Collagen is the recent buzzword in the cosmetic industry. There is more to it when we talk about collagens apart from its benefits for the skin. The most prevalent protein in the human body is collagen. You would be surprised to know that collagen covers about one third of protein in the body and 75% of your skin. Isn’t it a lot? The good news here is that you can boost your collagen production and reduce wrinkles on face through some natural ingredients.
Collagen is responsible for holding the body together. It plays a major role in providing strength and structure to the skin. It is mostly present in bones, connective tissues, tendons, skin, muscles and ligaments. Collagen found in the body has multiple functions. Hence, its depletion leads to a number of health and skin issues.
What is Collagen for?
To put it in simple terms, collagen is the glue that holds the body together. Collagen is protein and is made up of the building block of protein i.e., amino acids (majorly proline, glycine, hydroxyproline and arginine). It is a hard, strong, quite flexible and fibrous form of protein that the body needs.
Why do we need collagen?
By now you might have got a little idea about what collagen is. Let’s get a bit deeper.
Every year our body loses about 1% of collagen. Initially there would be negligible difference but it makes a huge difference when you reach your 40s. The rate of breaking down is more than the rate of replacing the collagen in the body. It means, the depletion in the collagen will lead to weakened organ protection, wrinkles, fine lines and other ageing skin signs. Overall, it affects the strength and structure of the skin and body. Therefore, collagen is of utmost importance. (Natural sources of collagen)
Benefits of collagen to the skin:
- Skin elasticity
- Skin hydration
- Heals wound
- Reduce wrinkles
- Reduce fine lines
- Helps in improving skin structure
- Improves blood circulation
How to reduce wrinkles on face?
1. Aloe vera:
This is a well-known substance that boosts collagen production. Aloe aids in the stimulation of fibroblasts, which create elastin and collagen fibers. As a result, the skin becomes more elastic and wrinkles are reduced. The amino acids in aloe soften the skin, and the zinc, which acts as an astringent, helps to tighten pores. Overall, aloe vera’s cell growth stimulating activity enhances skin integrity, increases collagen creation, and reduces wrinkle appearance.
2. Vitamin C:
This vitamin is a viable supplement to enhance collagen production. Vitamin C plays a vital role in collagen regulation and synthesis in the body. The collagen skin fibroblast has an absolute dependence on vitamin c for its production as it directly triggers the DNA. Thus, it helps a lot to reduce wrinkles on face and make the skin look young and youthful.
3. Sodium hyaluronate:
The solidum salt of hyaluronic acid (HA) is sodium hyaluronate. HA is again one of the important ingredients that boosts the collagen production in the skin. The presence of amino acids that supports the collagen boot makes this ingredient integral for collagen production.
4. Licorice:
This herb extract is rich in antioxidants. The active components and amino acids present in licorice helps in skin rejuvenation and protection in various ways. Studies show that licorice in addition to skin hydration, helps regenerate elastin and collagen in the skin. Thus, making the skin smooth and firm.
5. Glycerin:
Apart from its superpower of skin hydration, glycerin also helps to maintain collagen formation. When applied topically, glycerin has been shown to increase skin barrier function, elasticity, and mechanical qualities. Furthermore, it keeps the skin looking young, soft, and supple while also assisting in the healing process.
6. Papaya extract:
This fruit extract is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, enzymes and antioxidants too. Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which is present naturally in the fruit. This ingredient can be found in many skin care products. The richness of these nutrients and enzymes helps in improving the skin’s collagen content and reduce wrinkles on face. Moreover, it helps skin healing and fights oxidative damage. When applied topically, it prevents the breakdown of elastin and collagen, enhances secretion of collagen, tightens skin and reduces wrinkles.
7. Guava extract:
Due to the presence of vitamin C, antioxidants (carotene and lycopene), vitamin B and vitamin A guava is regarded as an important collagen building component. Antioxidants protect cells from injury, aid in cell repair, and increase collagen formation. Guavas also contain a high vitamin A concentration, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin membranes. Furthermore, we’ve already seen how vitamin C aids in collagen production.
Scientific research on ingredients that help boost collagen production:
- Aloe aids in the stimulation of fibroblasts, which create elastin and collagen fibers. Read here.
- Vitamin C is the viable ingredient that boost collagen production. Read here.
- HA is an supports the collagen buildup. Read here.
- The antioxidant properties of licorice helps in boosting collagen production. Read here.
WHICH INGREDIENTS TO AVOID?
Despite the fact that every skin care product claims to improve collagen, there are a few skin care chemicals that must be avoided. When taken for an extended period of time, they can cause serious harm. Therefore, when looking for a solution to help collagen boost, it’s important to do your research. Some cosmetics contain substances that are potentially detrimental to your skin and health. Here are a few to mention:
- Paraben
- Phthalates
- Mercury
- Aluminum
- Lead
- Liquid Bleach
- Steroids
HOW TO READY STEADY GLOW YOUR FACE?
Although vitamin C is generally accepted by all skin types, a patch test is required before usage to identify allergies or danger. Here’s how to get started:
- Cleans your face well and pat dry.
- Apply a small amount of vitamin c with the help of the dropper to the affected area
- Massage gently (in the circular of upward direction)
- Leave it to fully absorb by the skin
- Lastly, apply sunscreen