Aging is inevitable, but the grace with which we age (both inside and out) is something we all have some measure of control over. And collagen — don’t worry, we’re not talking about injections here — can help.
Collagen is a wrinkle-preventing protein that keeps skin supple and strong. It’s often called the skin’s structural net, responsible for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to keep skin looking young and healthy.
Our collagen levels naturally start to deplete around the age of 20 (!). As a result, skin becomes thinner and more fragile. And so begins the quest to replace it!
Here’s everything you need to know about collagen, its many benefits, and how to boost your collagen supply naturally!
When paired with other powerhouse ingredients like vitamins, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid, collagen creams can help revive the skin’s surface and improve your current complexion.
Well-hydrated skin is healthier and looks younger, which is why so many moisturizing products have peptides and antioxidants that can help boost collagen.
One of the most well-known benefits of collagen is its ability to give skin a healthy glow. Collagen does this by providing elasticity to the skin, which helps it to appear plump and youthful.
Collagen can help restore damage from the sun and other environmental factors. Protect the collagen you have with sunscreen -- the original anti-aging product.
Free radicals can damage hair follicles which can lead to hair loss. Studies have shown that marine collagen can fight several different types of free radicals, helping to strengthen hair follicles and improve hair growth.
As a structural building block of the skin, collagen plays a key role in the healing of wounds. It is also significant to scarring, as the immune system uses collagen to close wounds and form ‘new’ skin over inflamed areas.
Thinning skin contributes to the appearance of cellulite, so keeping collagen levels high (which translates to firmness and elasticity) will help make cellulite and stretch marks look less dramatic.
As of now, research in oral collagen supplements is limited. One randomized trial showed that when given collagen hydrolysate at a dose of 2.5 to 5 grams per day, women aged thirty-five to fifty-five showed improved skin elasticity in eight weeks.
Still, there is no scientific research that proves taking collagen supplements will be beneficial for everyone, as a healthy person with a well-balanced diet may not see any benefits at all.
Topical application is our recommendation! No matter your age, skin care products containing collagen peptides can help minimize the signs of aging. When researching products, look for FDA approval with proven science-backed results.
Ingredient Spotlight: Our bodies need Vitamin C to synthesize collagen, so adding a vitamin C serum to your routine may help naturally boost collagen production in the body.