Collagen plays a major role in making your skin look smooth, supple, wrinkle-free, and looks youthful! Unfortunately, collagen production can decrease with age, thus triggering the appearance of signs of aging. Therefore, it is important to maintain the amount of collagen in your body.
What Can Decrease Collagen Production?
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 its regeneration process and keeps the skin elastic and hydrated.
However, as we get older, the production of collagen in the body will decrease, which can cause dry skin and wrinkles. Not only due to age but several contributing factors can be the ultimate reason why your collagen production is decreasing.
1. Sun exposure
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) in the long term 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 which are located in the deepest layer of skin or the dermis. Damage to collagen and elastin as supporting tissues can make the skin lose its elasticity. Thus why, the skin will look sag and wrinkle prematurely.
2. Smoking habits
The nicotine inside of cigarettes can cause constriction of 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, the thousands of other chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage collagen and elastin. The skin can become loose and wrinkled more quickly, and it usually will look more prominent on the under-the-eyes area first rather than other parts of the body.
3. Lack of sleep
Research reveals that lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can accelerate premature aging and cause the skin to look dull. This occurs because lack of sleep can lower the immune system, thus 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 sweet foods can also inhibit the ability of collagen to repair itself.
5. Gestures and facial expressions
When you smile, squint, or do any movements and expressions on your face, it can also cause fine lines and wrinkles to appear on facial skin. As we get older, the skin will lose its flexibility and cannot return to its original state when the facial muscles are moved for expression. This causes the fine lines and wrinkles that are formed to be difficult to lose and instead persist.
How to Increase Collagen Production?
A decrease in collagen due to the various factors above can cause skin problems and trigger signs of aging. However, there are several ways that you can do to maintain collagen production and keep you looking youthful, including:
1. Eat foods that are protein-rich
Collagen is composed of amino acids. So, 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, limes, mangoes, and tomatoes.
2. Take collagen supplements
Collagen can also be obtained by injection. Collagen or gelatin injections can restore collagen content in the skin, so it can fade fine lines on the face. Thus, the natural beauty of your skin can be enhanced, and the skin looks younger. However, as with taking collagen supplements, consult your doctor first about the benefits and side effects of using collagen injections.
Although, there are many collagen creams that claim to be able to make your skin look younger. However, keep in mind that no cream can actually restore collagen to the skin. The collagen in these creams usually cannot be absorbed by the skin, so it only works on the surface of your skin. However, the use of these creams is quite effective in maintaining moisture and skin elasticity.
If your nutritional intake from food is sufficient, you don’t need to take supplements. However, if you want to take collagen or vitamin C supplements to increase the amount of collagen in your skin, you should first consult with your doctor to find out the safe dosage according to your needs.
3. Another effective tip: Gua sha
Another effective tip to help maintain your youthful skin is to incorporate the Gua Sha Ritual into your daily routine. Gua sha is an ancient Chinese massage technique that utilizes a specialized tool to gently massage the face, promoting improved blood circulation.
When you perform a gua sha massage on your face, you stimulate the flow of water and lymph beneath the skin’s surface. Thus, it will effectively enhance blood circulation, resulting in a more hydrated, smooth, supple, firm, and radiant complexion. Incorporating the gua sha ritual into your skincare regimen can work wonders in helping to prevent premature aging.
To purchase any of your beauty needs, you should not look no further than Temu! Temu offers a range of gua sha tools, along with other sophisticated beauty products, designed to optimize your skin’s health. With affordable prices and a wide selection, Temu is the perfect place to look for high-quality beauty essentials!
