Collagen is no more a biology jargon but a common name among beauty freak folks. Generally, collagen is understood as a component that's essential for quality skin and hair. Whereas it is more than that. Collagen is a protein present in tendons, fat, ligaments, skin and among other places. It helps different parts and organs of our body to stay fit and youthful, also crucial to the strength of our bone structure. When collagen levels are healthy, cells that contain collagen take on a strong and youthful appearance.
In case of maintaining a healthy skin, collagen can help keep the skin looking smooth and youthful. As age and other factors reduce collagen levels, the skin loses its elasticity, and lines can form. The body produces collagen naturally, but with growing age the amount and quality of collagen fall. One result of this is lines and wrinkles in the skin. Low level of collagen can lead to:
A loss of elasticity in the skin and other connective tissues
Lines, wrinkles, and looseness in the skin
Joint stiffness
High collagen levels keep skin soft, smooth, and firm. Collagen help your skin cells renew and repair by it’s own. It’s not only the level but the quality of collagen affect the skin. There are types of collagen in our body namely one, two, three, four.
The interesting thing about collagen is that stimulating its growth causes a domino effect. The more collagen you have, the more your body is able to produce and maintain.
Read on to find out safe and natural ways to promote collagen production in the body.
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is needed for the production of collagen. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to low collagen levels, resulting in several health problems. It can affect your immune system. The human body cannot make vitamin C, so people need to get it from diet and supplements. Vitamin C as an ingredient added to the cream, moisturisers and serums for topical application however more than topical you need to have enough supply of vitamins and minerals through food and supplements.
2. Coriander leaf
Dhania patta or coriander leaf contains vitamin C, which is known to boost collagen production. It contains linolenic acid, which has been studied as a powerful anti-ageing factor for your skin. Linolenic acid contains antioxidants that fight the free radicals in your bloodstream, which break down healthy skin cells.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has long been used to heal and soothe wounds. Aloe vera is effective in treating cuts and burns because it increases collagen production when applied topically or taken orally. This cell growth stimulating property helps boost collagen production in the skin. Aloe can be applied directly to the skin in its pure form or in the form of many commercial products containing aloe.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng is a plant with a wide range of possible health benefits well documented in many studies. Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health found that ginseng increases the amount of collagen in the bloodstream. Ginseng has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers also note that it might help prevent ageing in skin cells.
5. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a compound that helps promote collagen production. Hyaluronic acid may also improve moisturization.
6. Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, which are molecules that the body produces during metabolism. Exposure to environmental threats, poor diet, too much medication, smoking habits can also introduce free radicals into the body.
Various antioxidants like vitamin C, E, A, master antioxidant Glutathione may help protect and rejuvenate the skin, for example, by promoting collagen production. Antioxidants are available in many plant-based foods and also supplements can fulfil the requirements.
7. Stay protected from the environmental disguise
Weather conditions and some lifestyle habits may impact the levels and quality of collagen in the skin. Frequent exposure to UV light damages collagen in the skin in a similar way to ageing. Use of sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and using an umbrella can keep you safe from UV rays.
Staying dehydrated for longer, Smoking may affect collagen production. Also limiting caffeine intake may reduce the body's ability to produce collagen. The protein collagen is produced naturally by the body. Factors like genetics and nutrients, such as vitamin C, are essential for its re-production. The main functions of collagen include keeping the skin smooth and elastic, keeping the joints flexible, and enabling wounds to heal.