Esthetician Do’s and Don’ts: Anti-Aging
Collagen is an essential structural protein found naturally in the body, which is responsible for keeping the skin and body young and healthy. As we age, the body produces less collagen, leaving one vulnerable to the effects of aging like skin sagging and wrinkles. For a long time, we’ve been using animal-derived collagen to boost our collagen levels. It turns out, plant-based collagen is better.
Vegan collagen is made in a lab using vegetable and plant derivatives. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Amanda Doyle, “Vegan collagen is made by adding human genes that produce collagen to the microbial genetic structure, which leads to production of collagen components by the yeast or bacteria. A digestive enzyme called pepsin is also added to assist with placing the collagen components into actual collagen molecules.”
And it’s actually more effective than conventional collagen because its molecules are smaller, making it more able to penetrate the top layer of the skin.
Below, we explore the do’s and don’ts of using vegan collagen when it comes to anti-aging.
Do: Choose Vegan Collagen Over Animal-Based Collagen
While collagen is found in many anti-aging skincare products, it’s not as effective as people think. That’s because topical collagen has a large molecular weight, meaning it is too large to penetrate the skin. Nevertheless, it’s still an effective humectant which can moisturize the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
According to skincare experts though, vegan collagen is better at penetrating the skin thanks to its small molecular weight.
So if you’re looking to reap the benefits of topical collagen, always opt for plant-based collagen skincare products, as these offer more benefits.
Don’t: Wait too Long to Start Incorporating Vegan Collagen into Your Routine
Collagen production starts to decline at around the age of 25. From there, it decreases with each passing year. Regardless of your age, there’s no better time to start making vegan collagen a part of your skincare routine to keep your complexion tight and supple.
While it’s not as widespread as animal derived collagen, you will still be able to find plant-based collagen in different products like serums, creams, and cleansers. The sooner you start making it part of your routine, the sooner you’ll start addressing aging to keep your skin looking youthful.
Do: Mix Vegan Collagen with Vitamin C
Blending vegan collagen with antioxidants like vitamin C can boost the effects of the collagen in the skin.
“Whether taken internally or applied to the skin, antioxidants can reduce collagen breakdown by decreasing the amount of free radicals in the skin,” says dermatologist Gary Goldenberg.
Research even shows that vitamin C can support the production of collagen and maintain its stability.
Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner adds, “Vitamin C is a necessary co-factor for the production of healthy collagen, and without it, new collagen cannot be properly made.”
Don’t: Go Out Without Wearing Sun Protection
You already know it’s important, but did you know there’s a direct link between UV damage and collagen loss?
By exposing your skin to UV rays, you’re putting yourself at risk of DNA damage to the cells that make collagen. It also increases the production of free radicals which can actually damage collagen. To keep your skin and collagen levels healthy, make sure you always wear an SPF of at least 15 whenever you go outside. This is one of the easiest ways to prevent premature aging.
Be sure you’re also using a high-quality sunscreen so that you’re getting the best possible protection while outdoors. And if you’re acne prone, opt for a zinc-formulated sunscreen to keep breakouts at bay.
Do: Pay Attention to Percentages
Not all brands list the percentages of active ingredients on their products. However, it’s worth knowing what to look for when it comes to vegan collagen and other anti-aging ingredients like retinol.
“The higher the concentration, the stronger the skin will respond with visible shedding and redness,” explains Linda Blahr, National Head of Training and Science at SkinCeuticals. “But, it is just as important to note that this is exactly the reaction that we want for optimal results – it’s no irritation at all.”
She also adds, “a skin with no retinol experience should always start low (with 0.3%) and increase the level (to 0.5% and then 1%) with each bottle,” and that “1% is optimal for visible signs of ageing or photodamage.”
GET TRULY’S VEGAN COLLAGEN SKINCARE BUNDLE
If you’re interested in trying vegan collagen in your own skincare regimen, there’s no better way to start than by investing in Truly’s Vegan Collagen Bundle.
Inside it features a vegan collagen body cream, face mask, face cleanser, and face serum. All of these products contain between 0.5-1% vegan collagen and between 0.5-0.9% retinol. There’s also vitamin C in there too for a product boost.
The first vegan collagen line of its kind, you’ll be able to actively address and prevent visible signs of aging with regular use of these products. And a major bonus: they’re all clean, vegan, and cruelty-free!
Order your Vegan Collagen Skincare Bundle, $115, here.
When it comes to anti-aging, estheticians highly recommend vegan collagen as a topical skincare ingredient. It is clinically proven to be more effective when applied topically to the skin than animal collagen. That’s thanks to its smaller molecular weight which allows it to better penetrate the skin.
If you’re looking for an effective anti-aging skincare routine to follow, we highly recommend implementing vegan collagen skincare products like the ones in our vegan bundle. With regular use, you should see a significant difference in the appearance of your fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, you won’t gain any new ones when you make it part of your daily routine.
Aside from using it topically, you can also try ingestible plant-based collagen to help boost your body’s own natural collagen production. Consuming vegan collagen can be just as useful in making your skin look younger and plumper.
Try Truly’s Vegan Collagen Gummies to keep your skin looking young, fresh, and firm.
