The word collagen has been thrown around for years in the skincare community, being hailed as the holy grail of skincare. In recent years, however, those who are on the cutting edge of skincare ingredients are getting more excited about a compound that may sound familiar, but for a very different reason: colostrum.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is one of two vital proteins used as a structural compound in the skin, which promotes skin elasticity and firmness. When collagen breaks down or naturally decreases through aging, lines and wrinkles can form in the skin, which is why collagen is so frequently talked about in anti-aging skincare products.
Benefits of Collagen
Collagen is essential for maintaining the skin’s structure, elasticity, and firmness. As a natural protein found in the body, it plays a crucial role in maintaining smooth, resilient, and youthful-looking skin. When supported through high-quality skincare ingredients or supplements, collagen can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and promote a plumper, more hydrated-looking complexion over time.
Studies have shown that many ingredients used in skincare products, such as retinol, amino acids, peptides, and antioxidants, can help support the body's natural collagen production and mitigate the signs of aging. These are popular ingredients, but there might be one you haven’t heard about: colostrum.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the term for breast milk produced shortly after giving birth for several days. We know - not exactly anyone’s first thought when it comes to skincare - but this substance is jam-packed with growth factors, immune system boosters, and other compounds that newborns need and benefit from greatly. And just to put your mind at ease, all the colostrum we source for our products comes from humanely treated cows, not humans.
Bovine colostrum promotes superior nutritional value during an infant's first days. Colostrum supplements encourage gut health, immune health, digestive health, and many other health benefits for newborn children (and calves). When added to skincare products, it promotes the appearance of healthy-looking, beautiful skin.
Benefits of Colostrum
Colostrum offers a rich blend of growth factors, proteins, and nutrients that help nourish the skin. When applied topically, it supports the skin’s natural barrier, delivers superior hydration, and helps reduce visible signs of stress or irritation. Especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or mature skin, colostrum-infused products can promote a healthier-looking, more radiant complexion.
Collagen vs. Colostrum
When comparing colostrum and collagen, there’s not a direct correlation between them, but their popularity in skincare and as a nutritional supplement is comparable. Collagen is abundant in the human body at all times and provides structure and support not just for skin health, but also for essential bodily functions. It is vital for joint health, provides cushioning between bones, and is the building block for skin, cartilage, bones, muscles, and tendons. Colostrum, on the other hand, is only present in the body during pregnancy and stops being produced shortly after delivery. It is the first line of defense for newborns against illness with antibodies and is known to help with establishing the gut microbiome of infants. When ingested, collagen supplements may help with joint and skin health, while bovine colostrum supplements may help with gut health, the immune system, and muscle recovery. Although many people swear by the benefits of supplements and research is ongoing, there is limited evidence to support any of these claims. Furthermore, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so you might not be getting what you hope for by taking them.
Skincare is a reliable option for these ingredients and offers benefits when applied to your skin. In a way, colostrum and collagen are two parts of a skin-enhancing process. Despite what one might think, applying collagen directly to the skin does not create more collagen. Instead, its larger molecular size is great at providing humectant and moisturizing properties. Collagen skin care products utilize hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken-down collagen, to help the product absorb onto the skin's surface more easily. Its film-forming properties also help reduce water evaporation from the skin. These three actions of attracting water, hydrating, and mildly occluding are important to nourished-looking skin. Maintaining a moisturized skin barrier results in less visible lines and wrinkles and less sensitized, dry, and dehydrated-looking skin.
Bovine colostrum is known to visibly help the skin look better.. Colostrum is composed of hyaluronic acid, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, growth factors, and telomerase enzymes. The combination of which is a multifunctional skin supportive ingredient that is known for its nutritive and hydrating properties. It is perfect for those individuals who are concerned with the signs of aging, dehydrated-looking skin, and even those who are experiencing breakouts.
What Ages Should I Use Collagen and Colostrum Products?
Collagen and colostrum can be incorporated into your skincare routine at different stages, depending on your skin’s needs. In your mid-to-late 20s and beyond, collagen-supporting products are ideal for proactively maintaining the skin before the visible signs of aging become more pronounced. Colostrum can be beneficial at any age, especially for those experiencing dryness, sensitivity, or a compromised skin barrier due to stress, environmental factors, or seasonal changes.
Our Collagen and Colostrum Products
Epicuren’s Metadermabolic® Protein Enzyme Complex is a proprietary blend of B-vitamins, collagen, and elastin that enhances skin luminosity and moisture. This protein with intelligence can be found throughout the line in the form of serums and moisturizers. We recommend the Metadermabolic® Protein Enzyme Trio Kit. With over 30 years of developmental research behind it, this 3-Step System works in unison for an energized and brighter looking complexion.
Smooth on Skin Rejuvenation Therapy Moisturizing Cream or Evening Emulsion Enzyme Moisturizer afterwards. Both, enriched with the Metadermabolic® Protein Enzyme Complex, effectively quench dry skin and help skin appear refined.
Two of our most popular products are our Colostrum Luminous Glow Cream and Colostrum Hydrating Mist. This hydrating Colostrum Duo is ideal for visibly dry and dehydrated skin. The nourishing feeling of Colostrum Luminous Glow Cream leaves a dewy finish that feels bouncy morning til night. Colostrum Hydrating Mist is a weightless hydrator that can be used before moisturizer and after applying makeup. Use this throughout the day to freshen up parched skin as well.
High Quality Skincare by Epicuren Discovery
If you’re looking for the best, most potent ingredients to power your skincare routine, look no further. We use decades of pharmaceutical skincare research to design our products with natural ingredients and cruelty-free sources. Find products tailored to your unique skin type and concern by taking our Skin Quiz today.
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