Collagen is a hot beauty buzzword especially when it comes to menopause. It's a fact that as we head through menopause, collagen levels start to decline rapidly - 30% of collagen will be lost in the first 5 years of menopause.
With so many skincare products available it can be hard to know what is truly going to deliver results and what is just hype. Here we separate fact from fiction and look at what is really going to help boost collagen levels in menopause for glowing, stronger, healthier skin.
WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body found in bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. Think of it like the glue or the scaffolding that holds skin cells together and makes them strong. It’s the structural protein responsible for skin’s elasticity and firmness, so when collagen levels start to decline rapidly in menopause, the impact on our skin is significant. Skin becomes thinner and drier and loses its radiance and ability to hold onto water. The skin barrier also becomes weaker which can make it more prone to irritation, sensitivity and inflammation. You will probably find that products that you have been using for years might not be working anymore for your changing skin needs. Knowing what skincare products can really help boost collagen production can go a long way to reversing these unwanted skin symptoms caused by menopause.
DO I NEED A SKINCARE PRODUCT TO CONTAIN ACTUAL COLLAGEN?
There is a whole host of skincare products available that contain collagen itself, which might seem like a good thing but do they actually work to increase collagen levels in the skin? The truth is no they don’t. Products that contain collagen will not have any impact on collagen levels in the skin because the collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the upper layer of your skin. Topically applied collagen will moisturise the skin but that is the extent of what it can do. It really is just marketing hype so don’t waste your money thinking that your collagen levels will increase as it just isn’t scientifically possible.
WHAT CAN I DO TO BOOST COLLAGEN LEVELS IN MENOPAUSE?
The good news is there is a lot that can be done to combat the effects of declining collagen on skin with both lifestyle changes and a great skincare regime designed to boost collagen production. The key is to choose products containing the right active ingredients. These superstar skincare ingredients are all proven to stimulate collagen levels in skin.
RETINOL. One of the best-known topical ingredients to stimulate collagen in our skin is retinol. Retinol reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (we prefer to call them laughter lines) by exfoliating your skin and increasing collagen production. Skin changes in menopause can cause skin to become dry and irritated which can prove challenging when using some retinol products. Living M Super A Retinol Sleep Cream has been formulated with encapsulated time-release retinol that is released slowly overnight working at a deeper level to rejuvenate skin cells for stronger, healthier skin that glows.
PEPTIDES. Peptides are intelligent skincare ingredients that are proven to preserve and boost collagen. There are multiple types of signal peptides which carry messages throughout our body. When these are applied topically to the skin, they trick our skin into thinking it needs to make more collagen and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin making our skin appear firmer and plumper. At Living M, we use a high percentage of signal peptides in our COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER.
RESVERATROL. Found in the skin of red grapes, this naturally occurring antioxidant and phytoestrogen has excellent benefits for menopausal skin. As well as hydrating, brightening and protecting skin’s natural barrier, resveratrol functions like oestrogen to maintain collagen and moisture levels for firmer, plumper skin and a dewy complexion. Living M COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER also features highly effective levels of this super ingredient.
NIACINAMIDE. Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is one of the most in demand skincare ingredients of the moment. It has so many benefits for menopausal skin, it’s hard to know where to start. As well as brightening skin, replenishing your moisture barrier, and soothing inflammation it also helps to boost collagen levels in the skin when used over time. LIVING M COLLAGEN BOOST MOISTURISER AND LIVING M QUENCH & SOOTH SERUM are both formulated with Niacinamide
For real skincare results, look for products containing an optimal level of active ingredients that are proven to stimulate collagen production rather than contain collagen and your menopausal skin will thank you for it.
