One of our most complex “ready to use” products, our let’s make collagen serum does much more than promote collagen synthesis. Use it to prevent skin aging, decrease wrinkles, increase elasticity, decrease acne scars, decrease stretch marks, etc. Complement our collagen serum with Vitamin A cream (use at night). Both products will work well for any type of skin.
Collagen fibers give the skin resistance to strain and traction. Collagen constitutes about 70% of skin mass, but total collagen decreases about 1% per year. It may look like a small decline, but in such a major component of the skin it will affect skin volume and its physical properties. Also, aging changes collagen structure: what was an organized pattern in young skin, in older skin become thick fibrils assembled in disorganized bundles. It is not only quantity, then, it is also quality. We know that aging decreases skin thickness and elasticity, and it is likely that collagen is a good part of the solution. If we care about slowing down and reversing skin aging, we should care about collagen too.
Because collagen is such a major constituent of the skin, the objective should be to stimulate its synthesis, and preserve the collagen protein in an active, organized structure. Chemically, we want to prevent glycation, the attachment of sugar moieties to the protein amino acids, a modification that affects protein function.
The fibroblasts are the main cells in the dermis, they specialize in producing two types of proteins, collagen and elastin, which are a major part of the extra-cellular matrix. Collagen is synthesized by fibroblasts, initially as procollagen alpha chains on membrane-bound ribosomes. The alpha chains then interact to form a triple-helical molecule after hydroxylation of proline and lysine amino acids. Stability is further enhanced by disulfide cross-linking. The procollagen is then packaged into secretory vesicles that move to the cell surface. At the cell membrane procollagen peptidases cleave the procollagen into collagen.
Collagen is a structural, long-lived protein. Even if synthesis decreases, the total content may not decrease, it will depend on how much collagen was hydrolyzed by protease action. Proteolysis is not bad in itself, it is good for the skin to eliminate proteins whose structure and properties have been modified beyond usefulness.
Skin aging means, mostly, photoaging. To see the net effect of UV on skin aging, compare the outside of your arm with the underside, a skin area you don't usually expose to the sun. UV radiation increases the synthesis of proteases, including collagenase, and this is likely to be a reason why collagen decreases after UV irradiation. Natural aging decreases collagen synthesis and increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, whereas photoaging results in an increase of collagen synthesis and greater matrix metalloproteinase expression in human skin in vivo. Thus, the balance between collagen synthesis and degradation leading to collagen deficiency is different in photoaged and naturally aged skin. A good part of the changes in collagen related to aging seem to be associated with decreased levels of estrogen.
What’s in our let’s make collagen serum?
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, a stable form of Vitamin C, a vitamin necessary to synthesize collagen in the step of hydroxylation of amino acid proline. Scurvy, a syndrome of vitamin C deficiency, is related to defective collagen synthesis.
L-carnosine: prevents cross-linking of collagen, one of the causes of wrinkles and loss of elasticity brought about by aging and exposure to UV (sunlight).
Natural active peptides: collagen peptides (obtained by hydrolysis of fish collagen) will supply your skin with amino acids that will be used in collagen synthesis. This is one of the few animal derived actives we have; plants don’t make collagen, so “phytocollagen”, a marketing invention, does not exist.
Boswellia serrata promotes collagen synthesis and is also an inhibitor of elastase (protease) and hyaluronidase (breaks down hyaluronic acid), a real life preserver for the dermal matrix.
Centella asiatica stimulates scar maturation by increasing synthesis of type I collagen.
N-acetyl glucosamine increases collagen synthesis
Betulinic acid stimulates collagen synthesis and actively inhibits the enzyme elastase to prevent/correct the loss of elastic fibers responsible for skin suppleness.
Green tea EGCG: shown to prevent collagen glycation in the vascular system, not in skin, but you never know....
Horse chestnut's Escin is the active chemical in this extract responsible for many of its medicinal properties; escin inhibits elastase and hyaluronidase, preserving the structure and volume of the dermis matrix. Rutin, another chemical present in the extract, also strengthens fragile capillaries, working synergistically with escin to promote vascular health and maintain delivery of nutrients to the skin.
Hyaluronic acid: is made of long chains of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine alternating with glucuronic acid, it stabilizes the intercellular space, particularly in connective tissue.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) benefits skin color, and decreases melanin synthesis (important for hyperpigmentation), inflammation, itching (pruritus) and UV-induced skin cancers, prevents immunosuppression by UV irradiation. By increasing NADPH, the donor of reducing power in cell biosynthesis, it will increase synthesis of collagen, involucrin, filaggrin, and keratin.
Pomegranate extract is full of antioxidants, nutrients, and vitamins. It also contains phytosterols, ellagic acid, ursolic acid, polyphenols, anthocyanidins, and more
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) increases protein synthesis (plus lots more!).
SodiumPCA. This derivative of glutamic acid is very hygroscopic. It is naturally produced by our bodies and one of the components of "natural moisturizing factor", which our skin produces to slow down water loss to the environment.
Sea kelp bioferment contains fucoidans, polysaccharides that have been shown to increase collagen synthesis. Fucoxanthin, a pigment unique to brown algae, protects skin from UV caused aging.
What our serum does NOT contain: quercetin, which inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen production (it will prevent scar formation, so we sell it separately).
Use daily.
