Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the body that helps the body in multiple ways. It is a structural component of our skin and bones and contributes significantly to youthful skin and healthy joints. However, with age, the body slows down its collagen production. Hence, you need to introduce collagen in your diet and skincare routine to compensate for this collagen loss.
If your skin is aging, and you notice wrinkles and fine lines on your face, chances are that you need to boost your collagen intake. Here is a quick guide to familiarize you with collagen and its types and how they can help your body and skin.
How Does Collagen Help The Body?
Collagen is an essential building block of different parts of the body, such as the tendons, bones, cartilage, skin, and connective tissues. It imparts structural strength to these body parts and helps with repair, cellular communication, and other key functions. Additionally, collagen may also help improve your immunity while offering a youthful bounce to your skin! It imparts elasticity and suppleness to the skin that prevents the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Due to its various health and skincare benefits, collagen is a popular ingredient in oral supplements and anti-wrinkle creams. If you want to know more about them, you can check the Stemuderm Reviews here.
What Are The Reasons For Collagen Loss?
A drop in collagen levels in the body and skin can be a consequence of both internal, external, and lifestyle factors. While some of these reasons for collagen loss are inevitable, others can be controlled by us to boost the collagen levels in the body. Here are the top reasons for collagen loss:
- Aging – After the age of 25, the body naturally slows down its collagen production, thereby leading to collagen loss.
- UV Damage – Excessive exposure to sunlight can break down the collagen in the skin, causing premature skin aging.
- Smoking And Alcohol Consumption – Smoking can weaken the collagen in the body, while excessive alcohol consumption slows down collagen production.
- A High-Sugar Diet – Sugar can disrupt collagen function in the body. Hence, excessive sugar consumption can be the reason for collagen loss.
- Autoimmune Disorders – Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may also be responsible for collagen loss.
What Are The Benefits Of Collagen?
Optimal collagen levels in the body can offer the following benefits:
- Maintain skin elasticity
- Regulate blood flow
- Expedite wound healing
- Prevent stretch marks and cellulite
- Reduce dark spots
- Improve skin hydration and bounce
What Are The Repercussions Of Collagen Loss?
If you do not have enough collagen in your body, you may suffer from the following consequences:
- Dry skin with wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Stiff, sore joints
- Hair and nail breakage
Therefore, it is crucial to address collagen deficiency with supplements and products that contain collagen and its types.
What Are The Different Types Of Collagen For The Skin?
You can find different types of collagen products on the market. These include oral supplements as well as topical creams. Stemuderm is an anti-wrinkle cream that contains ingredients that may help boost collagen levels in the skin. This cream contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and plant oils to nourish the skin, along with peptides that reduce wrinkles and boost collagen production. Moreover, Stemuderm reviews by consumers are mainly positive, indicating that this product can help those with aging skin.
Apart from topical creams that enhance skin elasticity and boost the skin’s collagen levels, you can also consider oral collagen supplements. These supplements can be classified into the following categories:
- Animal-Based Collagen – Animal-based collagen is derived from the bones, joints, and bone marrow of animals. These animal sources are rich in collagen, which is beneficial for human consumption.
- Marine Collagen – Marine collagen refers to collagen derived from fish and other aquatic creatures. It is a suitable form of collagen for pescatarians.
- Plant-Based Collagen – Plant-based collagen supplements do not contain collagen. Instead, they contain plant-derived amino acids that the body utilizes for collagen production. This type of collagen alternative is usually derived from legumes, mushrooms, and nuts.
Additionally, collagen is classified into 5 categories named Type I to Type V collagen. Each type of collagen is found in different parts of the body, as listed below:
- Type I – Skin, bone, tendons, ligaments
- Type II – Elastic cartilage
- Type III – Muscles and arteries
- Type IV – Layers of the skin
- Type V – Cornea, hair, placenta
Out of these types, Type I collagen is considered the most effective against skin aging. According to studies, oral and topical collagen products may help reduce wrinkles and signs of skin aging. Hence, you can consider these types of collagen supplements if you are struggling with dull, sagging, wrinkled skin.
Does Collagen Help With Wrinkles And Aging Skin?
Collagen improves skin elasticity and the structural strength of the skin. Hence, it adds suppleness and a youthful bounce to the skin. In turn, it diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Furthermore, studies indicate that collagen may prevent photoaging, improve skin moisture levels, and prevent dullness and pigmentation. Therefore, collagen can help you keep different signs of aging at bay.
How To Prevent Collagen Loss In Your Body
While the body naturally slows down collagen production with age, you can prevent collagen loss to some extent with the following tips:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid spending long hours in the sun and use sunscreen daily.
- Consume an antioxidant-rich diet that prevents free radical damage and collagen loss.
- Use one of the best anti-wrinkle creams that boost collagen production in the skin.
How To Increase Your Collagen Intake?
Apart from protecting the collagen in your body against degradation, you can increase your collagen intake with the help of supplements. Also, consuming foods such as meat, fish skin, eggs, and legumes may improve your collagen levels. Furthermore, consuming your daily requirements of protein and vitamins can expedite collagen production in your body.
How To Add More Collagen To Your Diet?
To add more collagen to your diet, you can consume foods rich in collagen, such as bone broth and jellyfish. You can also consume more amino-acid-rich foods such as eggs and legumes, which encourage collagen production in the body. If you find it difficult to source or consume these ingredients, you can opt for oral collagen supplements instead. Additionally, for optimal collagen function, you must include zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E in your diet.
Takeaway
Collagen is an essential component of the skin, bones, and other tissues of the body. With age, the body slows down collagen production, which is visible on the skin in the form of sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Therefore, it is important to add collagen to your diet to prevent the consequences of collagen loss. Furthermore, topical products that improve collagen levels in the skin may also prevent the signs of skin aging. According to Stemuderm reviews, this anti-wrinkle cream may boost collagen levels in the skin and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Apart from collagen supplements, consuming a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and protecting the skin from pollution and sunlight can boost your collagen levels. So, try these tips for more youthful, bouncy skin.
FAQs About Collagen
What Type Of Collagen Is Best For Aging Skin? – Type I collagen is considered the most effective against skin aging. It is the building block of the skin and improves skin elasticity and strength. Therefore, you must look for collagen supplements that have a higher concentration of Type I collagen.
How Can I Increase Collagen In My Skin? – Consume collagen-rich foods like bone broth and fish skin. You can also consume foods rich in amino acids that encourage collagen production. These foods include eggs and legumes. Oral collagen supplements and collagen-boosting creams may also help.
What Is The Main Cause Of Aging Skin? – Skin aging is caused by decreased collagen production in the skin as you grow older. Collagen loss can be further aggravated by UV damage, pollution, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and drinking. It leads to thin, saggy skin that is prone to wrinkles.
Are Skin Wrinkles Permanent? – Deeper wrinkles may be hard to get rid of, but the appearance of wrinkles can be reduced by using a good-quality anti-wrinkle cream. You can also opt for anti-wrinkle treatments like laser resurfacing and Botox.