The term ‘collagen’ is quite familiar in current beauty trends, isn’t it! Those who have a fascination with skincare, must have heard it! But despite knowing the name, many people do not know what this collagen actually is, how it works and what kind of problems its deficiency causes! As collagen production decreases, premature aging signs are visible on the skin. Today we will learn in detail how to increase collagen production for younger looking skin.
What is Collagen:
Collagen is a natural protein made in the human body. It plays a special role in the formation of bones, muscles, hair, nails and skin of our body. Blood vessels, eyeballs and teeth also contain collagen. There is no substitute for collagen to maintain youthful skin. It naturally decreases with age You will notice that teenage skin looks naturally plump and healthy, as collagen production is normal at this time. But with the passage of time, the elasticity of the skin decreases.
Why is collagen deficiency?
1. According to research, collagen decreases from our bodies by about 1% every year after our twenties. The rate of this collagen reduction increases significantly after menopause.
2. The sun’s UV rays break down the skin’s collagen protein. So long time sun exposure and not using sunscreen properly is one of the main causes of collagen deficiency.
3. Pollution, free radicals are also responsible for collagen deficiency in our body.
4. Unhealthy eating habits or unhealthy lifestyle, mental stress, lack of sleep, but collagen production decreases and premature aging signs appear on the skin.
5. Smoking, alcohol, excessive intake of energy drinks, sugary food items all reduce the amount of collagen in our body.
How to increase collagen production?
Let’s find out the habits that will slow the collagen breakdown process with age and help in collagen growth.
1. Neutralize free radicals
Antioxidant rich products should be added to skincare. Environmental pollution, UV rays, Free radicals produced from these external sources create oxidative stress in our skin cells. The function of antioxidants is to protect the skin surface from this oxidative stress by neutralizing unstable free radicals. Vitamin-C, niacinamide, retinol, vitamin-E, glycolic acid are helpful in boosting collagen production.
2. Sun protection
Sunscreen use indirectly slows down the collagen breakdown process to maintain youthful skin. As mentioned earlier, UV rays cause the breakdown of collagen, due to which wrinkles, fine lines are visible on the skin. Apply sunscreen for proper protection. Choose the right SPF. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every 2/3 hours during the day. Umbrellas, caps, sunglasses, scarves, etc. should be used to avoid long sun exposure when going on tour.
3. Focus on lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle plays an effective role in slowing down the collagen breakdown process. You will not benefit from just using skincare products, if you do not properly maintain a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. Because the impact of lifestyle is very visible on our skin.
4. Change in eating habits
Avoid refined carbohydrates, foods with added sugar or sweets. Excess sugary foods can cause collagen breakdown, called glycation. Avoid smoking if you are a smoker. Omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids help increase collagen production in the body.
If collagen deficiency is more common after pregnancy or menopause, supplements can be taken on the advice of a dermatologist.
5. Eating collagen boosting foods
Adding collagen-boosting foods to a healthy diet regularly. Now the thing is, many of us don’t know which foods boost collagen:
Vitamin C rich foods like lemon, orange, tomato, capsicum etc.
Fish and seafood such as salmon, tuna
Berries like strawberries, blueberries
You can increase collagen in your body by adding foods like chicken, mushrooms, eggs, green vegetables, lettuce etc. to your diet.
Last word
Now you must have understood why collagen is coming up again and again in beauty trends. Here’s how to boost collagen production naturally for younger looking skin. Hope today’s feature was helpful for you.
