Curious about the collagen craze? Try Vichy's latest serum, the vanguard for youthful skin

If you’ve ever strolled through a French pharmacy, you’ll know Vichy. Founded in 1931 by Dr Prosper Haller, it was one of the first brands to unite health and beauty in dermo-cosmetics. Fast-forward through 15 years of dedicated product development, and we arrive at the launch of the brand’s new Collagen Specialist 16 Bonding Serum. To celebrate, Vichy showcased its brand-new serum at three vibrant events throughout the Nordics, serving up Instagrammable mocktails (appropriately dubbed “Cosmocollagens”) and delicious pro-collagen fare in Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen.

According to Louise Mejer, Vichy’s Nordic Social Brand Manager, “This launch has been so special for Vichy due to our 25 years of collagen expertise, so we already have a lot of research and knowledge on the topic. But what makes this product truly unique is the Co-Bonding Technology that contains Matrixyl peptides to stimulate your skin cells to regenerate and repair, Rhamnose to help support collagen production, and moisturising maitake to protect skin from premature ageing.” A trifecta that not only supports all 16 types of collagen in the skin but also addresses 16 signs of ageing – from wrinkles and fine lines to texture and radiance, and more.

So why all the fuss about collagen? This structural protein is critical for keeping skin firm, plump, and youthful. Unfortunately for us, its production peaks between ages 25 and 34, then slowly declines (cue the formation of lines and wrinkles). There’s also been some misinformation and scepticism surrounding collagen’s ability to penetrate deeper skin layers, but Vichy-affiliated pharmacist Alvaro Fernandez offers reassurance: “It all comes down to the type and size of collagen used. It’s essential to see where the collagen is coming from.” In other words, not all collagen is created equal. Vichy’s serum harnesses unique peptides proven to penetrate the skin barrier, so you’re not just sprinkling false hope on your face.

Of course, topicals are just one piece of the collagen puzzle. At Vichy’s Collagen Experience dinners, chef Lasse Askov whipped up a vegan feast focused on vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene. In fact, “food can help reduce collagen breakdown,” as biochemist Jessie Inchauspé (better known as @GlucoseGoddess on Instagram) points out. “The more glucose spikes, the faster your collagen disappears. Citrus, berries, eggs, chicken, and beans can help build collagen from within.” Lest you think a fruit bowl alone will transform your complexion overnight, remember you’re not absorbing intact collagen molecules; you’re giving your body amino acids, the building blocks it needs to make its own. It’s enough to make you wonder if you should pair your five-a-day with a daily dose of peptides.

Ultimately, the takeaway from Vichy’s Collagen experience is clear: a proactive combination of skincare and nutrition is your best defence against sagging skin and a dull visage. By merging a cutting-edge serum (seriously, 15 years of research is no joke) with thoughtful lifestyle choices, you can support every facet of your collagen matrix – whether you’re clinking glasses of Cosmocollagen or layering on your Collagen16 Specialist Serum filled with peptides at your vanity.