Ah, collagen. One of those ingredients that will inevitably be mentioned whenever skincare is being discussed.

Often described as an essential element in maintaining youthful skin, collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It plays an essential role in many body systems such as our bones and joints as it helps makes tissues strong, resilient, and able to withstand stretching. It provides structure to our skin cells, giving us skin that is smooth, plump, hydrated, and elastic.

Although we naturally produce collagen, it starts to slow in our mid-20s, resulting in weaker joints and bones and skin that is thinner and more prone to wrinkles. For women, up to 30% of collagen production is lost within the first 5 years of menopause.

But is the way to keeping softer, smoother skin really as simple as keeping the amount of collagen in the skin high?

But first, What is collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein that is often referred to as the body’s scaffolding. It exists in your connective tissues, tendons, skin, bones, and cartilage. It provides support and strength to these parts of your body and helps with tissue repair, cellular communication, migration, and your body’s immune response.

Collagen Types

Over 28 types have been identified by scientists so far, differing in how the molecules are assembled, which cell components they have, and where they can be found in your body. There are five main types:

• Type I: Making up 90% of your body’s collagen, Type I collagen provides structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
• Type II: This type is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
• Type III: This type is found in muscles, arteries and organs.
• Type IV: This type is found in the layers of your skin.
• Type V: This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.

Collagen is produced throughout your lifetime but naturally decreases with age. Picture a young toddler’s skin, and imagine how soft, plump, and firm it is. Children have such wonderful skin because their collagen production is at its peak! Sun exposure, smoking, or sugar consumption can also increase the rate at which we lose collagen.

Boost your Collagen Levels

With so much talk about how we are losing collagen faster the more we get older, finding ways to replenish your collagen levels and production is the obvious solution. From eating certain foods or supplements, to using the right skincare product, to doing skin treatments that will encourage cell renewal, getting collagen supplementation has never been easier.

Enrich Your Diet

Many foods naturally increase your collagen levels, such as tougher cuts of meat like chuck steak or brisket, or collagen-rich foods like bone broth, fish skin, and foods containing gelatine.

Foods rich in amino acids can also give your body what it needs to produce more collagen. Eggs, legumes, tofu, or tempeh are all great vegetarian or vegan options.

Keep your zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E levels up to ensure that your production is at its peak!

Oral Supplements

Many collagen supplements are available as pills, gummies, liquids, or powders that can be taken on their own or mixed into drinks, sprinkled on foods or made into meal-replacement shakes.

The type found in supplements or added to food products is usually Type 1 collagen as this type is most commonly found in the skin. Mostly derived from cows, pigs, or fish, there are also plant-based supplements for those who don’t ingest products made from these animals.

Once ingested, collagen is broken down into amino acids and absorbed by the body to be sent to wherever it is needed most. This includes your skin!

Skincare Products

Using skincare products with collagen may seem like a quick and easy way to boost your collagen levels, but there’s a catch: in its natural form, the collagen molecule is way too big to penetrate the epidermis of the skin.

To solve this issue, look for hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen that has been broken down into fragments small enough to penetrate through your epidermis to get to where it needs to be.

Using products that will increase cell renewal can encourage your body to produce more collagen, such as red algae extract, shea butter, or ginseng root. Products with retinoids or Vitamin C are also extremely effective.

Take the time to do your research, and your skin will be firmer and plumper for it!

Skin Treatments

Skin treatments that encourage cell renewal are perfect for boosting collagen production. For example, chemical peels stimulate collagen remodelling, whilst laser treatments promote collagen production through producing controlled injuries to the skin.

Although there are treatments that can be performed at home, there are many treatments that can only be performed by a licensed dermal specialist, such as laser treatments, chemical peels, or skin needling treatments.

At Onyx Aesthetic, our experienced team will provide you with a personal skin consultation to advise you on which treatment is best for your skin type to help you promote your skin collagen levels and give you the best skin of your life.