Being diligent with sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from collagen degradation. UV radiation without protection can cause collagen to break down at a higher rate than normal. The formation of Advanced Glycation Products (AGEs) can be triggered by exposure to UV radiation and can accumulate in the skin over time. This accumulation of AGEs in the skin is a natural hallmark of aging as it alters the structure and function of collagen and elastin fibres. When these proteins become glycated and cross-linked, they can become stiff and brittle, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. Another way to provide an extra layer of defence is through incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine. Antioxidants, found in ingredients like vitamin C and E, help neutralise free radicals that can damage collagen.  

In addition to protection, there are also ways to actively stimulate collagen production. Across the Emma Lewisham range, we harness a plant-derived Human Tripeptide-1 to mimic the body’s own natural repair signals. Rather than causing damage to initiate repair, this intelligent peptide activates the skin’s innate regenerative processes, including the production of repair proteins like collagen. 

By effectively bio-hacking the skin’s reparative pathways, Human Tripeptide-1 helps strengthen the skin’s structural integrity, resulting in visibly firmer, smoother, and more resilient skin over time.