The importance of collagen

The benefits of collagen 

Collagen is one of the main proteins in our body and is found in connective tissue, skin, tendon, bones, and cartilage. Our body produces collagen naturally, and the production reaches its peek when we’re in the womb and then slowly decreases over time. 

As the main functions of collagen are supporting tissue repair, cellular processes, and immune responses, collagen plays a vital role in keeping our skin firm and supple. Beyond that, collagen offers our skin numerous benefits, such as improving hydration, elasticity, and a healthy blood flow, healing and preventing damaged skin while also reducing dark spots and dull skin. Could we ask for more?

With time, however, our collagen content declines while the process of producing new collagen slows down. This breakdown often accelerates the development of aging signs such as fine lines and wrinkles, while the skin simultaneously turns gradually weaker, thinner, and sometimes drier.

This is also why collagen is on top of most skincare lovers’ minds when it comes to keeping a smooth and radiant surface. Truth is we can’t stop collagen breakdown completely – what we can do is slow down the processes that lead to collagen loss.

What causes collagen loss? 

To know the do’s, we need to know the don’ts. So, let’s go through some of the things you want to avoid over-doing, if you want to preserve your skin’s collagen content: 

• Excessive alcohol intake: Having one too many drinks has actually shown to accelerate skin aging, also damaging the skin’s healing processes and general collagen production.
• UV rays: A day in the sun can be great for our mood. For our skin… not so much. Unfortunately, UV is known to degrade collagen and even speed up formation of aging signs.
• Cigarettes: Unhealthy habits leads to unhealthy skin, and that goes for cigarettes too, which are known to decrease collagen production radically.
• Poor diet: Being careless about your diet can affect your body in numerous ways, but especially processed foods high in sugar can damage the functions of collagen, preventing them from performing successfully.

But an unhealthy lifestyle doesn’t just affect your skin negatively – it can also leave your hair, nails, and joints weak, and affect your overall mood negatively. So, while there of course should be room for balance and having fun, it can be beneficial all around to reevaluate your habits to keep your body healthy inside out.

How can I prevent collagen loss? 

As mentioned, our collagen production naturally declines with aging – a process we can’t reverse, but slow down. Here’re some of the tricks on keeping your collagen content as protected as possible:

Use SPF

Not much needs to be said about this one besides SPF is an essential step in your routine, if you want to preserve your skin’s health. As UV rays from the sun and blue light from your screen (we wish we were kidding…) trigger collagen breakdown, a protective layer of SPF is always a mandatory last step in your daily rituals.  

Be mindfuld of your diet 

Leading a healthy lifestyle should be a top priority if you want to maintain a healthy collagen content and production. Make sure your diet contains collagen-supportive nutrients and proteins such as fruits and vegetables – the benefits are endless.

Use skincare that triggers collagen production

Our no. 1 rule to happy skin: Always opt for products that encourage healthy and strong skin. Vitamin C is an acknowledged ingredient for this specific purpose. With its ability to promote the production of new cells, vitamin C effectively boosts the skin’s natural collagen production to ensure a smooth, bouncy and resilient surface. You can find this key ingredient in our Skin Perfector Seboclear and Skin Perfector 2% BHA – and yes, their names reflect their effects.

Additionally, you can find essential omega fatty acids and nutrients from sea buckthorn in our Daily Hydra Cream which are also known to encourage the skin’s natural collagen production. The list goes on – and you’re more than welcome to drop us a question, if you’re curious about our collagen-promoting products!