Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It performs important functions such as providing structure to the skin and strengthening bones. There’s mounting evidence that collagen is one of the keys to healthy aging, as it’s the protein that keeps skin firm…but how do you spot a collagen deficiency before it becomes apparent? Naturadika experts tell us.
What happens if the skin lacks collagen?
Since collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness, its deficiency will manifest itself in the form of wrinkles and loss of radiance. However, collagen’s functions go beyond the aesthetic aspect and it is also essential for joint health.
The lack of collagen has been linked to a higher prevalence of joint injuries, whether in sports or not, and osteoarthritis, a disease in which the cartilage of the joints deteriorates, causing pain and limitation of movement. This protein is not only present in the skin and joints, but is also part of the nails, hair and even the muscle tissue of certain organs, for example the heart. Therefore, detecting and treating collagen deficiency is the key to a good quality of life in adulthood and old age.
Why is collagen lost?
There is an important and obvious part that is the passage of time. From the age of 25, collagen starts to be lost, about 1% per year, although the deficiency is not yet clear. Collagen is constantly broken down and synthesized. It is a natural replacement. What aging does is worsen collagen production and cause a deficiency.
For example, if we start losing 1% of our collagen at age 25, we will have 10% less of this important protein for skin and joint health by age 35. To age, we need to add other factors that accentuate collagen deficiency and which, as explained in the publication of the research and clinical part of Minerva Research Labs 1, are modifiable.
- Sun exposure at inappropriate times (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), without sunscreen.
- High consumption of foods rich in simple sugars: sweets, desserts, pastries and cakes, ice cream, sugary soft drinks. Yes, sugar ages us faster.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
- Environmental pollution, especially air pollution.
How do you know if you have a collagen deficiency?
It is not necessary to wait for deep wrinkles to see that collagen deficiency is indispensable. A first sign that can warn you of a lack of collagen in the skin is that you notice it with less hydration (dryer) and rougher, with a loss of freshness. At the joint level, the loss of collagen manifests with stiffness (or reduced range of motion) and pain. Injuries to the knees, wrists, ankles and hips may also be more common.
What can be done to restore collagen?
Currently, hydrolyzed collagen supplements are almost a “must-have” in the beauty routine when you turn 40 years old. According to research by the German laboratory Dermatest GmbH 2, oral collagen improves the smoothness, elasticity, softness and hydration of the skin.
A supplement to take collagen? For example, Naturadika’s Skincoll Expert has hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of plant extracts, vitamins and minerals that help strengthen and hydrate the skin and soften and delay the appearance of wrinkles.
Source: Marie Claire
