What Does Collagen Do For Your Skin?
If you’re a skin care fanatic, the term collagen likely rings a bell. From face cream with ingredients to promote collagen production to collagen skin supplements, you may be wondering how people are using collagen to address their skin care concerns. Lucky for you, you can find everything you need to know about collagen for skin right here — from collagen benefits to how to add collagen to your skin care routine, we’re sharing it all.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes the skin cells strong, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s like the glue that holds the skin, muscles, bones and tissues together. The Cleveland Clinic also states that collagen, along with elastin (another protein in the skin), is responsible for warding off fine lines and wrinkles. However, as you age, your body’s collagen levels decrease.
Why Collagen Is Important For The Skin
So you know what collagen is, but perhaps you’re wondering: What does collagen do for skin? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that as collagen diminishes, our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag causing wrinkles to become more permanent. In simpler terms, collagen is one of the main factors that keeps the skin looking plump.
What Causes Collagen Loss?
Though the loss of collagen can start earlier, it’s most significant for women during menopause. Studies show that a woman’s skin loses about 30 percent of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, according to the AAD. After that, women lose about two percent of their collagen every year for the next 20 years.
The sun can also take a toll on your skin’s collagen. According to the Mayo Clinic, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light breaks down your skin's connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the dermis (deeper layer of the skin). This sun damage and the breakdown of collagen can lead to wrinkles, that’s why it’s always important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more.
How To Combat Collagen Loss
According to the AAD, skin care products that contain retinol or peptides can increase collagen in your skin. There are also several skin treatments that can help address the loss of collagen–here’s what you need to know:
- Microneedling
According to a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, multiple sessions of microneedling — a procedure during which tiny needles are used to poke holes in the skin — can lead to an increase of collagen, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, pore size, and leading to more suppleness and elasticity.
- Ultrasound
You’re likely familiar with what an ultrasound is, but did you know that it can stimulate collagen? According to the AAD, dermatologists are using ultrasounds to send heat deep into the skin, causing your body to produce more collagen.
- Radiofrequency
Just as with ultrasounds, radiofrequency involves a similar concept of heating your skin’s tissue to stimulate collagen production. Your dermatologist will place a device against your skin to heat the tissue beneath, according to the AAD. While it can take about six months to see the best results, they can last for two to three years with proper skin care.
Skin Care Products To Help Boost Collagen
In addition to products with retinol and peptides, skin creams with synthetic collagen add a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss and act as a barrier from environmental elements, the Cleveland Clinic states. Below, our recommendations to help firm your skin.
Manuka Honey: there really is nothing else you need in your skin care than the magical natural ingredient, manuka honey. It’s properties include antibacterial (great for acne), anti-inflammatory (awesome for sensitive skin), moisturizing (our skin always needs hydration to stay young and keep cells plump and healthy), and it stimulates collagen production!
What other ingredients do you know that naturally encourages collagen production? Make your skin care routine simple but incredibly effective. Shop manuka honey skin care from Wild Naturals and keep your skin young and wrinkle-free for years to come!
