Page 59 - RetailPharmacyAssistants-March2021-Updated

B y now, most consumers and pharmacy staff have most likely heard of collagen. But what is it known for, and how can it be consumed? Retail Pharmacy Assistants looks at this not-so-secret beauty ingredient. Pharmacy Assistant of the Year for Tasmania Kenya Broad, of Penguin Pharmacy, emphasises that collagen has a range of benefits and is mostly popular with women – of all ages. “Working in pharmacy, I’ve found that since the Covid-19 pandemic began, people have been more focused on skin care than ever before,” she said. “They’re keen to try new skin products, such as serums and cleansers, but also collagen-based products like facemasks and collagen tablets. I believe this trend will continue as people are spending more time at home, and with more and more people working from home now, they have time to focus on their skin care and overall body health.” Beforeyouspeak Coffee CEO Mel Kenneday agrees with this sentiment and adds that the nutrition- for-beauty trend is just beginning. “The connection between nutrition (food and beverage) and beauty is becoming stronger than ever, and the growth in the ingestible beauty market isn’t slowing down,” she said. “As we enter a more health-conscious age, there’s a huge demand for great tasting, low calorie and natural supplements that promote health and beauty from within, and we were fortunate enough to have predicted this when Beforeyouspeak was launched four years ago.” Keeping up (on beauty trends) with collagen While promoting glowing skin is a primary reason for consuming collagen, Ms Broad wants people to know that it does more than just that. “When people think of collagen products, they simply believe they’re there solely to improve skin health, including hydration, elasticity, wrinkle-reducing \\\\\\\[and treating\\\\\\\] acne and other skin conditions,” she said. “This is correct. Collagen is mostly used and advertised for this purpose. However, collagen can be taken for so much more than just your skin. “It can assist with heart health, gut health, hair and nails, brain health and preventing bone loss. “The connection between nutrition (food and beverage) and beauty is becoming stronger than ever and the growth in the ingestible beauty market isn’t slowing down.” “Did you know your bones are made up of mostly collagen? Collagen keeps them strong, and gives them structure.” With advances in technology, collagen is available to consumers in a variety of formats. Ms Broad says that of the types of collagen-related products available at her pharmacy, the most popular are collagen gummies and collagen powder, as these can be used in food and beverages. BEAUTY BUZZ 57 Ms Kenneday said. “As there’s nothing overly appealing about taking pills and powder, people loved how enjoyable it was to consume collagen and other skin-loving vitamins and minerals, all in their delicious morning cup of coffee.” She continued: “We’ve seen an increase in engagement and sales across all our health-infused coffee blends, including the Glow Collagen Coffee. The appeal sits with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of consuming the daily vitamins you need to feel your best from the inside out, through the simple switch of the coffee you drink.” Which collagen is right for the customer? An abundance of information and research relating to collagen can be accessed online, and customers can draw their own conclusions, but it’s important that they are advised not to overdo any collagen program, or choose the wrong (and sometimes unnecessary) products. “On top of this, it’s so important to acknowledge everyone is different and has unique requirements,” Ms Kenneday said. “My advice is to not overcomplicate it, and master the brilliant basics by drinking enough water, getting the right amount of sleep and starting your day with an all-in-one premium hair, skin and nail supplement.” Ms Broad said: “I would confidently recommend collagen products to all customers inquiring about skin care and skin health, and encourage other staff members to do the same. It’s a product that can be added into your life simply with gummies, powder or tablets, and your body will love you for it now and forever.” Addressing what pharmacy assistants can do when it comes to recommending similar products, Ms Kenneday advised: “I would encourage pharmacy assistants to talk to their customers about the brilliant basics and have a conversation with them about what they’re currently ingesting to help improve, or in some cases hinder, their skin. “For many, improving skin from within isn’t a concept they’re yet familiar with, so it’s all about understanding and educating. It’s amazing how much better your skin can feel when you consume enough water, get the right amount of sleep and take a combination of quality, natural skin supplements.” “In our pharmacy on the northwest coast of Tasmania, we stock mostly Nature’s Way and collagen products,” Ms Broad said. She adds that these include collagen facemasks, powder, gummies and tablets, and some rosehip and collagen combination products. “We also stock Bioceuticals Collagen Activ Powder.” As mentioned, Beforeyouspeak “predicted years ago” that beauty would expand to consumable products, and the coffee brand has a flavour of coffee dedicated to collagen. “Beforeyouspeak Glow Collagen Coffee has been one of our best sellers since its launch in 2019,” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2021