Collagen plays a major role in making skin smooth, supple, wrinkle-free, and looks youthful. Unfortunately, collagen production can decrease with age, triggering the appearance of signs of aging. Therefore, the amount of collagen in the body needs to be maintained.
Collagen is a protein that can be found in various parts of the body, such as skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In the skin, collagen plays a role in the skin regeneration process and keeps the skin elastic and hydrated.
However, as we age, the production of collagen in the body decreases, which can lead to dry and wrinkled skin. However, there are several ways you can do to increase collagen production and slow the appearance of signs of aging on the skin.
Some Causes of Decreased Collagen Production
In addition to age, collagen production can decrease for several reasons, such as:
1. Sun exposure
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can accelerate the aging process. This is because the effects of exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can break down collagen and damage elastin fibers located in the deepest layer of the skin or dermis.
The breakdown of collagen and elastin as supporting tissue, can make the skin lose its elasticity. Therefore, the skin will look slack and wrinkled prematurely.
2. Smoking habits
The nicotine content in cigarettes can cause constriction of the blood vessels in the outermost layer of the skin, so that blood flow to the skin is not smooth. As a result, the skin is deprived of oxygen and other essential nutrients.
In addition, thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke can also damage collagen and elastin. The skin can also become loose and wrinkled faster.
3. Lack of sleep
Research reveals that lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can accelerate premature aging and cause skin to look dull. This is thought to occur because lack of sleep can lower the immune system, thereby damaging the collagen in the skin.
4. Consumption of foods high in sugar
Eating too many high-sugar foods can cause inflammation and damage collagen. Consumption of sugary foods can also inhibit the ability of collagen to repair itself.
5. Gestures and facial expressions
Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, can cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear on the skin. This is because every time you use your facial muscles, grooves form beneath the skin's surface.
Well, with age, the skin will lose flexibility and can not return to normal when the facial muscles are moved to express. This causes the fine lines and wrinkles that are formed to be difficult to disappear and actually stay.
How to Increase Collagen Production
Decreased collagen due to various factors above can cause skin problems and trigger signs of aging. However, there are several ways you can do so that collagen production is maintained and you still look youthful, including:
Eating foods that are a source of collagen
Collagen is composed of amino acids. Well, to maintain and increase collagen production, you can maintain a healthy diet by eating protein-rich foods to supply the amino acids your body needs to produce collagen.
Foods containing amino acids that you can consume are milk, meat, eggs, and seafood. Collagen production can also be helped by eating foods containing vitamin C, such as oranges, mangoes, and tomatoes.
Taking collagen supplements
Collagen can also be obtained by injection. Collagen injections can restore the collagen content in the skin, so that it can fade fine lines on the face.
Thus, the natural beauty of the skin can be enhanced, so that the skin looks younger. However, as with the consumption of collagen supplements, consult your doctor first about the benefits and side effects of using collagen injections.
Currently, there are many collagen creams circulating that claim to make skin look younger. However, in fact, there is no cream that can restore collagen in the skin.
The collagen in these creams is usually not absorbed by the skin, so it only works on the surface of the skin. However, the use of the cream is quite effective in maintaining moisture and elasticity of the skin.
If you get enough nutrients from food, you don't actually need to take supplements. However, if you want to take collagen or vitamin C supplements to increase the amount of collagen in the skin, you should first consult with your doctor to find out a safe dose that suits your needs.