This post is all about how to rebuild collagen in the face.
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What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body – it makes up about 30% of proteins in the human body. Collagen is the primary building block of the body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments and other connective tissues. [SOURCE]
Collagen is the protein in your skin responsible for its elasticity and youthfulness. Collagen production in the skin starts to decrease with age – starting in your mid-20’s.
Lifestyle Habits that Damage Collagen
- Smoking. It decreases the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
- Exposure to UV rays. UV radiation causes collagen to break down faster than during normal aging.
- Eating too much sugar and refined carbs. This breaks down the collagen and elastin in your skin.
Signs You Are Losing Collagen
- Loss of natural fullness in the cheeks.
- The under-eye area develops hollows.
- Sagging skin due to elasticity loss.
- Wrinkles and fine lines.
How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a critical role in the maintenance of collagen network in the body by preventing the auto-inactivation of lysyl and prolyl hyroxylase, two key enzymes in collagen biosynthesis [SOURCE]. So we can say that Vitamin C has a direct effect on stimulating the biosynthesis of collagen which slows down with aging.
Bioavailability of Vitamin C in skin is inadequate when taken orally, therefore the use of topical Vitamin C is preferred in dermatology and skin care. [SOURCE]
Using concentrated Vitamin C products will help support collagen synthesis and prevent premature signs of ageing, like fine lines and loss of elasticity.
2. Retinol
Retinol (Vitamin A) is among the most effective substances slowing the aging process. It strengthens the protective function of the epidermis, restrains transepidermal water loss, and protects collagen against degradation. Studies show that retinol stimulates the synthesis of collagen and improves skin elasticity. [SOURCE]
3. Collagen supplements
According to the 2020 research, hydrolyzed collagen in creams and other topical products can moisturize the skin and increase its elasticity, while oral hydrolyzed collagen supplements may help boost collagen in the body. The same study shows that hydrolyzed collagen has a higher absorption rate in the body compared to non-hydroyzed collagen.
Another study shows that intake of hydrolyzed collagen shows a significant improvement in skin elasticity in the course of 4 weeks.
I’ve been taking hydrolyzed collagen powder for 2 weeks. I am not sure if it is a coincidence (I recently switched to a new moisturizer, and also I’ve been drinking a lot of water daily) but my skin already looks much more hydrated and glowy than before.
4. Skin laser treatments
Skin laser treatment technology (Fraxel, CO2 Fraxis) is actually the leader of Anti-aging programs all over the world.
During the treatment using a special laser, old epidermal (upper skin layer) cells are eliminated. At the same time, the laser beam affects the deeper layer of the skin – the derma.
The results are seen right after the procedure and keep growing month by month. New epidermis (upper skin layer) is formed within 24 hours. Deep skin layers keep changing for 2-3 months.
Skin laser treatments can be done for face, neck, around the eyes – wherever you feel that your skin needs an immediate rejuvenation. I can say from my experience that the results are really fast, visible and long-term.
5. Protein-rich food
You can also promote collagen production by eating a healthy diet rich in protein. Several high-protein foods are believed to promote collagen production because they contain the amino acids that make collagen — glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These include fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy. [SOURCE]
Collagen production also requires the proper amount of nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, copper and manganese to make these amino acids. [SOURCE] So it is a good a day to take multivitamins daily and also adjust your diet to provide your body the necessary building blocks. And of course, don’t forget to drink 2-3 l of water daily, because without proper hydration your skin won’t be glowing!
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This post was all about how to rebuild collagen in the face.
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