Collagen, Elastin and Hyaluronic Acid – Why are they essential for Skincare?

In the ever-expansive skincare world, we are met constantly with so many new ingredients, formulas and results for the skin. However, because we always chase the latest and buzz-worthy ingredients, we often forget about the foundation. The building block of ingredients and functions that provides our skin with the barrier-boosting, skin-enhancing and radiance-inducing benefits that we fundamentally need. 

That is where proteins and molecules such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid come into play - the building block for the plumping, strengthening, hydrating, and supporting skin components.

What Is Collagen? 

Your skin comprises of three layers (epidermis - top layer, dermis - middle layer and hypodermis - bottom layer), and within the dermis, this is where collagen and elastin can be found. Made from an abundance of amino acids, these proteins help to maintain the strength of the skin’s cells alongside connecting and supporting the skin’s tissue (consider collagen like the glue that binds your skin together). However, like most natural ailments, as our skin ages, collagen naturally decreases, meaning in terms of stats, we lose around 1% of its function each year. Collagen loss can be down to environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, environmental pollution and UV radiation - making our skin appear older, sagging, producing premature fine lines and losing tensity in the skin.

What Is Elastin?

Much like collagen, elastin is another amino acid found in the dermis and is responsible for the structure of our skin’s cells and the overall stretch and plumpness of the face. Elastin also depreciates as we age, but this can also be significantly propelled by factors such as sun exposure, stress, genetics or age-related concerns. 

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

It is not a new ingredient to skincare but a fundamental one - hyaluronic acid. This carbohydrate molecule naturally occurs in the body and is a powerhouse ingredient known for holding up to 1000x its weight in water, the ultimate skin hydrator. Your skin can often become dehydrated, and hyaluronic acid steps in and boosts skin’s moisture to soothe and prevent further moisture loss. Like a sponge, it sits on the skin and draws in moisture before absorbing it into the dermis and boosting the skin’s hydration and moisture levels. The result? A hydrated and plump complexion.

The Fundamental Trio In Skincare

So what benefits do you find that collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid have in skincare - everything! They are the fundamental building block for any routine that helps to promote the health, strength and balance of the complexion, regardless of skin concern or skin type. By boosting and stimulating the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, it will help to keep the skin firm, supple and youthful in appearance. The most effective way of boosting your collagen, elastin and hydration levels is by introducing LED technology through the Boost LED Face Mask. Unlike skincare products, whose molecules are too big for absorption, LED red light emits wavelengths absorbed 8-10mm into the skin. The technology stimulates your skin’s responses into producing collagen and elastin, which in essence revitalises and firms the skin over time. 

Similarly, implementing hyaluronic acid will help to intensely hydrate the skin, building its resilience and strength whilst promoting a healthy, plump, and radiant complexion. Introduced as a product form, such as the Everyday Hydrating Peptide Serum that is infused with fixate technology to encourage moisture retention, as well as niacinamide and sorbitol to hydrate the deepest layers of the skin. For advanced results, boost your mask experience by layering the Hydrogel Face Mask, formulated with hydrolysed collagen, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, underneath your Boost LED mask to help calm and plump the skin. 

So, whilst the industry seems to be producing new skincare ingredients, it is essential not to forget about the fundamental ingredients that continue to support and fortify the complexion. Take a step back and invest in the ingredients that stand the test of time.