As one of the most prominent and important proteins in the human body, with a wide range of functions, the natural decline of collagen production over time is an age-related issue that unfortunately affects us all. Having said that, there are plenty of products and methods available to us in order to improve and boost collagen production, here we’ll take a closer look at collagen’s effect on the face, and explain how you can restore collagen in the face.
What effect does collagen have on the skin?
The first thing to note is that collagen is also key component in bones, muscles and other body parts, responsible for everything from healthy cartilage to forming a protective layer around the organs. As the body’s largest – certainly it’s most visible – organ, the effect of collagen on the skin is huge. Type 1 and Type 3 collagen, two of the three most prominent types, of which 28 have currently been identified, are closely related to the healthy appearance, hydration and elasticity of your skin. It is this loss of hydration and structure in the skin cells over time which leads to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and hollowing and counteracting this, in turn, is one of the main benefits of boosting collagen levels.
How does a lack of collagen effect the face?
While many studies have proven the link between collagen production and a range of elements of healthy skin, from hydration to strength and elasticity to the strength and structure of the cells, it is worth understanding what effect a deficiency may cause. As mentioned above, Type 1 collagen is found commonly throughout the skin, in the dermis layer to be precise, generally contributing to healthy skin, and declines over time as natural levels of production fall off. One of the main effects of this is thinner, drier and less elastic skin. The most immediate, and prominent, signifier is the formation of wrinkles, although signs of collagen deficiency can also be seen in a hollowing of the cheeks and under-eye areas, or else sagging along the jaw line.
Ways to boost collagen
Luckily, as more time and resource is given over to the proper study of collagen, more and more information is available on ways to boost production. Here we’ve assembled some of the most effective methods:
- Supplements – it may sound simple but several studies have proven that incorporating a collagen supplement into your routine, we recommend an ethical, hydrolysed (essentially pre-digested, already broken down) marine sourced supplement, is the most effective way to boost production. Generally speaking, between 3-10g a day, added to food or drink, will begin to show positive effects within 90 days.
- Hyaluronic acid – an acid compound that is proven to aid in the production of collagen. Available in the form of topical ointments and creams and supplements, as well as injections, hyaluronic acid is similar to collagen in that it is found naturally throughout the body, and production declines over time.
- Vitamin C – a common recommendation when considering health and lifestyle is to include a regular source of vitamin c in your daily routine. Despite not being produced in the body, Vitamin C is essential to several functions, as well as the production and absorption of collagen. Look for citrus fruits, strawberries and broccoli, or perhaps effervescent supplements.
- Antioxidants – antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins which are found in purple and red foods, are effective at slowing down collagen degradation by combatting the effect of free radicals in the body. They can also protect existing collagen while encouraging production.
Can taking collagen supplements improve skin health?
Considering both the prevalence of collagen throughout the skin, and the several functions it has in the health and maintenance of the body’s largest organ, it’s no surprise that supplements can have a notable positive effect on skin health. Whereas some supplements work by introducing a new source of collagen to the body, some others may concentrate on stimulation collagen production in the body, or work in tandem with other nutrients such as Vitamin C. Not only are collagen supplements effective for improving skin health, as well as a range of other benefits throughout the body, they are non-intrusive. Rather than demanding an intensive lifestyle change, supplements are intended to be incorporated into your day to day to routine.
Do collagen creams help boost collagen in the face?
There are plenty of topical collagen treatments available on the market, in the form of moisturising creams for example. While large collagen molecule may not be too large to penetrate the upper skin layer, smaller collagen peptides could penetrate the skin and stimulate collagen production. Studies have shown that collagen peptides could improve the skins barrier function and help to plump, hydrate and brighten the skin, which can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen creams with added ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can help aid absorption and increase hydration and the overall effects on the face.
In summary, the face is not only one of the most important areas of the body when it comes to collagen production, it is also a good indicator of deficiency in terms of the appearance of sagging and wrinkled skin. In order to boost collagen production and restore collagen in the face, consider oral supplementation and including a ready source of Vitamin C and antioxidants in your diet. Topical collagen creams can also help improve skin hydration and plump the skin, helping to prevent major signs of aging.
