Whatever your age, using this clever ingredient every day will give your skin a much-needed beauty boost. We asked DEBORAH MITCHELL, celebrity facialist and founder of Heaven Skincare, to explain why collagen is so important.

You know when you’re younger and your skin just seems to have a natural glow? Before wrinkles appear and things start heading south, your complexion is more hydrated and firmer. It’s why it looks healthy and feels taut … and it’s all thanks to collagen.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN?

It’s the most abundant protein our bodies produce and plays a vital role in the structure and function of our skin, bones and connective tissue. Think of it as the glue that helps our body maintain its firmness as it binds tissues and cells together.

As we age, the amount of collagen we produce diminishes. In fact, by the time we’re 50 we’ve already lost up to a third of it, and as our cell structures weaken, skin starts to sag, it becomes thinner and loses that lovely, youthful elasticity. 

HOW CAN WE INCREASE OUR INTAKE?

Including certain foods in your diet can help boost these natural building blocks, while high-protein options often contain the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. Bone broth, for example, contains a bio-available form that your body can start to benefit from straight away, while marine collagen – found in fish and shellfish bones and ligaments – is thought to be easily absorbed.

Studies show that vitamin C actually enhances collagen synthesis for an anti-ageing effect. So ensuring you’re taking enough – whether through foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes or in your skincare products – is key.

DID YOU KNOW?

The effects that collagen can have on our skin are well documented. But did you know it’s great for boosting your crowning glory too? Research reveals that while it gets to work making our joints healthy and giving our skin its elasticity, its magical powers help promote strong hair.

This is because it acts as an antioxidant, protecting against the negative effects caused by free radicals. As well as damaging our skin, these free radicals can damage our hair follicles as well, so by including collagen in your daily routine you can boost hair volume, growth and regeneration.

AND IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT

Up your collagen intake! It keeps you fuller for longer and helps suppress your appetite – a recent clinical trial found those taking collagen experienced a reduced appetite and consumed 20% less than those who took other types of protein.

Heaven Skincare By Deborah Mitchell has a range of collagen-boosting products, including the award-winning Collagen Drops and the new Collagen Face & Body Mist. You can shop online here – Collagen Drops Small & Large – Products (heavenskincare.com)