The beauty industry has never offered more options. From exosomes and polynucleotides to lasers, microneedling and collagen supplements, we're constantly being presented with the next big thing promising younger-looking skin.
But after more than 25 years investigating aesthetic treatments, award-winning beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis believes the secret to ageing well isn't found in chasing trends. It's found in understanding what genuinely works, building strong foundations, and making informed decisions about the treatments and products we choose.
In a recent podcast conversation on the Elle Sera Podcast , Alice shared some refreshing insights that cut through the noise and highlighted a truth we wholeheartedly agree with at Elle Sera: healthy ageing starts from the inside out.
The Problem With Beauty Trends
Every year brings a new buzzword.
One moment it's exosomes. The next it's salmon sperm facials, bio-stimulators, or the latest celebrity-endorsed treatment. While some innovations are exciting and scientifically promising, Alice cautions against jumping on trends simply because they're popular.
Instead, she recommends asking a few important questions:
- What exactly is this treatment?
- How does it work?
- What evidence supports it?
- Is it suitable for my concerns?
- Am I being guided by a qualified practitioner?
It's easy to be drawn in by marketing, but understanding the science behind a treatment is often the difference between investing wisely and wasting money.
Healthy Skin Starts With Healthy Habits
One of the most important messages from the conversation was that aesthetic treatments should never replace the basics.
In Alice's words, treatments are the "cherry on top" of a healthy lifestyle.
Before considering advanced treatments, it's worth asking whether you're consistently doing the things that have the biggest impact on how you age:
- Prioritising quality sleep
- Managing stress levels
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet
- Consuming adequate protein
- Strength training regularly
- Protecting your skin with daily SPF
These habits influence everything from collagen production and skin repair to inflammation and hormonal balance.
The truth is that no cream, injectable or device can compensate for a body that's lacking the building blocks it needs to function optimally.
Why Collagen Matters More Than Ever
One topic that sparked a particularly interesting discussion was collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and provides structure, strength and elasticity to our skin, joints, hair and connective tissues. However, from our mid-twenties onwards, natural collagen production begins to decline.
As we age, this gradual loss contributes to:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced skin firmness
- Thinner, less resilient skin
- Joint stiffness
- Changes in hair and nail quality
This is why so many aesthetic treatments focus on stimulating collagen production.
Microneedling, radiofrequency treatments, lasers, Sculptra and polynucleotides all work, in different ways, by encouraging the body's own collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) to become more active.
But while many people focus solely on stimulating collagen from the outside, an equally important question is:
Does your body have the raw materials it needs to produce collagen effectively in the first place?
Supporting Collagen Production From Within
At Elle Sera, this question led us down a fascinating scientific journey.
During the podcast, Danielle shared how the development of Elle Sera's Liposomal Tripeptide Collagen began with research into advanced delivery technologies and absorption.
What became clear was that not all collagen supplements are created equal. Traditional hydrolysed collagen products are broken down during digestion, meaning only a small proportion may ultimately be available for the body to utilise.
The science behind Elle Sera's formula focuses on something more precise.
Our Liposomal Collagen contains 2600mg of liposomal tripeptide collagen, specifically Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline (Gly-Pro-Hyp), the collagen tripeptide most closely associated with stimulating fibroblast activity and supporting collagen synthesis.
Rather than relying on the body to break down larger collagen molecules, the tripeptides are already in a highly targeted form. They are then protected within liposomes, designed to support stability and absorption through the digestive system.
The result is a smarter, more sophisticated approach to collagen supplementation that works alongside the body's natural collagen-building processes.
The Most Underrated Treatment? Microneedling
Despite all the excitement surrounding newer technologies, Alice described traditional microneedling as one of the most underrated treatments available.
It may not be the trendiest treatment on social media, but it remains popular with practitioners because it:
- Supports collagen production
- Improves skin texture
- Can help reduce pigmentation concerns
- Offers excellent value compared with many advanced procedures
This reinforces an important lesson: newer doesn't always mean better.
Sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones that have stood the test of time.
Don't Forget the Power of SPF
Another non-negotiable according to Alice?
Daily SPF.
Many people think of sunscreen as something reserved for holidays or hot weather, but cumulative UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to visible skin ageing.
The damage isn't usually dramatic overnight.
It's the gradual accumulation of exposure over years that contributes to:
- Uneven pigmentation
- Loss of elasticity
- Fine lines
- Rough skin texture
If you're investing in skincare, supplements or treatments, protecting your results with SPF should always be part of the plan.
Ageing Is a Privilege – But Looking After Yourself Matters Too
One of the most refreshing parts of the discussion was the honesty around ageing.
Alice acknowledged something many people are reluctant to admit: most of us don't necessarily want to look older. We want to look healthy, vibrant and refreshed.
And there's nothing wrong with that.
The goal shouldn't be to look 25 forever.
The goal is to support our health, confidence and wellbeing at every stage of life.
Whether that means improving your nutrition, introducing collagen support, booking a microneedling treatment or simply becoming more consistent with your SPF, the best results come from a balanced, evidence-based approach.
The Bottom Line
After decades spent investigating the aesthetics industry, Alice Hart-Davis' advice remains surprisingly simple.
Build strong foundations first.
Sleep well.
Eat well.
Move your body.
Protect your skin.
Then, if you choose to explore treatments, do so with the guidance of experienced professionals and realistic expectations.
Because healthy ageing isn't about chasing every new trend. It's about giving your body the tools it needs to thrive from the inside out.
And when it comes to supporting collagen production, that's exactly where Elle Sera's Liposomal Tripeptide Collagen was designed to help. Combining 2600mg of liposomal Gly-Pro-Hyp tripeptide collagen with Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Biotin, Zinc and Lycopene, it's a science-led approach to supporting skin, hair, nails, joints and vitality as part of a healthy ageing journey.
