It’s no secret that the ultimate key to plump, firm skin is collagen; it’s the perfect ingredient if you’re looking to level up your daily skincare routine, but can be a bit overwhelming if you’re trying to figure out the science behind it. Fortunately, I’ve got your back. Welcome to Collagen 101, let’s get started!
What Is Collagen And Why Is It Important?
Collagen is a type of protein that acts as a building block for various tissues and structures like our skin, bones, ligaments etc. It is a combination of amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), essential for skin health and wound healing.
As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint stiffness, which is why collagen supplements and skincare products should be a part of your everyday routine!
5 Ways To Increase Collagen Production
- Collagen Powders
You can add it to water, tea, coffee, shakes, or soups. The Inja Wellness Pro Finest Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Powder features good-quality hydrolyzed marine collagen sourced from Japan. Taking it daily helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin brighter, while also improving the quality of your hair and joint strength and is sugar-free, gluten-free and free of any harsh preservatives.
- Peptide Infused Skincare
If you’re one of those people who just cannot follow a daily supplement routine, you can also boost your collagen levels through skincare products like toners, moisturisers, and serums. Most skincare products do not contain collagen and instead, contain peptides that boost collagen production.
The SNP Prep Peptaronic Toner enriched with peptide complex, the Barrier Plus Ceramide Moisturiser, or the Klairs Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop are excellent choices to begin with.
- Retinoids, Retinoids, Retinoids
Another way to boost collagen in your body is through what I like to call the Fairy Godmother of skincare, retinoids. Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that tend to reduce fine lines and wrinkles along with fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. When it comes to retinoids, I prefer an overnight treatment since it reduces exposure to the sun and other acids. The Re’equil 0.1% Retinol Night Cream or the Foxtale Retional Night Serum is perfect for this.
- A Collagen Rich Diet
Another no-brainer way to increase collagen production is to consume a collagen-rich diet. There’s a reason the Kardashians are so serious about their bone broth, which is rich in collagen and multiple nutrients that support skin and joint health. Other foods that are rich in collage include fish like salmon and tuna as well as citrus fruits and berries, bell peppers, broccoli and kiwi.
But if you are allergic to any of these, you can also opt for collagen tablets!
- Sunscreen
The last way to increase collagen production is by application of sunscreen every day. I know you already know this, but it never hurts to re-emphasise. Radiation from the sun breaks down collagen faster than anything else; it tampers with the body’s ability to produce collagen and speeds up the ageing process.
Extended exposure to the sun can cause a significant decrease in collagen production and an increase in collagen breakdown—leading to the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Sunscreen helps mitigate these effects, which is why it’s essential to incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily skincare routine.
Pro Tip: As a general rule, make sure that all your supplements contain bioavailable collagen, and have been subjected to clinical trials that prove their efficacy.
The average amount of collagen required is 10 grams, and all supplement forms should be hydrolysed since these are easily digestible by our digestive system.
Collagen is undeniably the key to achieving plump and firm skin, but maintaining its production is a multi-faceted endeavor. Safeguarding collagen through the ways mentioned above is 100% your path to maintaining radiant and healthy skin!
Featured Image: Instagram
