Your body’s collagen is what keeps your skin from sagging and gives you that youthful and plump look. If you’re a skincare fanatic, no doubt collagen will ring a bell. Let’s talk about why collagen is important for skincare.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s the building blocks of your hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is the glue that holds your body together and gives you structure. It gives your skin that lovely bounce for healthy juicy-looking skin.
You can find collagen throughout the body, not just in the skin. There are several types of collagen in the body. Collagen alongside elastin, another protein, is responsible for warding off those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.
Why Does Collagen Decline?
When your collagen levels start to diminish, your skin can begin to sag, lose firmness, and wrinkles start to develop. Wrinkles that only appeared when you smiled or frowned no longer go away.
Unfortunately, the ageing process is something that happens to us all. As you get older, your collagen levels naturally drop. Collagen loss starts in your mid-20s and continues to decline gradually. Women in the first five years of menopause can lose up to 30% of their collagen production.
Collagen is crucial to your skin and muscle health. Although your collagen production naturally depletes as you get older, certain lifestyle habits can promote collagen loss, including:
- UV damage
- Smoking
- High sugar and processed diet
- Stress
How Can You Increase Collagen Production?
Although you can’t stop the natural ageing process, you can take active steps to promote healthy collagen production levels in the body. To naturally support collagen production, try the following tips:
- Eat a healthy diet high in antioxidants
- Wear SPF
- Stop smoking
- Manage stress
On top of making healthy lifestyle choices, there are facial treatments that stimulate collagen production. Here are four treatments that can increase collagen production and support a glowing complexion.
Profhilo
Profhilo is a hyaluronic acid injectable gel that promotes collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. The anti-ageing treatment boosts radiance, improves tone, adds volume, and promotes younger-looking skin.
Sculptra
Sculptra promotes collagen growth to smooth and sculpt the skin. The treatment is unique in the way that your collagen levels continue to build throughout your sessions. You can use Sculptra on the face and body to create a more youthful appearance.
Microneedling
Another treatment to boost collagen is microneedling. Tiny needles make small wounds that encourage collagen production. So, when the wounds heal, the result is younger, smoother and more rejuvenated-looking skin.
Skincare
When it comes to skincare, retinol is the number one ingredient for boosting collagen production and smoothing out complexion. Retinols can form part of your skincare routine to start improving collagen production in the skin.
Your collagen levels are so important for your skincare. Furthermore, by making healthy lifestyle choices and protecting your skin from UV damage, you can prevent premature ageing. There are several treatments that can boost collagen levels and actively combat ageing, for a younger, more rejuvenated look.
