Glow from Within: The Skincare Benefits of Seaweed and Collagen

In the pursuit of healthy, glowing skin, few skincare combinations work as well together as collagen and seaweed. Our unique, seaweed-based formulations not only deliver visible results for healthier skin - they also support your skin’s natural collagen production.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up around 30% of its total protein content. It serves as a fundamental building block for skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. The main role of collagen is to provide structure, strength and support throughout the body.

Are There Different Types of Collagen?

There are around 28 different types of collagen in the body, each with slightly different structures and roles. 

Here’s a quick look at the five main types of collagen and what they do:

• Type I – This is the most common type, making up about 90% of the collagen in your body. It’s tightly packed and provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

• Type II – Found in elastic cartilage, this type helps cushion and support your joints.

• Type III – This type supports the structure of muscles, arteries, and internal organs.

• Type IV – Found in the deeper layers of your skin, it plays a role in filtration and support.

• Type V – Present in the cornea of your eyes, certain layers of skin and hair.

Why Collagen Matters for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Collagen forms the structural foundation of our skin, it gives skin its strength, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, collagen production naturally slows down, usually beginning in our mid-twenties, which can lead to visible signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of volume. Maintaining collagen isn’t just about youthful looks, it’s about supporting the skin’s resilience and long-term health.

How Can Collagen Help the Skin?

Boosting collagen levels helps:

• Improve skin elasticity and firmness

• Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

• Increase skin hydration and plumpness

• Enhance overall skin tone and texture

How Does Seaweed Support Collagen in the Skin?

1. Stimulates Natural Collagen Production

Seaweed that’s rich in a natural compound called fucoidan has been shown to help boost your skin’s collagen production - an essential part of how our skin repairs and renews itself. Around 90% of the protein in your skin is made up of type 1 collagen, especially in the dermis layer, which is where most of your skin’s structure is formed. But when your body starts making less collagen, dropping by about 1-2% each year, a natural enzyme called collagenase breaks it down even faster. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and less elasticity. The seaweed we hand-harvest from the mineral-rich waters of the Hebrides contains powerful natural compounds that help block this enzyme, supporting higher collagen levels and helping to keep your skin looking firm, smooth, and youthful.

2. Protects Existing Collagen

Seaweed is full of antioxidants like polyphenols and carotenoids that neutralise free radicals, which are one of the main causes of collagen breakdown. By shielding your skin from oxidative stress, seaweed helps preserve the integrity of your existing collagen.

3. Hydrates and Nourishes

Hydrated skin is healthy skin - and healthy skin produces collagen more efficiently. The natural polysaccharides in seaweed, such as alginates and laminarin, deeply hydrate the skin and form a protective barrier, helping to lock in moisture and nutrients.

Collagen and seaweed are a powerful duo; one strengthens from within, the other amplifies the process naturally. With ishga’s organic skincare, you’re not just caring for your skin, you’re transforming and protecting it for the future.

Shop ishga, packed with the power of collagen-boosting Hebridean seaweed here.