As the most abundant protein in our bodies, collagen is essential for keeping our skin, hair, bones, muscles and connective tissues strong and healthy.

Naturally produced and synthesised by our bodies when we consume amino acids and minerals through our diet, collagen levels remain high right throughout adolescence. But the truth is, collagen begins to naturally decline as early as our 20s—and during the first five years of menopause, it’s estimated that women lose as much as 30% of their total collagen stores. Not only that, but as we age, our ability to produce collagen also dramatically slows.

In terms of how this impacts our skin, unfortunately, as the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm, plump and well-hydrated—as our collagen levels begin to decline, it’s common for the impacts of skin ageing to take hold. Fine lines, deeper wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hydration as well as slower skin repair and wound healing can all be due to a lack of collagen.

While there has been a swell of interest in collagen powders and ingestible supplements—the truth is that this area of science is still evolving—and while there’s certainly no harm in supporting your inner wellbeing with ingestible collagen support, for truly skin-transformative effects, science has a better way: topical peptides.

Proven to support collagen synthesis and importantly, help prevent collagen degradation—peptides are proteins which act as building blocks, signalling to the body’s cells to up and down regulate various cellular functions. They work by stimulating fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production—as well as enhancing skin cell proliferation, decrease skin inflammation and improving overall skin integrity—by fortifying the skin’s natural barrier function.

The result? Skin looks firmer and more youthful due to improved skin elasticity and hydration.