Collagen is the backbone of healthy, youthful skin. It keeps your complexion firm, plump, and resilient. But as we age, our body's natural collagen production slows down, leading to visible signs of ageing like fine lines, sagging, and loss of elasticity. Let’s dive into collagen—what it does, why we lose it, and how to support it naturally and through supplementation.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, acting as the structural framework for skin, bones, muscles, and tendons. In skincare, it’s essential for maintaining smooth, supple, and firm skin. Think of it as the "glue" that holds everything together, without it, the skin loses its youthful bounce.
The Role of Collagen in Skin Health
When collagen levels are high, your skin appears firm, hydrated, and resilient. It helps prevent wrinkles, supports wound healing, and even maintains skin barrier function. But when collagen levels decline, the skin loses volume and elasticity, leading to the common signs of ageing.
Why Do We Lose Collagen?
1. Ageing – Collagen production naturally decreases around our mid-20s, declining by about 1% per year. By our 30s and 40s, this loss becomes more noticeable, leading to fine lines and decreased skin firmness.
2. Sun Exposure – Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down collagen fibres, accelerating premature ageing. Over time, unprotected sun exposure leads to wrinkles, sunspots, and a rougher skin texture.
3. Lifestyle Choices – Smoking, excessive sugar intake, poor sleep, and chronic stress all contribute to collagen breakdown. A poor diet and environmental pollutants can also accelerate collagen depletion.
How to Support Collagen Production
While collagen loss is inevitable, there are ways to slow down its decline and even boost production.
- Protect Your Skin with SPF – Daily sunscreen use is one of the most effective ways to prevent collagen breakdown caused by UV damage.
- Eat a Collagen-Friendly Diet – Foods rich in vitamin C (berries, citrus fruits), amino acids (bone broth, fish, eggs), and antioxidants (leafy greens, nuts) support collagen synthesis.
- Use Collagen-Boosting Skincare – Look for ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and peptides, which stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
- Stay Hydrated – Proper hydration helps maintain skin elasticity and supports collagen’s structural role.
- Collagen Supplements - Collagen supplements support skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness while helping to reduce wrinkles and promote overall skin health from within. When choosing a supplement, opt for one with hydrolysed collagen (for better absorption) and added vitamin C, which aids collagen synthesis.
Collagen is essential for youthful, resilient skin, but natural depletion is inevitable. By protecting your skin, maintaining a collagen-friendly diet, and considering supplementation, you can support healthy collagen levels and keep your skin looking its best for years to come.
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