What Is Collagen and Why Is It so Important?
Smoother, younger-looking skin; we all want it. Every year, we spend hundreds on skincare products, hoping to achieve a youthful glow. Not many people realise the secret to younger-looking skin is already inside us.
In 2018, U.S. consumers were expected to spend $122 million on collagen products. That's a 30 percent increase from the previous year.
So what is collagen, and why are so many people considering it the new Fountain of Youth? Keep reading to find out!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins that naturally exists in the human body. It's found in our:
- Skins
- Blood
- Bones
- Cartilage
- Ligaments
- Muscles
Collagen helps us move and keep in shape. It's also a building block for different parts of our bodies, including our teeth. When it comes to skincare, collagen also helps keep our skin young and elastic.
Our body already produces collagen every day. However, our natural collagen production slows down as we get older.
By increasing the collagen in your body, you can prevent signs your skin is aging.
Why Do We Need It?
So what is collagen in regards to our skin?
As we get older, our collagen production decreases. This can cause our skin to become wrinkled, rugged, dry, and rough.
Increasing collagen for skincare can reverse signs of aging. It can also help your skin appear vibrant and glowing. By helping your skin look smoother, tighter, and plumper, collagen helps you look younger, too.
Collagen benefits the other parts of the body, too. For example, collagen can help stiff, tender joints. Some studies are also noting collagen's ability to reduce knee and back pain.
Collagen also helps us burn fat. As a result, it's easier to build muscle mass. At the same time, collagen can improve the appearance of cellulite.
Collagen's ability to increase creatine synthesis can even fuel your workouts.
Increasing Collagen Naturally
Certain habits can also hurt our collagen production. These include:
- Smoking
- An unbalanced diet
- Too much sun exposure
Without enough collagen, you'll notice joint pain, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Now that you know exactly what is collagen, consider giving your body a boost. For example, you can use micro-needling, which involves poking small holes into the skin or RF treatments. Microneedling can increase collagen production, skin elasticity, and suppleness.
It's also effective in reducing pore size, wrinkles, and fine lines.
You can also increase your body's natural collagen production by adding the following to your diet:
- Citrus fruits (lemons and oranges) that are high in vitamin C
- Proline (found in mushrooms, dairy, egg whites)
- Glycine (gelatine, chicken skin, pork skin)
- Copper (kidneys, livers, lentils)
- Amino acids (meat, dairy, tofu)
Other treatments, such as ultrasounds, radiofrequency, or a bee venom facial can all help stimulate your body's production of collagen as well.
What is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?
So what is collagen again? It's your new secret weapon to smoother, younger skin!
Eager to book your first micro-needling appointment? Contact us today to discuss how our treatment options for youthful, glowing skin!
