As we grow older, it goes without saying that we all want our skin to age well and keep its youthful bloom. At The Amazing Blog, we’ve been looking for a new age-defying serum, one that’s packed full of antioxidants and science-driven ingredients. With autumn fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about using a more potent daily skincare, and lucky enough, we were sent this award-winning Collagen Stimulating Serum by Skin W1®. It certainly piqued our interest, with its pioneering ingredients and medical know-how. Did you know that by the age of thirty, collagen production diminishes rapidly, thus affecting the elasticity of the skin; so we couldn’t wait to try this serum.
Skin W1® is science-driven skincare founded by Dr Rabia Malik, an aesthetic doctor and GP who has a particular interest in non-invasive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and problem skin solutions. Dr Malik completed an attachment in dermatology at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital, in the USA before launching her aesthetic medicine practice in 2011. Today, she is based at The Harrods Wellness Clinic, where Dr Malik offers bespoke skin peels and non-injectable facial rejuvenation to improve skin tone and texture. "My focus is on non-injectable facial rejuvenation and maximum skin health. I specialise in providing bespoke skin peels to help achieve a glowing, natural complexion." In 2021, Dr Malik launched her line of skincare Skin W1® with a range designed to support skin health, in particular, collagen production, these include a cleanser, serum, moisturiser, mask and facial oil. Taking over three years in research and development, she commented on the range, “I didn't want to create a product range focusing on actives already on the market. I wanted to focus on something innovative and new – something we know delivers results." One of these special ingredients includes copper amino acid complex, a combination of methyl glucoside phosphate and copper lysinate/prolinate; these can be found in her serum and moisturiser. It’s best known for boosting the skin's own collagen as well as encouraging elastin production. She went on to say, “I have worked with these active ingredients in the clinic for years, and I wanted to bring these powerful results to clients at home.” All products are free from parabens, sulphates and fragrance (except the serum), and all claim to have non-irritating ingredients. The brand believes that Skin W1®’s three core products can replace other additional products, helping to declutter and simplify a skincare routine. They have a very instructive Ingredient Library here where all the products are listed and explained in full.
The Collagen Stimulating Serum is their hero product, collecting some well-deserved wins at the Beauty Awards London 2021 and Get the Gloss 2021. This is a performance-led serum that has a range of actives that are not typically found in retail skincare. Suitable for all skin types, don’t think that this is just for the 40+ age group; it’s for anyone over 25, which is when collagen levels start to decline. Apart from the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate (mentioned above), the niacinamide (vitamin B3) and aminopropyl phosphate (a derivative of vitamin C) also work together for impactful anti-ageing benefits, similar to those of retinol, but as much gentler version; which is why Dr Malik chooses to use these ingredients over others.
The seven key ingredients mentioned are witch hazel extract, niacinamide (AKA vitamin B3), aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, 2% methyl glucoside phosphate, 2% copper lysinate/prolinate, L-carnosine and adenosine, which we will explain.
Witch hazel is antioxidant-rich with tannins, its unique medicinal anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties aid with the vasoconstrictor tightening blood vessels and reducing redness in the skin. Niacinamide (vitamin B3), helps build skin cells, reduces hyperpigmentation, boosts collagen and protein production, and protects skin from environmental stressors. Aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate, is a form of vitamin C and an antioxidant used for reducing hyperpigmentation and collagen-boosting; it also helps with the stability of l-ascorbic acid. However, the main anti-ageing ingredients present are the 2% methylglucoside phosphate and 2% copper lysinate/prolinate. These work together by using amino acids to increase collagen and elastin production for firmer, tighter skin. With daily use, a high percentage of the copper amino acid complex will stimulate collagen to plump up the skin and soften fine lines. Finally, the L-carnosine and adenosine are both synthetically manufactured peptides, that assist in wound healing activity, and protect and repair the skin barrier making it more robust.
There are also the ubiquitous skin plumping ingredients that you would expect to find in an anti-ageing serum with hydrolysed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate (which we have often discussed). Also, there’s one that we haven’t come across before with phenethyl alcohol, it’s a preservative with antimicrobial activity and gives the serum its delicate rose-like scent.
We like that Skin W1® has worked hard to avoid using plastic, which we applaud. The serum comes in a small frosted glass bottle with a pump and with a protective cardboard outer shell, which could be repurposed to store other products or toiletries while travelling. Dr Malik recommends applying this product in the AM or PM using 1-2 pumps on clean skin, massaging it into the face and neck. We liked how the serum is simple to use and absorbs quickly, allowing us to follow it with our regular moisturiser/SPF in the morning, although at night; we felt it was best to use the serum alone, to allow its powerful antioxidants to penetrate the skin and do their work encouraging cell renewal, and plumping up fine lines. Our verdict? It’s very gentle, unlike retinol-based products which tend to give us redness and irritation. It leaves skin soft and more luminous; plus we noticed that it faded some of our pigmentation spots. It does have a hefty price tag, but we think it’s a worthwhile investment. After all, what price can you put on having healthy and youthful-looking skin? To purchase the 30ml Collagen Stimulating Serum for £125.00, see here.