When the skin produces a lot of collagen, we experience the skin as firm and full. A child's skin is full of collagen. Collagen is produced until we are about 25 years old, then the skin begins to break down more collagen than it creates. Therefore, it is usually at that age that signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear.
Collagen is an important fiber protein that is found in the body and helps the skin to stay elastic, firm and moisturized. At the same time, collagen also provides stability to both our skeleton and our blood vessels.
Boost the skin's collagen production
The body creates collagen naturally by breaking down protein into amino acids, which are the body's building blocks. Important amino acids that make up the collagen are glycine, proline and alanine. The amino acids form long peptide chains that twist around each other and form protein strands. As you get older, your body produces less collagen and also of poorer quality. It is usually felt first on the skin, as it becomes less firm and soft. But we can help boost the skin's collagen production, by providing the cells with what they need to produce new. Vitamin A, peptides and antioxidants - especially vitamin C - are proven effective, in combination with collagen.
Different types of collagen
There are at least 26 different types of collagen that we know of, these are divided into four main categories depending on what role they have in the body.
Type 1: Makes up 90% of the body's collagen and provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, connective tissue and teeth.
Type 2: This variant of collagen consists of looser fibers and is found in the type of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber for your joints.
Type 3: Is the variant that provides structure to muscles, organs and arteries.
Type 4: Is the variant of collagen found in the skin layers.
What contributes to reduced collagen production?
Smoking and UV rays reduce collagen production, which in turn, can lead to premature aging skin (wrinkles). In addition, both stress and dietary choices can affect the ability of collagen to repair itself, such as too much sugar and refined carbohydrates.
What effect does collagen have on the skin?
- - The skin is perceived as firm and full
- - Helps keep skin hydrated
- - Heals the skin
- - Keeps the skin elastic
Tip! UV radiation and free radicals are something that breaks down collagen prematurely, so it is important to boost your skin with SPF and other antioxidants that protect collagen from degradation. Exfoliating the skin now and then, it helps to accelerate cell renewal, which in turn leads to increased collagen production.