The Truth about Collagen

Collagen is the “it word” of the beauty community. We use it in casual conversations and remark on its importance, but do we really understand the science behind one of the most sought-after elements of the human body?

Defining Collagen

Collagen is a protein found naturally in the body. It’s discussed most in terms of facial aesthetics, but collagen is actually responsible for acting like the glue that holds the body’s muscles, bones, skin, and tendons together. This makes it the most abundant protein in the human body, but collagen production declines with age. Without enough collagen, the body simply cannot perform different functions as efficiently as it did in its youth.

For the skin in particular, loss of collagen leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of volume. It also prevents the skin from efficiently replacing dead skill cells and healing itself when injured.

Top Collagen Benefits

Advanced technology now makes it possible to receive extra collagen, beyond what is naturally produced in the body. It is also easy enough to stimulate the body to create more of its own natural collagen as well. Some procedures blend these two techniques together, which leads to dramatic skin rejuvenation. All in all, collagen is the key component of healthy skin because it helps to heal, rejuvenate, and structure the skin.

Lifestyle Choices to Boost Collagen Production

Though you can’t control your age, you can control other factors that will boost your collagen production. First, cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet. Added sugars, like those found in baked goods and processed foods, cause collagen to become dry, brittle, and weak. Smoking, of course, is very toxic to the body and even damages the collagen and elastin in the skin. Sunlight is healthy in small amounts with the right UV protection, but excessive sun exposure will break down collagen at a rapid rate, damage collagen fibers, and cause solar scars.