Collagen -- The New Love of Your Life

Hello friends!

     Today I thought we would talk about one of those topics you hear a lot about but you may not understand why it's important: collagen. I know this word is thrown around a lot, but without my science background I never would have known what it actually was, just that it was apparently important. So I'll break it down for you. Basically, collagen is a large protein molecule composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline (which just has an OH -- oxygen and hydrogen -- group on the proline = hydroxy), and arginine. So you may be thinking, that's great, but why should I care? Well, these collagen molecules are one of the main components of connective tissue in our skin that helps it to maintain its shape and suppleness, as well as aiding the replication of new skin cells. And now you're interested -- hook, line, and sinker.

     So resilient, flexible skin -- sounds pretty great! But you may be thinking, "Why do we get wrinkles if this magical molecule is in our body?" Well, as some of you may have figured, collagen production slows down as we age. This eventually leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and the overall lack of elasticity of our skin. Not to mention, ladies produce less collagen than men from the start, leading us to a premature disadvantage when it comes to wrinkles. However, there are definitely ways that we can help combat this decrease in collagen synthesis, even if we are just prolonging the inevitable. As I was upon learning more about collagen, you may be thinking "Give me the goods, man." Well the goods are easier to come across than you may think, and chances are you've used them before. For example, Vitamin C is a cofactor in the production of collagen, making it a necessity for your skin. It's so important that if you don't have vitamin C, your body will stop producing collagen altogether while you also come down with things like scurvy. Similarly, Vitamin B and E are great for helping collagen to regenerate and are important for the health of your skin in general. I don't know about you, but I'm all for that win-win situation.

     In addition to getting your vitamins, it's important to wear sunscreen whenever you're out in the sun. I know we have all heard this before, but I'm serious. Sun damage has been linked to causing collagen clumps in our skin as well as decreasing the production of new collagen molecules -- yikes. This could literally take years off of your collagen life by harming the machinery that produces it. Darn you UV rays and the glorious tans you give us.

     Lastly, eating a good amount of antioxidants is often recommended to maintain collagen because antioxidants help to decrease the degradation rate of your current collagen. This is because antioxidants help to fight free radicals, which are bi-products of biochemical reactions in your body that can cause damage to your skin as well as other tissues and organs when they build up. So more antioxidants = less damage to your body = a healthier you. The following video explains how antioxidants work in your body as well as ways to get more of them in your diet!

     Further down the line, it is possible to use retinol/retinoid creams or other similar treatments to help increase skin cell turnover rate and to maintain new collagen producing machinery. However, these products can be expensive, and can make your face more sensitive to things like the sun after long term use, so it isn't really necessary right now if you take care of your skin through more natural methods. That means taking your vitamins, wearing sunscreen, and protecting your skin from the harsh reality of the modern world by eating foods high in antioxidants. In addition, a healthy diet, exercise and drinking lots of water are always good to keep the blood pumping and the vitamins moving throughout your body. I know, these are things you've heard before -- and you'll hear them again! It doesn't mean you can't go to the beach, it just means slather some of that loving SPF 30 (or higher!) sunscreen on first -- and a few more times throughout the day. The main point, however, is to take care of your skin before it's too late. You love your collagen, make it love you too!

Want to read more? Check out my sources linked throughout the post to get a more thorough look at the chemical composition of collagen -- and how you can make it work it like a supermodel.

Have any questions? Feel free to comment below and I will get back to you!

Thanks for reading!