Lauren Verster on Collagen Supplements and CO₂ Laser: What Really Works?

Recently I saw on Instagram how Lauren Verster shared her experiences about collagen supplements and a CO₂ laser treatment. In her interview with the AD, "Lauren Verster fights against 'beauty bullshit': 'We buy too many nonsense products'", she spoke out about the promises within the cosmetics industry. Her message received a lot of attention and shows how great the interest in skin improvement is, but also how many questions exist regarding the actual effectiveness of treatments.

The beauty industry: innovation and marketing in balance?

The beauty industry is a creative and dynamic world where trends, innovation, and marketing go hand in hand. Beauty ideals change continuously, and companies invest billions annually in branding, product development, and advertising campaigns. Sometimes existing consumer needs are catered to, but regularly, new beauty trends are also created that fuel consumer expectations.

The development and marketing of cosmetic products and technologies take place within strict laws and regulations. This guarantees safety, but does not automatically mean that all claims are scientifically substantiated. Luxury skincare products and popular "insta-treatments" are often positioned as the ultimate solution for a youthful appearance, skin rejuvenation, or perfect skin. In reality, their effectiveness depends on factors such as scientific substantiation, proper application, and individual skin indications.

Skincare: What Really Works?

What is certain is that we all remain curious about the best way to keep our skin healthy and radiant. The appeal of the beauty industry lies not only in appearance but also in experience: for some, a good skincare ritual contributes to self-confidence and well-being.

Celebrities and their critical eye

Influencers and beauty brands constantly tell their story, but it is striking that celebrities such as Lauren Verster and Pamela Anderson are increasingly speaking out critically about cosmetic products and treatments. For example, Lauren Verster recently stated in the AD that she opposes misleading promises and overconsumption within the cosmetic industry. She emphasizes that expensive creams and treatments hardly work or can even be harmful (Van Gaalen, 2025).

Lauren states that collagen supplements, creams, and invasive treatments such as a CO₂ laser do not perform the miracles that are promised. – Lauren Verster

Global cosmetics industry: impressive figures

The cosmetics industry is growing enormously worldwide. Dutch consumers spent approximately in 2023 €3,4 billion in cosmetics, making the Netherlands the 7th largest market in Europe. Europe itself represents approximately annually €96 billion in revenue, while the United States is actually the largest national market with approximately $129 billion. Worldwide, the market value amounted to about $617 billion in 2023, growing to $670 billion in 2024. The industry has particularly high profit margins; for instance, market leader L'Oréal achieved an operating margin of nearly 20% in 2023.

Collagen: useful supplement or hype?

Although collagen supplements are currently wildly popular, ingested collagen actually works no differently than our daily food.As soon as you ingest collagen, your body breaks it down in the digestive tract into amino acids and smaller protein fragments (peptides). As a result, it does not reach the middle layer of your skin (the dermal matrix) as intact collagen. Although some studies report minor improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, these effects are limited. Therefore, ingesting collagen is certainly not a miracle cure for skin aging.

CO₂ laser: effective, but not preventive

The CO₂ laser has been proven effective for specific skin problems such as acne scars, deep wrinkles, or severe skin damage. However, there is a lack of scientific substantiation for keeping healthy, young skin young preventively. In fact, the risks and potential complications outweigh the minimal benefits that can be achieved for young skin.

Why do we spend so much on cosmetics?

Although many people like to think they make rational and well-considered choices when buying cosmetics, it is primarily emotions that drive the purchasing decision. The use of beauty products touches deeper layers of our consciousness: they appeal to self-confidence, self-esteem, and our desire for acceptance. In doing so, we are influenced by powerful psychological factors such as fear of aging, social pressure, curiosity about innovation, a desire for luxury, and control over our appearance.

• Aesthetics and self-confidence: Cosmetics make consumers feel more attractive and confident.

• Social pressure and media influence: Advertisements and social media often create unrealistic ideals.

• Innovation and curiosity: New products generate enthusiasm through promises of fast results.

• Luxury and status: Luxury brands associate themselves with exclusivity and status.

• Investment in yourself: Good care is seen as a valuable investment in health and well-being.

New movements in beauty

Revaluation of authenticity and natural aging

More and more value is being placed on authenticity and natural beauty. The message of eternal youth is giving way to the acceptance of natural skin changes.

Social media and body positivity: influence on self-image and beauty

Social media influence how we perceive beauty and can reinforce insecurity about appearance. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok often display an unrealistic beauty ideal, which can contribute to a negative self-image. However, the body positivity movement encourages a healthier and more realistic body image by embracing diversity and promoting self-acceptance.

Critical reflection on cosmetic claims

Celebrities such as Lauren Verster are increasingly criticizing commercial pressure and unrealistic beauty claims, contributing to a more critical consumer culture.

Health and science as a guiding principle

Scientific research confirms that not every cosmetic treatment is beneficial without a clear skin indication. This encourages a more balanced discussion about responsible skincare.

A balanced view on beauty

From my background as a skin therapist, I understand this emotional dynamic well. At the same time, I advocate that we remain critical of what products can do for our skin. Scientifically substantiated skincare helps to set realistic expectations. Instead of blindly trusting marketing claims, it is important to gather knowledge and choose treatments and products that actually suit your skin type and personal needs.

In short, the emotional aspect will always continue to play a major role in our choices regarding cosmetics. This is not necessarily wrong, because emotional value is value too. However, it is wise to combine these emotions with a healthy dose of knowledge and realism. Only then will you choose products that not only feel good, but are also truly good for you.

As a skin therapist, I regularly see clients in my practice who are experiencing problems following previous cosmetic treatments performed elsewhere. This includes unwanted pigmentation, redness, or scarring resulting from the incorrect use of cosmeceuticals or treatments that have done more harm than good. These clients come to me with a clear request for help.

My knowledge, skills, and experience form the basis of my specialization in restorative treatments. Acquiring this specialized knowledge has cost me a great deal of time, research, and investment. Through my expertise and strict adherence to medical guidelines, combined with the use of certified equipment, I can offer effective and safe treatments.

The choice of suppliers and products has been made carefully and thoughtfully, based on scientific evidence, extensive research, and practical experience. I offer treatment methods and skincare that are proven effective. My personal approach and specialized methods ensure that I achieve excellent results in restoring skin problems such as pigmentation, redness, and scars.

If you are in need of professional advice or are looking for an effective treatment for your skin, I would like to invite you to Medikadermis. With an expert and personal approach, I am happy to help you on your way to healthy skin.

Become who you are. – Friedrich Nietzsche

Also read my blog: The Lifeguard of Authentic Aging

literature

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