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 post received a lot of attention and shows how great the interest in skin improvement is, but also how many questions there are about 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 are constantly changing, and companies invest billions annually in branding, product development and advertising campaigns. Sometimes existing consumer needs are played into, but regularly new beauty trends are created that stimulate consumer expectations.

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

Skin Care: 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 is not only in appearance, but also in experience: for some, a good care ritual contributes to self-confidence and well-being.

Celebrities and their critical eye

Influencers and beauty brands are constantly telling their story, but it is striking that celebrities such as Lauren Verster and Pamela Anderson are increasingly critical of 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 says collagen supplements, creams and invasive treatments like a CO₂ laser don’t work the miracles they promise.” – Lauren Verster

Global Cosmetics Industry: Impressive Figures

The cosmetics industry is growing rapidly worldwide. Dutch consumers spent around €3.4 billion on cosmetics in 2023, making the Netherlands the 7th largest market in Europe. Europe itself represents around €96 billion in annual turnover, while the United States is even the largest national market with around $129 billion. Globally, the market value amounted to around $617 billion in 2023, growing to $670 billion in 2024. The industry has particularly high profit margins; for example, market leader L'Oréal achieved an operating margin of almost 20% in 2023.

Collagen: useful supplement or hype?

Although collagen supplements are all the rage right now, ingested collagen works no differently than our everyday food. When you ingest collagen, your body breaks it down in your digestive tract into amino acids and smaller protein fragments (peptides). As a result, it doesn’t end up in the middle part of your skin (the dermal matrix) as intact collagen. While some studies report small improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, these effects are limited. So taking 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 serious skin damage. But there is no scientific basis for keeping healthy, young skin young preventively. In fact, the risks and possible complications then outweigh the minimal benefits you can achieve with this for young skin.

Why do we spend so much on cosmetics?

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

• Aesthetics and Confidence: Cosmetics make consumers feel more attractive and confident.

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

• Innovation and Curiosity: New products generate excitement through promises of quick results.

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

• Investing 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 placed on authenticity and natural beauty. The message of eternal youth is making way for acceptance of natural skin changes.

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

Social media influences how we perceive beauty and can reinforce insecurities about appearance. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often portray unrealistic beauty ideals, which can contribute to negative body 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 criticising commercial pressure and unrealistic beauty claims, contributing to a more critical consumer culture.

Health and science as a guideline

Scientific research confirms that not every cosmetic treatment is useful without a clear skin indication. This stimulates a more balanced conversation about responsible skin care.

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 continue to look critically at what products can do for our skin. Scientifically substantiated skin care 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 play a major role in our choices regarding cosmetics. This is not necessarily wrong, because emotional value is also value. 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 really good for you.

As a skin therapist, I regularly see clients in my practice who experience problems after previous cosmetic treatments, performed elsewhere. Think of unwanted pigmentation, redness or scars as a result of 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. Obtaining this specialist knowledge has cost me a lot of time, research and investment. Through my expertise and strict adherence to medical guidelines in combination with the use of certified equipment, I can offer effective and safe treatments.

The choice of suppliers and products is made carefully and well-considered, based on scientific evidence, extensive research and practical experience. I offer treatment methods and skin care that are proven to be effective. My personal approach and specialized approach ensure that I achieve excellent results in restoring skin problems such as pigmentation, redness and scars.

If you need professional advice or are looking for an effective treatment for your skin, I would like to invite you to Medicadermis. With an expert and personal approach, I would like to help you further towards a healthy skin.

“Become who you are.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Also read my Blog: The Lifeguard of Authentic Aging

literature

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