You've probably heard the word 'collagen' thrown around in skincareadverts, our serums are infused with it, it's mixed in with our moisturisers, but what actually is it? And what does it do for our skin? If you're keen to learn more about the biggest beauty buzzword, what it does and how to utilise it to achieve healthier skin, we've called on the best skin experts in the game to reveal everything you need to know. 

 

So, first thing's first: what on earth is collagen?

 

What is collagen?

 

“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and it's essential for building muscle and cell repair. It's a long, fibrous, structural protein - it's rope-like in appearance - that gives the skin strength and elasticity,” says Alexis Granite, dermatologist at Mallucci London.

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Often described as scaffolding for the skin, it acts like a trampoline providing a supportive base structure and giving us the 'boiiing' we need for bouncy, healthy-looking skin. Think plump, juicy skin.

 

With its fundamental face-perking credentials, it stands to the reason that beauty brands and consumers want in on the action with skincare that contains the ingredient and promises to give our skin added oomph.

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Where does collagen come from?

 

Collagen is not just an essential component of the skin, but it can also be found throughout the entire body. “There are at least 28 different types of collagen, but over 90% of the collagen in our bodies is type one. It's found in skin, tendons, blood vessels, organs and bones,” says Granite. Essentially, it works like glue to bind tissue together. Whenever we encounter damage in or on our body, collagen production is triggered within our cells to help repair and heal the wound.