Keeping your skin plump and taut isn’t just great for your looks; it’s essential for your health as well. Your skin is the largest organ on your body, so keeping it in good shape should be an essential part of your wellness objectives. Together, we’ll explore collagen, how it affects aging over time, and what you can do to stimulate collagen production as you age!
What Is Collagen?
The first thing you should know about collagen is that it is a protein. Proteins are a collection of amino acid-based molecules that help make up the structure of cells. They are also vital for other biological processes, such as nutrient transportation and immune system function.
Collagen in particular is one of the most crucial components of your skin! It helps provide structure for your skin, encouraging skin cell regeneration and contributing to the bouncy elasticity in your skin that you aim to preserve throughout your life.
The Effects of Aging on Collagen Production
Collagen production tends to slow down in your late 20s, declining around 1.5% per year. After 60, this decline tends to be more noticeable, with physical signs of aging such as wrinkles or sagging becoming prominent. You may also notice other symptoms of slowed collagen production, such as:
- Joint pain and mobility reduction.
- Stomach pain and other gastrointestinal-related issues.
- Circulatory problems.
Though experiencing collagen loss as you age is normal, there are a few factors that can contribute to collagen production damage. Excessively consuming foods that are high in sugar or refined carbs can damage the proteins in your body, which weakens collagen. Neglecting daily sunscreen usage can also have a detrimental effect on collagen production – when your skin is confronted with excessive exposure to the sun’s strong UV rays, collagen is more apt to break down at a faster rate. The best preventative measures you can take for healthy, supple skin are to always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even if you don’t plan on staying in direct sunlight! You should also eat sugary foods and refined carbs in moderation. Taking these two simple steps early on in your life will make a world of difference as the years go on.
How To Encourage Collagen Production
If you’ve experienced a slowdown of collagen production, there are a few ways you can address the problem. Studies have shown that topical retinoids can improve the appearance of your skin, repairing photodamage and wrinkles. Though there are plenty of foods that are dense, such as meats, bone broth, nuts, and berries, these foods don’t always correlate to increased collagen levels. Foods that have amino acids like proline and glycine, however, do contribute to collagen production. Mushrooms, fish, and granola are some common foods that contain proline and glycine. Vitamin C, which is found in citrus fruits, potatoes, and peppers, can also help boost collagen.
Introducing collagen peptide supplements into your diet can also be a useful way to impact production. Since collagen cannot be absorbed whole, breaking down this protein into peptides is one of the best ways to gain the full benefits of it. Collagen peptides can be most commonly found as powders, gummies, and capsules.
Schedule Your Spa Treatments at Ohm Lifestyle Today
If you’re looking to improve your skin and target signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and thin skin, Ohm Lifestyle is here for you. Our innovative treatments are designed to address your unique skin concerns, allowing you to feel and look your best during and after each visit. Connect with us today for more information about our skin firming and body contouring treatments like PRX Derm Perfexion!
