The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation. Your body begins to lose collagen when you turn 30. The effects become noticeable after several years. Even though this is a natural process, it's possible to speed it up with UV exposure, pollution, bad habits, and poor diet choices.
The good news is, though you may not be able to bring back the lost collagen, there are ways to help get things moving and slow further loss. With the right skin care products and treatments outside and in, there's so much you can do to get back that spring back in your skin.
Collagen can't be absorbed by the body in its whole form. This means collagen proteins must be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids before they can be absorbed.
Scurvy, the hallmark disease of severe vitamin C deficiency, displays symptoms resulting from loss of collagen that weakens connective tissues: Skin spots caused by bleeding and bruising from broken blood vessels.
Eat a healthy diet high in nutrients including vitamins A11 and C. Follow a daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen and topical retinol. Avoid smoking, as research shows that tobacco smoke reduces the production of collagen and elastin.
The best way to absorb collagen is to let your body do the work! When you consume collagen, enzymes in your stomach break it down and utilize the amino acids to address issues in your skin and body. It is then absorbed through your bloodstream and travels to areas in your body that need the most help.
Caffeine suppresses collagen production by preventing cell growth and interfering with the development of cartilage. In turn, this affects the ability to make new collagen and the genes involved in maturing cartilage cells. One study found that caffeine reduces collagen synthesis in human skin.
Tangible results for skin, hair and nails are seen in as soon as four weeks. And with consistent, daily supplementation, the best results are achieved from 12 weeks. As for how long to take collagen supplements, collagen works by replenishing collagen peptides to stimulate its production.
Vitamin C is vital in the production of collagen. Without Vitamin C, the body can't form collagen, making this antioxidant an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis.
Wrinkles and fine lines are common signs of collagen loss in your skin. It provides structure to the skin, keeping it firm and helping it look more youthful. Aging, sun exposure, and environmental pollutants can break down protein in your skin, causing it to become thinner and more fragile.
Bone broth
Dr. Bradley says her favorite collagen-boosting brew is bone broth.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
This collagen powder comes recommended by all three panelists. “This company is one of the leaders in collagen powders,” says Melina Jampolis, M.D., board-certified nutrition specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
Inadequate Vitamin D in the skin causes it to become thin, saggy, wrinkled, and weak. Your skin is your largest organ, so making sure it's strong and healthy is incredibly important in preventing premature aging.
You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
Tapping also helps drain lymphatic fluid that makes you look puffy and eliminates toxins. The toxins can damage your skin, especially your collagen, leading to wrinkles. It may also stimulate collagen production to help fade fine lines. More studies, especially long-term ones, are needed.
Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue and rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body. When an immune response tricks tissues into thinking they are injured, it causes inflammation, and the body makes too much collagen, leading to scleroderma.
By promoting collagen production, ACV can help reduce the signs of aging and improve skin firmness. To incorporate ACV into your skincare routine, you can dilute it with water and use it as a facial toner or astringent. You can also mix it with other ingredients, such as honey or green tea, to create a DIY face mask.