Collagen solution
MY JOURNEY, BY DR MARKO LENS
This film documents the development journey of Zelens Collagen Solution, captured by the Zelens team over the past 2 years.
This isn’t filmed on a set, instead I wanted to share the real process, the real lab and the real results with you.
Chapter 1 - THE PROBLEM
The problem with collagen? Collagen levels reduce with age. Collagen degrades easily- with UV exposure being the primary extrinsic cause of collagen degradation. And the truth is: you can’t replace lost collagen.
Collagen molecules - in their intact, native form - are far too large and thus unable to cross the epidermal barrier to reach the dermis when applied topically.
Ingestible collagen supplements have attracted considerable attention. When collagen is ingested, it does not travel intact to the dermis. The current body of clinical data does not definitively support the claim that ingestible collagen can significantly "firm" the skin in the manner often marketed by the beauty industry.
Collagen “booster” claims are rarely tied to the mechanism that would make them meaningful. The category is not short of ambition. It is short of precision. A fact that inspired me to dedicated years of research & development into this breakthrough innovation.
The alternative is to support the skin’s natural production of collagen. This is a fundamentally different proposition. Rather than attempting to supplement a structural protein that the skin cannot absorb, it works with the skin’s own biology: activating the cellular mechanisms responsible for Type I collagen synthesis from within the dermis, where collagen is actually made.
CHAPTER 2 - BOTANTICAL PIONEER
At Zelens, every formula begins with research, and with nature. My journey led us to Sicily, where I selected five exceptional botanicals with known hydrating, regenerating, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Sicilian Manna - the first ever application in skincare.
During the peak of summer, skilled artisans gently harvest this precious liquid resin by hand, drawing it directly from the bark of the tree trunks. This unique, artisanal process, practiced by only a select few farmers in Sicily, ensures the purity and potency of every drop. Rich in complex sugars, particularly mannose, and the hydrating sugar alcohol mannitol, manna deeply moisturises and plumps the skin. Manna is also generously endowed with saponins, polyphenols, and a vital array of vitamins and minerals. This exceptional composition translates into multiple properties, offering powerful moisturising, regenerating, wound healing, soothing, and nourishing benefits.
Hydrating Prickly Pear - Beyond its moisturising capabilities, prickly pear also supports the skin's natural barrier function, aids in wound healing, and provides protection against environmental stressors and irritation. These protective effects are attributed to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Polyphenols from Red Grape Skin - Zelens uses the skin of red organic grapes, which contains high concentration of polyphenols, particularly resveratrol and flavonoids – anthocyanins. These compounds are renowned for their exceptional antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective and antimicrobial properties, which are vital in maintaining healthy skin and actively combating against the visible signs of premature aging. By inhibiting MMP2 (membrane metalloproteases 2), an enzyme responsible for collagen degradation, grape skin helps to preserve the skin's structural framework, thereby contributing to its firmness and elasticity.
Polyphenols from Pantelleria Caper – Sourced from the unique volcanic soils of Pantelleria, a Sicilian island renowned for its rich biodiversity, our exceptional capers are rich in powerful flavonoids - quercetin and rutin, and also contain the essential mineral copper. A remarkable duo of flavonoids shows excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photo-protective properties. Copper is a vital cofactor for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme essential for the cross-linking of collagen and elastin, thereby supporting collagen production and skin firmness and elasticity.
Lycopene from Siccagno Tomato - Our Siccagno tomatoes, cultivated in the lower Madonie mountains of Sicily, are notable for their exceptionally high antioxidant content, a direct result of their distinctive growing methods. The predominant antioxidant found in these tomatoes is lycopene, followed by beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A) and Vitamin C. Lycopene acts as a potent antioxidant, safeguarding cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are causing premature skin ageing.
Individually they are potent. But when blended together and hyperfermented, they perform exceptionally.
Together they became CM-5S™, my proprietary collagen boosting complex.
CHAPTER 3 - SYNERGY
In my lab, nature meets science. I balance each ingredient and blend them to work in perfect synergy. CM-5S™ is combined with lots of other active ingredients including a skin-identical vegan collagen polypeptide, along side other actives including Amino acids, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E within a silky, 100% natural emulsion base rich in biomimetic lipids.
