What is Collagen?
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and bouncy, and from our mid-20s we gradually make less of it. That is why collagen skincare is so popular for fine lines and loss of firmness.
Here is an honest look at what collagen in skincare does, the different types you will see, and how to build a routine around it.
Quick facts about Collagen
| What is it? | The main structural protein in skin |
|---|---|
| What it does | In skincare: hydrates, plumps and smooths the look of fine lines; amino acids support firmness |
| Best for | Dryness, fine lines and loss of firmness |
| Pairs well with | Vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol |
| When to use | Morning and evening |
| Our top pick | Dr H Marine Collagen Facial Serum |
Key benefits at a glance
- Deep, film-forming hydration
- Plumps the look of fine lines
- Supports skin's firmness and bounce
- Smooths and softens skin texture
- Pairs well with almost every active
- Comfortable for dry and mature skin
What is collagen?
Collagen makes up around three quarters of the skin's dry weight. It forms the scaffolding that keeps skin firm and smooth. Sun exposure, pollution and natural aging all reduce how much collagen we have, leading to fine lines and loss of firmness.
Whole collagen molecules are too large to sink deep into skin. On the surface, though, they are excellent hydrators that form a smoothing, moisture-holding film. Smaller fragments, such as hydrolyzed collagen and collagen amino acids, give skin the building blocks it uses to support its own firmness.
Types of collagen in skincare
| Type | Where it comes from | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Soluble collagen | Marine or animal sources | Forms a plumping, hydrating layer that smooths the look of lines |
| Marine collagen | Fish skin or scales | Lightweight, hydrating and smoothing |
| Hydrolyzed collagen / collagen amino acids | Broken-down collagen | Smaller pieces that support moisture and firmness |
| Vegan collagen | Plant-based or biotech | Mimics collagen's hydrating benefits without animal ingredients |
Benefits of collagen for skin
Plumper-looking skin
Collagen holds water at the surface, softening the look of fine lines straight away.
Firmness support
Collagen amino acids give skin the building blocks it needs to support its own bounce.
Smoother texture
The soft, film-forming finish leaves skin feeling silky and looking refined.
How to boost your collagen
Collagen skincare works best as part of a routine that also helps protect and support your skin's own collagen:
- Vitamin C helps skin make collagen and defends it from environmental stress.
- Peptides signal skin to support its collagen.
- Retinol encourages renewal for firmer-looking skin.
- SPF is the most important step, since UV is one of the biggest causes of collagen loss.
- Cleanser
- Vitamin C or collagen serum
- Collagen eye treatment
- Collagen moisturizer
- SPF 30+ in the morning
Side effects and precautions
Collagen is very gentle and suitable for most skin types. Marine collagen comes from fish, so avoid it if you have a fish allergy or prefer vegan skincare. Patch test new products first.
How long until you see results?
| Timeline | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately | Skin looks smoother and feels hydrated |
| Week 4 | Fine lines look softer, skin feels bouncier |
| Week 8+ | Firmer-looking skin with continued use, especially paired with vitamin C and SPF |
Frequently asked questions
Can collagen creams replace lost collagen?
Collagen molecules mostly work on the surface, hydrating and smoothing. To support your own collagen, pair them with vitamin C, peptides, retinol and SPF.
What is marine collagen?
Collagen sourced from fish. It is lightweight and hydrating.
Is collagen skincare vegan?
Not always. Marine collagen is not vegan; look for products labeled vegan collagen.
Can I use collagen with retinol?
Yes. Collagen's hydration helps balance retinol's dryness.
Should I take collagen supplements too?
That is a personal choice, and you should talk to your doctor. Topical collagen focuses on hydration and smoothing.
Shop Collagen
- Marine Collagen Facial Serum: Marine collagen amino acids with vitamin C and vitamin E, a smart pairing that hydrates while supporting firmness.
- Marine Collagen Day Moisturiser: A daily cream with collagen amino acids and hyaluronic acid for bouncier, more hydrated skin.
- Marine Collagen Night Moisturiser: A rich overnight cream with marine collagen, so skin looks plumper and more rested by morning.
- Marine Collagen Eye Serum 15ml: Soluble collagen and hyaluronic acid for the eye area, to firm and depuff.
- Collagen Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Treatment 15ml: An advanced eye treatment that pairs collagen with vitamin C for smoother, brighter-looking eyes.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always patch test new skincare, and speak to your doctor or dermatologist about any skin concerns.