With vegan collagen named one of 2025's biggest skincare trends by Country & Town House magazine, and Dr. Ioannis Liakas newly appointed as Medical Ambassador for the award-winning British supplements brand Arella, we decided it was time to delve into the benefits of collagen and why plant-based supplements deserve our attention.
A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary Medical School, a Member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine, and the Medical Director at Vie Aesthetics, Dr. Liakas now brings his expertise to Arella. We sat down with him to explore how collagen functions in the body and why Arella’s Vegan Collagen stands out.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a common term in the beauty, health, and wellness space, but we wanted to go back to basics. Dr. Liakas explained: “Our bodies produce more collagen than any other protein, so it plays a major role in building muscles, tendons, ligaments, as well as skin and bones.” He added, “Research shows that collagen supports gut health, which can significantly impact how our bodies feel and function.” However, like many other functions, “the body’s collagen production naturally slows down as we age,” he reminded us.
How Does Collagen Work?
Dr. Liakas highlighted that when collagen production declines, we see visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. Additionally, a struggling gut can cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal cramps, and irregular bowel movements. Supporting natural collagen production can slow down this process by reinforcing essential structures in the body. According to Dr. Liakas, “One of the most appealing results of boosting collagen is the improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness, contributing to a more youthful look."
What Are the Advantages of Vegan vs. Marine or Bovine Collagen?
We then asked Dr. Liakas about the benefits of vegan collagen over animal-based options. He explained, “Even if you don’t follow a vegan diet, there are plenty of benefits to choosing plant-based supplements. Arella Collagen uses VeCollal®, a sustainable plant-based protein that identically mimics human type 1 collagen to naturally boost the body’s collagen production.” Vegan collagen supplements also offer added purity: “They lack the toxins and heavy metals that can sometimes be found in marine or bovine collagen products,” he noted. Dr. Liakas also pointed out that taste is a big factor. “It’s naturally sweetened with Japanese Plum, which is often more palatable than animal-derived collagens that can have a distinct taste and smell.”
Why Are Added Vitamins and Nutrients in a Collagen Supplement So Important?
When asked what sets Arella Vegan Collagen apart, Dr. Liakas emphasised its powerful blend of ingredients. “Arella Collagen’s formula combines VeCollal® with Panax ginseng, retinol, vegan D3, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, each enhancing the product’s overall effectiveness. Additionally, the liquid form boosts its biocompatibility with human tissue, making it highly absorbable,” he said.
Why Did You Choose to Work with Arella?
Arella’s commitment to holistic health and beauty has led to prestigious accolades, including the Best Vegan Collagen Supplement from Get the Gloss, Vegan Choice Awards, The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards and the SME News’ UK Enterprise Awards 2024 amongst others. “The brand champions wellness, women, and sustainability - values led by founder Laura Capewell that resonate deeply with me,” says Dr. Liakas.
As consumers continue to seek cleaner, more sustainable skincare options, the rise of vegan collagen supplements like Arella signals a shift poised to make a significant impact on the beauty industry.
Find out more about Arella here.
Pilot PR is an award-winning integrated public relations & communications agency working with established and emerging brands across the travel, luxury lifestyle, beauty, spa and wellness sectors. We are delighted to be the appointed beauty PR agency for Arella. Read more of our health and wellness content here.
Comments