Marine collagen and hyaluronic acid: the winning duo for radiant skin

To compensate for the decline in collagen and hyaluronic acid stocks from the age of 25 onwards, and especially from the age of 40 onwards, topping them up with with a collagen and/or hyaluronic acid supplement in capsule form can prove effective. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of these two courses of treatment.

The benefits of a course of collagen

• plumps the skin, giving it a firmer appearance

• softens the skin

• improves skin elasticity

• prevents and reduces wrinkles

• reduces superficial blemishes and scars

• promotes shiny, strong, healthy hair

The benefits of a course of hyaluronic acid

• improves skin elasticity (proven effectiveness after 3 months of taking Aroma-Zone Hyaluronic Acid Food Supplement)

• keeps skin supple and hydrated

• improves skin firmness

• reduces skin water loss

• reduces facial wrinkles, particularly around the eyes

To find out more about all the effects of a course of hyaluronic acid, read our article Hyaluronic Acid Food Supplement: the benefits.

Hyaluronic acid and collagen are both naturally present in our bodies.

Hyaluronic acid is a macromolecule found in the dermis, in the synovial fluid (which lubricates our joints) and in our eyes. This polysaccharide, a natural carbohydrate in the glycosaminoglycan family, is one of the main constituents of the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for the cohesion of our subcutaneous cells and acts as cellular 'cement'.

Collagen is a fibrous structural protein found in the skin, bones, hair, tendons, ligaments, muscles and blood vessels. It is one of the most abundant proteins in our bodies, forming the matrix of our connective tissues, including the skin, to which it gives volume and resistance. Collagen is responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Collagen also plays a role in intestinal comfort and the proper functioning of our brain!

Hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin and proteoglycans form an assembly that forms the support tissue of the skin and many other tissues.

This question often comes up when we're trying to look after our skin. It's important to understand that these two elements, although distinct in their function, play complementary roles in maintaining the skin's youthfulness and health. Collagen, with its fibrous structure, keeps the skin firm and elastic, while hyaluronic acid is essential for locking in hydration by capturing and retaining water in skin tissue. Rather than picking between them, it is entirely possible and even beneficial to combine them.

Combining hyaluronic acid and collagen provides a comprehensive and effective response to maintaining the skin's youthful appearance. Whether in the form of food supplements or cosmetics, hyaluronic acid and collagen simultaneously target multiple skin ageing factors. In the form of courses of treatment, they work in combination to lock water in the tissues and therefore provide good skin hydration, and promote elasticity and cell regeneration.

Ideally, you should incorporate hyaluronic acid and collagen into your daily routine or as part of a course of treatment, combining skincare and supplementation with hyaluronic acid and collagen in tablet form. Hyaluronic acid and collagen can be used in a variety of ways to optimise their benefits. Whether in creams, capsules, serums or other cosmetic formulations, these two active ingredients can be incorporated into your skincare routine in a variety of ways. Each form of use offers its own benefits and can suit specific skin needs. Read on to discover the different options for taking full advantage of the benefits of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Cosmetic Active Ingredient: Vegan Collagen Peptides

Composed of plant-based amino acids, this active ingredient replicates the effects of collagen on the skin. It improves hydration and strengthens skin density while limiting water loss. Ideal for dry skin seeking comfort and for mature skin looking to reduce the signs of aging, it can be added to your DIY face and body care products, or used as a booster in the Youth Cream or Hydrating Cream.

Discover the Vegan Collagen Peptides Cosmetic Active Ingredient

By combining these two supplements, you can effectively support your skin's health and appearance from the inside out, providing it with the essential nutrients it needs to maintain its vitality.

Despite its many benefits for the skin, hyaluronic acid can have certain disadvantages and contraindications that need to be taken into account. In some people, topical application of hyaluronic acid can cause undesirable skin reactions, such as redness, itching or irritation. In addition, in sensitive individuals, the use of hyaluronic acid can lead to increased sensitivity to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. It is difficult to ascertain whether the culprit is the hyaluronic acid or another substance contained in the products, such as oils. What's more, everyone's skin is unique and reacts differently. That's why you should always carry out a skin test before using a product for the first time.

In addition, although hyaluronic acid is generally considered safe when used correctly, there are some contraindications to its use. People with a history of allergies to hyaluronic acid or similar substances should avoid using it to prevent serious allergic reactions. Similarly, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before starting any hyaluronic acid-based treatment, as the effects of hyaluronic acid on pregnancy and breastfeeding are not fully known.

Finally, it is important to note that injectable hyaluronic acid, which is often used in cosmetics for wrinkle-filling injections, can cause more serious side effects (although these are very rare), such as swelling, redness, bruising or infection at the injection site. These side effects are usually temporary, but it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional to ensure that any hyaluronic acid injection procedure is safe and effective.

There is no plant collagen in the form of food supplements, as collagen is a protein found only in animals. For vegans, however, there are plant collagen boosters or the option of eating foods rich in vitamin C, fatty acids, zinc, selenium and sulphur, or antioxidants to promote collagen synthesis and protect the collagen fibres already present in the body.

For vegetarians, there is a new source of collagen based on eggshells.

The main sources of collagen in capsules or powder form are mainly derived from bovine bones or fish and shellfish cartilage (marine collagen). So always be very careful about the quality, traceability and dosage of your collagen food supplements, to avoid, for example, a concentration of heavy metals that could be harmful to your health.

There are few contraindications to collagen supplements. Follow the dosages recommended by the manufacturer of your food supplement. Seek your doctor's advice before starting your course of supplements if you suffer from a particular pathology (particularly kidney failure), if you have allergies (particularly to seafood, in which case avoid marine collagen) or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Hyaluronic acid is a highly versatile active ingredient! In cosmetic form, it can be combined with numerous active ingredients and reinforce their effects while promoting skin hydration.

As Orianne, Formulation Manager at Aroma-Zone, points out, our Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate is the only one that can be combined with all the other serums in our range. As step one, you can apply the Facial Serum suited to your specific skin problem (e.g. Vitamin C 10% & Astaxanthin Serum Concentrate or 10% Nicotinamide, Copper & Zinc Serum Concentrate) and then apply the Hyaluronic Acid Serum Concentrate as step two to rehydrate and plump the skin. Finally, you can finish your routine with a moisturising face cream or a facial oil suited to your skin type.

Passionate about plants and their properties, she started her career as a perfumer before moving to the world of natural beauty and aromatherapy over 10 years ago. Lucie supports ethical and committed brands with strategy development, product formulation and expert advice for their customers. She has worked with the Aroma-Zone team on several books, including "Le grand guide de l'Aromathérapie et des cosmétiques naturels" ("The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Cosmetics"). She also has years of training in aromatherapy, herbalism and essential oil distillation, and supports the work of French plant growers.