How to get the most benefits from SAS “let’s make collagen” serum
In conjunction with our Vitamin A cream (or our acne control cream, also with Vitamin A) the collagen serum will help with acne scars, including the red marks and hyperpigmentation. This great duo will also help diminish the size of pores, by decreasing sebum secretion and by promoting synthesis of structural skin components that will build up at the edge of the pore.
Distilled Water, Sea Kelp Bioferment, Sodium PCA, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Pomegranate Extract, Natural Active Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, L-Carnosine, Boswellia Serrata, Niacinamide, N-Acetyl Glucosamine, Centella Asiatica, Horse Chestnut Extract, Betulinic Acid, Green Tea EGCG, Epidermal Growth Factor BT, Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Methylparaben (and) Propylparaben
Product rating
Customer Reviews
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Author: Mary
My skin looks healthier and plumper since I have started using this serum. It only takes a few drops for your face and neck. My skin absorbs it immediately.
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Author: Ofelia
Love it! Applies easily, absorbs into skin quickly. EFG serum at such a savings! Even the EGF additive for custom-mixing at home. Fabulous! Thank you Skin Actives Scientific!
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Author: David
I've been using this product for about 6-9 months. I mix it 50/50 with a simple night cream. The results have been excellent as my skin looks noticeably clearer and firmer. The product is very economical. To get the main ingredients, I was buying two Oil of Olay products at about twice the price.
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Author: Erin
This serum is great! As a woman who spent too much time in the sun, I have finally found something that is working against the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes. The crow's feet are softening and the area under my eyes is looking firmer. I plan to make this a regular part of my routine from now on.
Erin
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Author: Marlena
It works almost like DMAE serum but sometimes leaves a bit of seakelp bioferment on the skin. But when I apply cream over it everything is fine. I actually mix this one with DMAE serum and it works very good. I love SAS work-great ingredients in their product without filler and unnecessary stuff. I also love that they don't use silicones!!
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Author: kevin
Beautiful beautiful product.
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Author: Noemi
If I could bring only three items to a deserted island, what would it be? One of them probably this serum. After using it over a year I noticed a couple of weeks ago that the deep furrow between my brows is gone - completely. My skin looks healthy is glowing and firm. I was never happier with my skin. Thanks a lot for this and all your other amazing products.
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Author: Mark
I once read somewhere that even with the everyday use of over-the-counter anti-aging skincare product results only netted about 10% in the reduction of wrinkles. This apparently had something to do with over-the-counter products not containing ingredients at a high enough concentration...
I have used this serum on and off for the last couple of years. I sometimes stray (due to marketing gimmicks) but always return as it is just so potent. This serum really is a mix of all the most important ingredients for boosting collagen production and in the necessary concentration to achieve actual NOTICABLE results!!
Skin Actives finished products are great because the products are so low priced that you can afford to branch out into trying new things that could do your skin a world of good.
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Author: Jeanine
Seriously can't live without this stuff. If I could only have one Skin Actives product this would be it. I use it on my face at night as well as on some surgical scars that I have. I use it on the surgical scars twice daily. I have noticed a huge difference in the skin on my face....it is way more smooth and fine lines have all but disappeared. I haven't noticed any difference in the scars yet, but I've only been using it for a month or so.
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Author: John
This serum has helped me improve my scars by about 30% by using it after an intensive dermarolling session. Awesome stuff!! I'm now using it in conjunction with the Twilight Awakening Cream.
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Author: Lakesha
I have been using this product for two weeks now and only two words can describe it. IT WORKS !
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Author: daniel
even more effective if you apply emulater oil on top, leave on overnight
danny h
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Author: Korina
I've been using this in my acne routine and it is a great addition for acne and anti-aging! It has really helped to fade my post inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (acne spots). This also works wonders if you get too much sun on your face, apply this serum and your sunburn will be gone the next day!
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Author: AIA
Just few weeks for me, but I can feel a major difference. You get a nice tight "after mask" feel. Besides softer skin, with this and CHAS serum I have experienced excellent oil control in the Tzone area. I use this nightly with some canvas cream on top - love it.
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Author: Rose
I have used this item long enough and know that I really like it. I now buy the 4oz size. My skin feels and looks great. I also like the "mask" effect that it has as well as the use as a serum. Highly recommended-great value.
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Author: Marie Lawlor
This is one of my ultimate 'desert island' products. I cant be without it! I've had great results with using it around my eyes, and on the rest of my facial skin, but the most miraculous results ive had are this:- I applied the Collagen Serum religiously to my stomach and breasts from the moment i began trying to conceive, right through to 12 weeks post-partum and i did not gain ONE extra stretchmark! This is trully remarkable as my 1st pregnancy left me with a stomach and breasts totally covered with deep stretchmarks. With nightly use of the LMC Serum my old stretchmarks didnt even turn pink or re-stretch, and, despite getting HUGE during pregnancy, my skin has just bounced back. This is trully a remarkable product!
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Author: Susan Brown
This is amazing stuff and it really works!!
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Author: Bee
It deserves its hype! At first I was using too much and it was forming a film on my face that would rub off, but now that I'm down to just using 3 drops for my entire face it absorbs well. I have fair, sensitive skin with some redness and larger/puffy pores on my cheeks. My pores seem to be less noticeable and my skin tone is gradually evening out. I use this at night with Twilight Cream and a bit of either Dream Cream or Every Lipid Serum. A winning and skin improving combination! Great stuff.
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Author: Rachael
I've been using this for about a week and I can already see the difference. Bonus points for replacing my make up primer.
This is one of the few products I've used that doesn't kick my oil glands into high production mode -quite the opposite.