Collagen is a protein that your body produces naturally. It makes up roughly one-third protein in your body and is necessary for healthy joints. It also keeps skin flexible, reducing wrinkles. Because of this, collagen supplements are popular. They make skin look younger, but does science back it up? Do you need anything else?
Collagen is vital for numerous physiological systems, including joints, bones, and, most obviously, your skin. Collagen normally degrades as we age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. So, what is the significance of collagen for skin? How does collagen alter the indications of ageing? And, most importantly, how can you protect and replenish your collagen? Find the answers to these concerns and more in our complete guide to collagen for skin.
Why is Collagen Important for the Skin?
Collagen is a structural protein in your connective tissue, tendons, skin, bones, and cartilage. It supports and strengthens these areas while helping with tissue healing, cellular communication, migration, and immunological response. Collagen is essential for overall health and various bodily functions. Besides providing important internal support, collagen has significant skin benefits.
Collagen and elastin are important proteins that give your skin flexibility and bounce. Collagen is generated throughout your life. However, it naturally declines with age. Meanwhile, elastin levels peak in the womb and gradually decrease with age. Imagine the delicate, plump, and firm skin of a young toddler. Children have such beautiful and plump skin because their collagen production is at its peak, and their elastin levels are still strong!
Collagen as You Grow Older
As you get older, your body produces less collagen. You can’t tell how much you have, but if it declines, you may have symptoms like joint discomfort or tight tendons or ligaments. Your muscles may weaken. You might also have papery skin. Taking collagen skincare supplements may help to alleviate these symptoms. Speak to your doctor about the best approach for you.
Health Benefits of Collagen for Skin
Supplements with collagen may provide several health benefits. Experts weigh in on some of the most commonly stated collagen benefits and how the science holds up, as follows:
1. It Promotes Skin Elasticity and Suppleness
Smooth skin makes us look younger, and many like to keep our facial skin firm as we age. Taking collagen for loose skin helps maintain your skin’s suppleness, making it less prone to droop.
A three-month trial discovered that an oral supplement including collagen peptides, vitamin C, hibiscus extract, and maqui berry extract significantly increased skin elasticity after four weeks. This shows that collagen is mainly important for skin elasticity and firmness. So, if you want to achieve firm skin that bounces back, collagen is your dietary gem.
2. Results in Minimising Wrinkles
It helps to minimise and prevent visible fine lines and wrinkles. The stronger the connective structure in your skin, the less likely you are to develop wrinkles. Wrinkles develop when the skin becomes more fragile and less flexible. A healthy supply of collagen keeps the skin layer thick and moist, making it less likely to wrinkle at your age.
3. Protects Thin And Vulnerable Skin
Ageing not only alters the appearance of your skin, it also leads to the breakdown of collagen, which can cause your skin to become thin. It may become drier than usual, more prone to splitting, and take longer to heal. This can create a painful, vicious cycle. Collagen-rich foods help hold the dermis together and preserve skin thickness. Studies have revealed that taking collagen orally helps increase density in the dermis and the epidermis. As a result, you’re less likely to feel the discomfort of cracked and splitting skin.
4. Gives You A Shine
Hydration is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. So, if looking young is important to you, keeping your skin moisturised is the key. That’s where another quality of collagen claims the spotlight. It is enriched with moisturising capabilities that impart a healthy glow to your skin.
Moreover, clinical research has discovered that collagen affects your skin’s hydration levels, allowing you to glow from the inside out. Another study discovered that people who took oral collagen peptides had seven times more moisture in their skin than those who did not. Hydrated skin not only looks great, but it also flushes out toxins, transports nutrients to your skin’s cells, and keeps pollutants and bacteria at bay.
Conclusion
Consuming collagen through diet or supplements has been linked to various health advantages. Doing so can help build muscle, prevent bone loss, and relieve joint discomfort. Some of the most common collagen benefits for skin include improved elasticity and a reduction in wrinkles and dryness. Your body produces it naturally, and you can consume it too. It can be found in certain foods, drinks and supplements. Just make sure your supplements are from a reputable and high-quality brand to avoid any side effects.
