How Collagen Helps Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

You have heard it said by beauty gurus, health experts, and possibly even your closest friends – collagen is the new buzzword on everyone’s lips today. It can now be found in just about everything – from powders and pills, to creams and cosmetics.

But is the hype actually warranted? 

In this article, we examine the causes behind wrinkles and fine lines, and how collagen benefits your skin and keeps it young.

Wrinkles and Fine Lines Explained

The breakdown of elastin and collagen in the skin results in wrinkles and fine lines. 

Elastin and collagen provide the support structure for the skin, keeping it resilient and smooth. As these fibers break down, the skin begins losing its elasticity and strength. When this happens, wrinkles and fine lines can start to appear. 

For some people, exposure to the sun’s damaging UV rays is the leading cause of skin aging resulting in wrinkles, fine lines, and rough texture.

The natural aging process and genetics can also play a role in skin aging. Wrinkles and fine lines generally first appear around the eyes and mouth. 

Collagen: Does Your Skin Need It?

Collagen is a structural protein that acts as a foundation for your muscles, bones, joints, connective tissues, and skin. Think of it as the ‘glue’ that is holding your body together. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it makes up more than one-third of your total protein count. 

Collagen makes up the majority of your skin; unfortunately, collagen productions starts to slow down as you get older – starting in your 20s. This results in your skin losing its firmness and flexibility, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

But while there is no way to prevent your skin from aging, there are countless products that you can use to help treat it. In fact, research shows that taking collagen supplements may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

How to Boost Your Collagen Stores to Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

While your body’s collagen production slows down with age, there are certain things that you can do to help your body get more collagen. Read on to find out how. 

1. Take collagen supplements
   
   Taking collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen), either in powder or pill form, is a great way to boost your collagen stores.
   
   Research shows that collagen supplements boost skin hydration, reduce wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, and increases fibroblast density – the cells in connective tissues that produce collagen.
   
2. Eat collagen-rich foods
   
   Nutrition is an essential factor influencing skin health, and consequently its appearance. To keep your skin healthy and glowing, make sure to eat collagen-rich foods, including fish, bone broth, tomatoes, red bell peppers, eggs, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, oysters, and legumes. 

3. Use a vitamin C serum
   
   Did you know? Applying vitamin C to the skin may also boost collagen.
   
   One study shows that vitamin C, combined with retinol, creates more collagen in the skin and partly reverses sun damage.
   
   Another research reveals that applying a cream with a concentration of vitamin C between 5 and 15% makes the skin thicker and reduces the appearance of wrinkles 

The Bottom Line

Wrinkles and fine lines caused by collagen loss are a natural part of the skin’s aging process.

However, you can determine how slow or quickly they make their appearance.

By taking the right steps now, including eating collagen-rich foods, taking collagen supplements, and using a vitamin C serum, you can help your skin maintain its healthy, youthful appearance for years to come.