The body naturally produces collagen, but as we age, the quantity and quality of collagen declines, resulting in lines and wrinkles in the skin. A variety of approaches can help increase collagen. However, not everyone has evidence that it is effective, so research should be done before using it.
In this post you will learn what collagen is, how it affects your skin, and which way can help you to strengthen collagen production in your body.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant type of protein in the body and an important component of skin. It is present in many tissues, including muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, and the digestive system. It plays an important role in many bodily functions, including wound healing. Low collagen levels can occur in serious health diseases such as scurvy which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, weakness, anemia, slow wound healing, osteogenesis imperfecta which is a genetic condition that leads to weakened bones, and the inability of the body to produce collagen effectively also causes Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, further leading to some serious symptoms
What does collagen do to the skin?
Higher levels of collagen make your skin softer, smoother, and firmer. Collagen helps regenerate and repair skin cells. Both the content and quality of collagen affect the skin. As we age, the body produces less of certain types of collagen and the quality of collagen also gets affected. This can result in:
- Loss of elasticity of skin and other connective tissues
- Skin wrinkles, sagging, sagging
- stiff joints
As we age, changes occur in the collagen structure, weakening the connections between the different layers of the skin.This may be why people develop wrinkles and other features associated with skin aging.
How to stimulate collagen production in skin
Many people are looking for ways to increase collagen in their skin to help stop wrinkles and other signs of aging. Here are some ways to stimulate your collagen production in skin:
- Collagen supplement
People take collagen supplements for joint and skin health. A 2021 review concluded that taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement for 90 days can reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and hydration. Additionally, the authors of the 2020 review found that collagen peptides found in supplements directly affect collagen structures in the body known as fibroblasts.
- Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that promotes the production of collagen. In a 2014 study, researchers treated wounds in mice with water or hyaluronic acid. Wounds treated with hyaluronic acid improved more than those treated with water. In addition, the skin surrounding these wounds had elevated levels of two types of collagen. Dermal fillers intended to reduce skin wrinkles often contain hyaluronic acid. A study from 2020 found that a combination of hyaluronic acid and purified polynucleotides helped increase the amount and quality of collagen in the skin and improve skin elasticity. The researchers of a 2021 study found evidence that hyaluronic acid capsules may also improve hydration.
Hyaluronic acid can cause side effects such as the following, so you should follow package directions when using hyaluronic acid:
- Pain
- Itch
- Bruise
- Swelling
If you have dark skin, the area may darken or take on a pinkish or grayish tint or pale skin may turn red.
Hyaluronic acid treatments are available as:
- Injection
- Topical creams and ointments
- Dietary supplements such as capsules
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. A deficiency in vitamin C can cause collagen levels to drop, leading to a serious condition known as scurvy.
Symptoms of scurvy are:
- Gum problem
- Skin symptoms
- Wound healing problems
The human body cannot make vitamin C, so it must be obtained from food.
Food sources are:
- Citrus fruit
- Green or red pepper
- Strawberry
- Broccoli
If a person has low vitamin C levels, doctors may recommend supplements. Many skin care companies add vitamin C to their barrier creams. Research suggests that topical application can help protect skin from sun exposure and pigmentary changes. There is insufficient evidence to confirm whether it is higher.
- Aloe vera gel
People often use aloe vera gel to treat sunburned skin and to soothe rashes. In a 2015 study, scientists had people orally ingest an extract of the aloe vera he gel called aloesterol. After eight weeks, researchers found that participants who took aloe vera sterol:
- The skin on her arms was more moisturized
- Skin folds or wrinkes were shallow
- The content of hyaluronic acid and collagen increased by two fold
Researchers conclude that aloe contributes to the growth of beneficial cells in the skin. People can use products containing aloe vera as topical creams or gel or as oral supplements.
- Protect your skin from environmental influences
Weather conditions and some lifestyle habits can affect the collagen content and quality of the skin. Experts say that UV exposure damages the collagen in the skin in the same way as we age.
Tips to prevent skin damage from low levels of high-quality collagen include:
- Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen and clothing that covers your face and body
- Wearing sunglasses helps in protect your skin around the eyes as well as the eyes too
- Avoid smoking as the chemicals in tobacco can interfere with collagen production.
- Limit caffeine intake, as it can reduce the body’s ability to produce collagen
So, following the above ways can help you increase collagen product in your body.
Summary
Collagen is a substance that the body naturally produces. Some genetic factors along with nutrients such as vitamin C are very essential for collagen’s production.
Collagen’s functions include maintaining skin smoothness and elasticity, in addition to this it also helps in maintaining joint flexibility, and wound healing. If you want to know more about collagen, keep exploring till you are satisfied. Setu is one of the famous and trusted health supplement provider, explore and grab your supplement today!
Various products and chemicals can help improve collagen production, but there isn’t enough evidence that they all make a significant difference.