Together they became Collagen Solution.
As with any Zelens formula, I wanted this serum to deliver multiple benefits. My goal was a complex formula that was effortless, even luxurious to use.
This silky, lightweight serum with CM-5S™ offers 4 benefits in a single formula and is designed for both face & neck:
- Helps support the skin’s natural collagen production for visibly firmer, smoother skin
- Promotes skin’s natural barrier recovery
- Replenishes skin’s moisture for supply comfort
- Strengthens skin’s resilience to environmental stressors through the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of active molecules
CHAPTER 4 - EFFICACY
I could pretend to look down a microscope or show you a magical computer animation of what is happening in the skin to dramatise the effects of Collagen Solution- but I prefer to simply share with you the facts, in black & white. We have done extensive testing on this formula from in vitro to clinical testing and a self perception study and the results are exceptional.
Let’s start with the clinical testing. I could have tested with younger participants who have already healthy collagen levels, but I didn’t want to take the easy route. We know that collagen levels drop significantly during menopause so I chose to specifically conduct our clinical tests exclusively with women during & post menopause, aged between 57 and 70 years. In fact 100% of participants agreed that this serum helped counterbalance the effects of menopause on their skin. I also listened to my patients who particularly shared concerns around the neck & jawline, so I also included these areas in the clinical study. I’m proud to share the results:
Clinical results after 28 days
- Decrease in wrinkle depth (crow’s feet area) up to 49.0%
- Decrease in wrinkle depth (nasolabial fold) up to 25%
- Improvement in skin smoothness (neck wrinkles) up to 37.1%
- Lifting of the jawline up to 3.71 mm
- Increase in moisture up to 43.7%
- Increase in skin firmness up to 20.9%
- Increase in skin elasticity up to 18.4%
Self-assessment testing
Beyond clinical testing, self assessment helps us understand whether users can see a difference in their own skin and how the formula feels on the skin. I’m delighted to see that not only do users notice anti-ageing efficacy, they also enjoy using the formula and find it layers well with makeup.
- 100% agreed skin looks firmer
- 100% noticed a rapid reduction in visible signs of ageing
- 97% agreed face & neck look smoother
- 93.9% agreed they noticed improvements in my jawline definition
- 100% agreed the formula feels lightweight on my skin
- 100% agreed the formula layers well under makeup
- 100% agreed the serum helps counterbalance the effects of menopause on my skin
Results from an independent clinical trial & self assessment study with 33 participants (57-70 years) over 28 days
In Vitro testing:
Collagen “booster” claims in skincare are rarely tied to the mechanism that would make them meaningful. Therefore, I wanted to go beyond the usual types of testing to go into the skin to see what effect this formula was having on collagen production inside the skin.
Independent in vitro testing shows an increase in type 1 collagen production by over 600% in only 10 days.
CHAPTER 5 - PRECISION
It took years of development to launch Collagen Solution. Many different formulations, different ingredients, extensive testing- it is
not about simply mixing the ingredients, it’s about precision in every single
step of the process.
The core of the formulation is CM-5S™, a proprietary multi-functional botanical complex that I personally developed, meticulously harvesting potent botanicals from Sicily to support the skin's natural collagen production.
Our unwavering commitment to scientific rigor is evident in the
comprehensive validation of CM-5S™ through extensive in-vitro analysis, robust clinical testing, and compelling user trials, consistently delivering nothing short of exceptional results for your skin.
Developing a formula like this is a journey and that’s why I love it.
Precision. Perfection. Always.
CHAPTER 6 - THE SOLUTION
Beyond the clinically proven efficacy, I also wanted to ensure the product is luxurious to use. This is intentionally a silky, fast absorbing serum – it’s not easy to pack in so many efficacious ingredients in such a smooth and lightweight base. It also layers well under makeup and is designed to be incorporated into your routine day & night before your moisturiser. It can be used alongside any of our moisturizers and also can be combined with any of our Powers. Remember it is designed for face & neck so apply right down your neck & decolleté area.
After years of work, I’m delighted to finally launch and look forward to hearing your feedback and personal results.
Collagen Solution Firming Serum for face & neck, powered by CM-5S™. Formulated by Dr Marko Lens.
Collagen, Mastered.