22/08/2026
🧬 SCIENCE-Y SATURDAY
Everyone wants more collagen… but what actually IS it?
Collagen gets thrown around in the beauty industry constantly — collagen creams, collagen drinks, collagen facials, collagen supplements…
But your skin doesn't simply see collagen in a product and think, “Lovely, I'll pop that straight into my dermis.” 😂
So let's look at the actual science.
🔬 Collagen is a structural protein found within the extracellular matrix of the dermis.
It's produced primarily by cells called fibroblasts and provides strength and structural support to your skin.
Alongside elastin, which contributes to elasticity, and glycosaminoglycans such as hyaluronic acid, which help maintain hydration, collagen forms part of the framework responsible for that firm, plump appearance we associate with younger skin.
Unfortunately, we don't keep producing it at the same rate forever.
As we age, collagen synthesis gradually reduces and existing collagen fibres can become increasingly fragmented and disorganised.
Then add in extrinsic factors such as:
☀️ UV exposure
🚬 Smoking
🍬 Glycation from excess sugars
😴 Poor sleep
🍷 Lifestyle factors
🌍 Environmental oxidative stress
…and collagen degradation can be accelerated further.
So what can professional skin treatments actually do?
This is where treatments such as microneedling become interesting. 🧬
Controlled micro-injury initiates the skin's natural wound-healing response. This involves signalling molecules and growth factors, fibroblast activity and, during the proliferation and remodelling phases, the production and organisation of new extracellular matrix components including collagen.
In other words…
I'm not putting collagen into your face.
I'm creating a controlled stimulus that encourages your own skin to do the work. 🙌
And that's why genuine skin rejuvenation isn't instant.
Collagen remodelling takes time.
That beautiful glow immediately after a treatment is lovely — but when we're working on long-term skin quality, the really interesting stuff is happening underneath.
This is also why I recommend treatment plans rather than random one-off appointments when we're trying to achieve a specific skin goal.
Good skin isn't about chasing the latest buzzword.
It's about understanding the biology, choosing the appropriate treatment and giving your skin time to respond. 🧬🐚
Ocean Pearl Beauty
Glow like the tide, shine like a pearl.
