Collagen

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that runs through the dermis like a network of strong fibres. It makes up around three quarters of the skin’s dry weight and keeps it firm, smooth and elastic. From around your mid-twenties, the body produces a little less collagen each year; UV radiation, smoking and stress accelerate its breakdown. The result is fine lines, wrinkles and declining firmness.

In cosmetics, collagen is usually obtained from fish or plant sources. On the INCI list it appears as Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Collagen or, in very small fragments, as collagen peptides.

How does collagen work on the skin?

Good to know: collagen from creams doesn’t simply integrate into the skin’s own collagen network – the molecules are too large for that. It works mainly on the surface:

• Hydration: Collagen binds water and forms a fine, smoothing film.
• Instant effect: Skin looks plumper, fresher and more even – ideal before events.
• Small fragments: Hydrolysed collagen and collagen peptides are smaller and can act as messengers that support the skin’s own collagen production.

If you want to specifically stimulate your own collagen production, combine collagen with ingredients such as peptides, retinol, vitamin C or PDRN.

Which skin types is collagen suitable for?

• mature skin with first wrinkles and declining firmness – see Anti-ageing skincare
• dry and tired skin that needs a quick hydration boost
• all skin types before special occasions, for example as an overnight mask

Collagen is very well tolerated. If you have a fish allergy or prefer vegan skincare, check the source and choose plant-based or biotechnologically produced collagen.

How to use collagen

1. After cleansing, apply a toner or toner pads with collagen.
2. Work in a collagen serum or ampoule.
3. Finish with a collagen cream – or use an overnight collagen mask once or twice a week.

You can use collagen morning and evening. The instant effect is visible straight away; for visibly firmer skin you need regular care over several weeks.

What can you combine collagen with?

• Peptides stimulate the skin’s own collagen production
• PDRN supports regeneration – a favourite duo in K-beauty
• Vitamin C is essential for the body’s own collagen production
• Hyaluronic acid for extra hydration
• Retinol for more firmness in the long term

Collagen in Korean skincare

Collagen is currently booming in K-beauty. The Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask became famous as a hydrogel mask that turns transparent overnight. There are also collagen toner pads, gel creams, eye patches and combinations with PDRN from brands such as medicube, Medi-Peel or Abib. Our Korean collagen skincare collection has more than 300 products.

What does the research say?

The importance of collagen for firm, elastic skin is undisputed. For topically applied collagen, however, large collagen molecules act mainly as moisturisers and film-formers. Smaller fragments and collagen peptides, on the other hand, can act as signalling molecules. If you want to tackle wrinkles in the long term, it’s best to combine collagen with well-studied ingredients such as retinol, peptides and daily sun protection.