions and environmental stressors) without sagging.

Signs of less collagen may appear as loose or sagging skin, and you might notice that your skin doesn’t snap back as quickly as it used to, and over time, it may start to sag or appear loose. This is where collagen-supporting skincare products come into play. When you create an optimal environment for skin with active ingredients and hydration, you will notice that bouncy feel once again.

3. Skin Hydration

As collagen levels decline, your skin’s ability to hold onto moisture can decline, too. This can result in dryness, dullness, and a more pronounced appearance of fine lines. Products like our Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 moisturiser are specifically designed to address this issue by supporting your skin’s collagen health by locking in moisture. 

It’s easy to welcome a smoother, more hydrated complexion with the help of marine algae extracts like Padina Pavonica — found in many of our Pro-Collagen products.

4. Skin Moisture and Smoothness

Skin that is in good condition will be smooth, even, and soft to the touch. Creating an optimal environment through hydration and cleansing is the best way to support the skin’s natural collagen. As collagen declines in ageing skin, the structural component within the dermis is not as organised, which can be seen through more pronounced fine lines and wrinkles.

Using products like our Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum can help improve skin texture in as little as 4 days, and has been clinically proven* to improve skin density, which promotes a more supple appearance.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2024, 30 people over 4 weeks.

To get the most out of collagen-supporting skincare, it’s important to follow a dedicated routine so your skin gets all the care it needs. Our Pro-Collagen range features a variety of products designed to work in scientific harmony to keep your skin looking firm, hydrated, and youthful. 

Build your ideal Pro-Collagen skincare routine today with our top skincare recommendations.

Start your skincare routine with the iconic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.

This luxurious balm melts away makeup and impurities while nourishing the skin with each application. It’s also suited to all skin types. Use it in the morning and evening as the first step in your skincare routine, and enjoy the melting sensation as it washes away the night before or the day just gone.

Why not treat yourself to a double cleanse with our Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser?

Your second cleanse will provide an even deeper cleanser while delivering targeted benefits to the skin. We recommend gel-based formulas for this step. Our marine cleanser is enriched with a trio of acids — invigorating for all skin types.

Twice a week, follow cleansing with the Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator. This gentle exfoliator helps to refine the skin’s texture by gently removing dead skin cells, offering your skin a brighter complexion.

Its blend of natural exfoliating cellulose beads encourages the skin's natural renewal process by sweeping away dead skin, creating an optimal environment for the skin’s natural collagen production.

Richer than a toner yet lighter than a serum, you can layer your skin’s hydration by gently pressing our Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence into the skin — an effective way to maximise the absorption of your next skincare steps. 

This dew-inducing formula is enriched with nutritious Sea Spring Water, delivering an instant hydration boost. It’s a lightweight, fast-absorbing, energising skin product, consistently plumping the complexion with Flash Filler Hyaluronic Acid.

Next, apply the Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum. This advanced firming serum is formulated with our Opal Skin Algae Complex to specifically target visible signs of collagen decline by improving skin elasticity and firmness.

In our clinical trials, this product was proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles^ in 4 days**, and 97% agreed that it left their skin brighter and more radiant.*

For the best results, apply it to your face and neck every morning and evening after cleansing or treatment and before moisturising.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2024, 30 people over four weeks.

⁺*Independent User Trials 2023, based on 118 people over four weeks. ^Refers to forehead wrinkles.

Finally, it’s time to complete your routine with the award-winning Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30. A two-time CEW UK Beauty Awards Winner for 2024, this daily anti-wrinkle moisturiser hydrates the skin while protecting it from environmental damage with the help of a broad-spectrum SPF. 

It visibly improves skin elasticity with the help of powerful marine and plant actives, leaving your complexion looking smoother and more youthful. Its lightweight, gel-cream texture glides effortlessly onto the skin for a silky-satin feel. With this in mind, it’s also an excellent base for makeup on all skin types. Clinically proven to deliver instant and 24-hour hydration*.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2021. Results based on 37 people over 4 weeks.