Your Anti Aging Skincare Products Might Have This Gross Animal Product In Them
When it comes to antiaging skincare, a few specific ingredients always tend to come up. One of those talked-about ingredients is collagen.
Collagen is a critical structural protein in the skin that's responsible for giving you a smooth, plump, youthful complexion. When collagen breaks down, our skin suffers the effects of aging - think fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, sagging, etc. In a bid to restore collagen, we try to get our hands on everything from collagen serums to lotions and supplements - anything to get our skin looking its glowing, vibrant self again.
While there are many collagen-infused skincare products, you probably don't know the full truth about collagen beauty products. It turns out, you might just have gross animal products in your collagen cleansers and eye creams.
WHAT'S *REALLY* IN COLLAGEN?
If you're committed to a vegan lifestyle, it might be time to reassess those moisturizers and face masks you use regularly. Because they might just be hiding animal byproducts.
Collagen is a protein derived from amino acids, such as arginine, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen skincare products are usually made from bovine connective tissue. In other words, it contains the bones and tendons of cows.
So if you're trying to avoid using animal-derived ingredients in favor of a cruelty-free lifestyle, you might want to reconsider slathering on collagen face creams or popping collagen supplements.
While these formulations are great for boosting hydration and elasticity in the skin, it means you're putting gross animal product on your face.
Fortunately, you don't have to succumb to the animal-derived version of collagen - because there's a plant-based version out there too. Here's everything you should know about vegan collagen and why you need to start looking for it in ingredients lists.
ANTI AGING SKINCARE CAN STILL BE VEGAN
Vegan skincare and cosmetic products are becoming increasingly popular, as more people prioritize a cruelty-free lifestyle. Even mainstream brands are using it in their formulations.
To sum up, vegan collagen is a protein produced through a plant fermentation process. While collagen is traditionally extracted from animals, vegan collagen mimics natural collagen and interact with skin cells to be easily absorbed by the body.
It is made under controlled conditions and delivers a high level of purity in comparison to animal derived collagen which causes transmission of pathogens and diseases. Vegan collagen is a safe and sustainable ingredient. Dermatologists say it's even more effective at penetrating the skin than its animal-based counterpart thanks to its smaller molecules.
Besides skincare, you'll also find vegan collagen in hair care products, nail polish, deodorants, and makeup, like mascara and eyeshadow.
No idea where to find vegan collagen skincare products? Get our Vegan Collagen Skincare Bundle featuring 4 head and body formulas made with high quality plant-based collagen.
OTHER VEGAN ANTIAGING SKINCARE INGREDIENTS
Vegan collagen is one of our favorites for its ability to penetrate the skin and provide antiaging benefits, but it's not the only ingredient that can do that - that's vegan. Here are some other alternatives to regular collagen for potent anti-aging benefits.
Retinol
You can easily take years off your appearance by adding a retinol skincare product into your routine. It's a well-known, well-loved ingredient for turning back the clock.
"Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that helps boost collagen production and aid in cell turnover," says New York City dermatologist, Dr. Shereene Idriss. "This results in more even, smoother skin and helps reduce the appearance of sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles."
Retinol also functions like an antioxidant to tackle free-radical damage, which leads to premature skin aging.
And the best part? It's 100% vegan. It just goes to show you that you really don't need to rely on animal products to get gorgeous skin!
Reap the clock-reversing benefits of retinol with Truly's Purple Rain Glow Serum.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and prevent sun-induced aging in the skin. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C assists in the skin's natural regeneration process. As a result, it helps your body repair damaged skin cells.
According to Dr. Patricia Wexler, a dermatologist in New York City, "Vitamin C promotes collagen production, which has the potential to thicken the dermis, diminish fine lines, and is essential for firm, youthful skin."
She also adds that, "vitamin C helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration."
Enjoy the anti-aging effects of vitamin C with Truly's Starface Jelly Sleep Mask.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that provides the skin with deep hydration and effectively treats dry skin. It's suitable for all skin types and is particularly useful for its antiaging effects.
“As a topical [product], as long as it is in the right formulation, it will make the skin appear more dewy and younger because it improves skin elasticity," explains Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, a dermatologist in New York City and the founder of Mariwalla Dermatology.
This hydrating ingredient can be found in numerous skin and hair products - cruelty-free products, that is! Unlike emollients which usually have a thick, creamy texture, humectants like HA has a watery texture - so it's perfect for moisturizing oily skin too. And PETA would definitely approve!
Take advantage of all the anti-aging benefits HA offers with Truly's Cream Skin Face Cream.
Don't Forget SPF!
Anyone seeking younger, clearer skin should be wearing sunscreen daily. It keeps the skin's natural collagen and elastin levels high. Plus, it prevents pigments forming on the skin - think dark spots and red marks. Just make sure you look out for vegan sunscreen - nothing with animal collagen in or any other gross animal products.
If you're dedicated to living a vegan, cruelty-free lifestyle avoid using beauty products that contain animal ingredients. Besides collagen, look out for names like lanolin, carmine, cochineal, tallow, squalene, keratin, and certain peptides.
Don't settle for products with gross animal ingredients in them!
