What is collagen in skincare?
Collagen is the structural protein that makes up roughly three-quarters of the skin’s dry weight. It forms the scaffolding in the dermis that keeps skin firm, thick and resilient, and production begins declining from the mid-twenties.
In products it appears either as hydrolysed collagen – broken into smaller peptides – or as an oral supplement. Whole collagen molecules are far too large to cross the skin barrier, so topical collagen works as a humectant and film-former rather than by replacing what you have lost.
What skin concerns does collagen treat?
Applied topically, hydrolysed collagen hydrates the surface and temporarily plumps fine lines, improving smoothness and how skin reflects light.
Taken orally the evidence is stronger: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials found hydrolysed collagen supplementation improved skin hydration and elasticity, with most studies running eight to twelve weeks.
What ingredients are best paired with collagen?
Vitamin C is the essential partner, because it is a required cofactor for the enzymes that cross-link collagen – without it, your body cannot build collagen regardless of intake.
Retinoids and peptides stimulate fibroblasts to produce more of their own, which does more for firmness than any collagen you apply. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and daily SPF protect what is already there. Take our Skin Quiz.
What is hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is acne whose timing and pattern track with hormonal activity rather than with cleansing habits or diet alone. It typically appears along the lower face – jawline, chin and upper neck – as deep, tender papules and cysts that flare on a predictable cycle.
It is most recognisable in adult women, where breakouts often arrive in the week before menstruation and settle again afterwards.
What causes hormonal acne?
Androgens – testosterone and DHT in particular – bind to receptors on the sebaceous gland and increase sebum production. When androgen activity rises or oestrogen falls, oil output climbs and follicles clog more readily.
Menstrual cycles, starting or stopping contraception, pregnancy, perimenopause and PCOS are the usual contexts. Stress raises cortisol, which amplifies the same pathway. Persistent hormonal acne with irregular cycles or excess hair growth is worth investigating medically.
What ingredients are best for hormonal acne?
Retinoids are the most effective topical, because they stop the plug forming regardless of how much oil is being produced. Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and the marks that follow, and niacinamide helps regulate sebum.
Salicylic acid keeps pores clear between flares, and benzoyl peroxide targets bacteria in inflamed lesions. Because hormonal acne is driven from the inside, topicals manage rather than cure it – consistency across the whole cycle beats spot-treating during a flare. Take our Skin Quiz.
