There are several collagen skin benefits that help in keeping our skin plump and supple. Unfortunately, as we age, loss of collagen in skin can result in sagging skin, wrinkles and a loss of radiance. In this blog, we will discover more about the uses of collagen uses, collagen loss, and the best collagen skin treatments to boost collagen levels and give your skin a solid & youthful appearance.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein our body naturally produces and is found in the bones, muscles, skin and tendons. It plays a key role in providing structure, strength, and support to our skin, hair, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, cartilage, and connective tissue. Simply put, it acts as a glue that holds everything together.

Collagen makes up the structural scaffolding of our skin. It is mainly present in the skin's middle layer( the dermis). Together with elastin, it  helps give skin its elasticity and is essential in our skin's natural renewal process.

Causes of collagen loss

Here are some factors that can lead to collagen loss:

1. Smoking: Smoking reduces the production of elastin and collagen by as much as 40%. This is why smokers often have much older-looking faces than non-smokers do at an equivalent age.

2. Stress: Stress has been shown to reduce collagen production by up to 25%. This is because stress releases hormones that tell your body not to produce collagen.

3. Excessive sun exposure: UV rays damage cells in your skin and cause them to produce fewer new cells, including new cells capable of producing collagen.

Benefits of collagen skin treatments

Benefits of collagen treatment for skin include:

• Keeping the skin dewy and plump

• Keeping the skin firm and smooth 

• Give a healthy glow 

• Keeping skin supple that bounces back

• Keeping delicate areas like under eye skin look bright and revitalised

You must have observed how children have such smooth skin. This is because our collagen production is highest when we are young. Gradually as we age, our collagen levels start to decline; studies show that our collagen level begins depleting about 1% every year as early as in our 20s. This collagen loss results in skin sagging, wrinkles, and the skin losing its plumpness and elasticity.

Best skin treatments to boost collagen levels

Collagen provides skin with texture, strength and resiliency. Nowadays, numerous techniques and treatments can boost collagen in the skin. These treatments help to return collagen levels to optimum level; however, the body's natural collagen production will continue to decrease due to ageing and external factors. Treatments can be repeated to extend results.

Using collagen skin treatment at home

There are numerous ways to boost collagen levels at home. These include diet changes and nourishing your skin with collagen-boosting ingredients..

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid can be found in most topical creams and serums. It increases hydration in the skin and helps promote collagen production.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important in the production of collagen. Intake of vitamin c rich foods, including citrus fruits, green or red peppers, strawberries and broccoli, can help boost collagen levels. 

• Antioxidants: Antioxidants in foods like blueberries, green tea, mulberry extract, pomegranate extract, coffee extract and cinnamon help protect and rejuvenate the skin. 

• Collagen supplements: Collagen supplements can help reduce wrinkles and help tighten loose facial skin and reverse hyperpigmentation. It also improves skin elasticity and hydration.

Using collagen skin creams to rejuvenate skin

Many collagen-based skin products are available, and it's essential to understand how they work on the skin. It is best to consult your dermatologist to know which cream best suits your skin type. At Clinikally, we provide video consultations with the best dermatologists in India who will give you a personalised treatment plan based on your specific skin concern. You can book consult online at your chosen time from the comfort of your home. 

Collagen-based topical creams plump and hydrate the skin, giving you bouncy and healthy-looking skin. When looking for the best topical creams and serums, look for these ingredients to boost collagen production

• Vitamin C

• Aloe vera

• Retinol

• SPF

• Niacinamide 

• Hyaluronic acid

How to prevent collagen loss

Minor tweaks to your daily skincare routine can go a long way; here are some natural ways to boost collagen production and prevent collagen loss

• Get a facial massage: Facial massage can help stimulate collagen production and strengthen muscle memory. It lets more blood circulate around the skin, and toned muscle retains the skin's tightness.

• Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water to keep skin hydrated and flush out toxins, keeping the complexion clear. Collagen can bind to water and naturally condition the skin to maintain moisture levels that leave the skin brighter looking. 

• Eat well: Eating protein-rich foods like chicken and egg yolks, salmon, and pork nourishes the body and boosts collagen production. Also, look for Vitamin C-rich foods like broccoli, strawberries, and pineapple, as Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. 

• Improve your lifestyle: Adopt healthy lifestyles and avoid excess sugar, alcohol, and smoking as they can inhibit collagen production and accelerate ageing. 

Improve skin elasticity with collagen treatment!

As discussed, our collagen is vital to keep skin looking healthy and supple; however, over time, our skin loses collagen due to ageing and external factors. Numerous treatments help improve skin elasticity and boost collagen production. You can also try home remedies and topical creams. However, beyond using collagen creams, healthy lifestyle habits like eating less sugar, quitting smoking, and using sunscreen can help decrease collagen loss effectively.