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You often read the word collagen as an ingredient in many skin care products. Have you ever thought what it is and what it does to your skin?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body that helps in maintaining the strength and elasticity of the skin. It accounts for the 30% of the total protein in our body.
Your body slows down the production of collagen as it ages, which in turn results in ageing of the skin. Other reasons for depletion in the collagen production can be due to pollution, stress, sugar intake, smoking, etc.
There are many beauty products as well as foods that boost the collagen production in your body. So, let’s read further to know about its role in skincare.
1. Firms your skin:
Collagen speeds up the production of the protein called elastin that assists in improving the elasticity of the skin. It helps in firming your skin and prevents sagging also. Also, elastin repairs the skin tissues and helps in speeding up the cell renewal process, which in turn, revives your skin, making it youthful and wrinkle free.
2. Makes skin radiant:
As discussed above, collagen in the body provides strength and elasticity to the skin. These two factors are necessary for preventing skin cells from any damage. They also help in making your skin look plump and radiant. Therefore, when there is a boost in collagen level in your body, it surely reflects on your skin as it starts to look super glowing.
3. Improves skin texture:
Protein in your body helps in improving your skin texture, and collagen alone accounts for 30% of the total protein in the body. The protein in your body repairs the skin tissues and promotes the growth of new cells. Amino acids in the body help in keeping the skin cells hydrated and moisturised as they lock the moisture into your skin. Also, it makes your skin super soft, healthy and bouncy.
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4. Protects the skin against oxidation:
Collagen in your body helps in preventing the oxidation of the free radicals in your skin. If the free radicals are oxidised, they can damage your skin and cause pigmentation. On the other hand, if the free radicals outbalance the collagen levels then, they can inhibit the collagen production and damage the healthy skin cells. To prevent this problem, you have to increase the intake of antioxidants to neutralise the free radical levels in your body.
5. Used as fillers:
Collagen is widely used as a filler to treat the fine lines and wrinkles on your skin. When it is difficult to boost the collagen production in your body, there comes the surgical way. It is injected into the affected areas to improve its contour and makes your skin look fuller and younger without any creases.
6. Role of Vitamin C:
Vitamin C acts as a sidekick to the collagen production. The higher the intake of vitamin C in your body, the higher is the collagen production in your body. Vitamin C helps the amino acids to link and form proteins. So, instead of consuming collagen boosting supplements or food directly, you can increase the intake of vitamin C and antioxidants in your body.
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7. Exfoliation is the key:
Exfoliation is one of the key processes to boost the collagen production. Exfoliation helps in removing the dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin, which in turn, speeds up the renewal process of collagen. It makes your skin look younger and radiant. Chemical exfoliants can help too. Opt for an exfoliant with glycolic acid or lactic acid for significant results.
8. Supplements and foods:
Apart from skin care products, there are collagen supplements and foods that can boost the collagen production in your body. To make your skin look great, you should have a healthy diet. Since collagen is a protein, you must have a protein rich diet. Some of the collagen boosting foods are leafy vegetables, soy products, red fruits and vegetables, oranges, lemons, beans, carrots and avocados.
9. Sun exposure:
Sun exposure is the prime reason for the reduction in the production of collagen in your body. If you are exposing yourself for too long in the sun, it damages the collagen levels in the body. So, this the reason, why a prolonged exposure to the sun rays increases the chance of premature ageing. Whenever you step out, always remember to use a sun protection to protect the collagen levels in your body.