Vying for a youthful, luminous complexion? Well, the answer could lie in your skin already…but bear with us, it’s not quite that simple
The secret to radiant skin
Dubbed “the foundation of youth”, collagen has taken the beauty and wellness industry by storm and for good reason. For the unacquainted, read on for why you need to incorporate this skin-loving ingredient into your daily beauty regime (and for the collagen converted you’ll need no further convincing!).
The secret to radiant skin
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein found in approximately 80% of the body’s connective tissues and is a major contributor to skin’s elasticity. It serves many important functions, including strengthening joints, bones and the skin’s dermis.
But – the sad reality is, from the moment we’re born, we lose it. Our collagen production decreases as we age and from our 30s, the rate at which our collagen levels deplete increases… rapidly. As production slows down, the structure of our skin weakens and we start to see sagging skin and lines.
Because collagen is a naturally occurring substance within our bodies and we can't naturally regenerate it after it's become depleted, supplementation through ingestibles and/or skincare is key. That’s why everyone from celebrities to skincare aficionados can’t get enough of the miracle protein.
Collagen benefits for skin
1. Natural wrinkle filler
When collagen breaks down, your expression lines (from smiling and frowning) become more prominent, which is further accentuated by exposure to sun. Habitual collagen intake has been found to soften the appearances of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Boosts skin elasticity
Collagen is literally the glue that holds everything together, helping skin to maintain its elasticity. As we age and collagen networks break down, wrinkles and saggy skin increase. When collagen levels are abundant you can prevent loss of volume and the formation of expression wrinkles in the first place resulting in a firm and plump complexion.
3. Prevents and heals skin inflammation (including acne!)
Those who suffer from eczema, acne or psoriasis may benefit from taking collagen. Not just an anti-ageing powerhouse, collagen has been linked to reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups in the skin. It features several anti-inflammatory properties such as amino acids, which can help treat inflammation at the source.
4. Promotes glowing skin
There’s a reason babies sport an enviable healthy glow – they’re brimming with collagen! Unfortunately, age robs us of that covetable lit-from-within spark. Dry and dull skin is another pitfall that comes with loss of collagen. Restoring collagen will help to hydrate the skin resulting in a more radiant complexion.
5. Can help to diminish cellulite
The benefits of collagen are not just limited to the skin on our face, it’s also been found to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. While no ‘cure’ as such has been found for the dreaded ‘orange peel’, there is definitely merit in helping target the root of it all with collagen. Almost all women will encounter cellulite at some stage in their lives, whether it’s with sudden weight gain, hormonal fluctuation, age or genetics. In short, the reason why cellulite forms in the first place is due to your skin losing elasticity and becoming too thin – which can often be put down to collagen production declining (it has all-over body benefits!)
But…
So there you have it, these are just a few of the many benefits of collagen! However, it’s important to remember not all collagen is created equal and there are numerous brands with collagen claims that aren’t legitimate, often featuring low quality or quantities of collagen. It’s critical to do your research before investing in a collagen supplement or serum.
