Collagen is a crucial protein which accounts for around 30% of your body’s protein content, and 70% of body’s proteins. It is due to this protein that skin appears youthful and appears smooth, soft and elastic. The collagen levels can diminish or become damaged due to many reasons. Certain are inherent, and we aren’t able to do anything about it, whereas other collagen-damaging elements can be regulated. What are the causes which cause the destruction of collagen? Let’s get deeper into the specifics!
5 Things Your Body Is Absorbing Collagen
The body’s natural capacity to create collagen is impacted by the advancing the age. But, there are some elements of your life that could be causing damage to collagen within your body. Let’s take a look at five of the reasons that lead to the reduction in collagen.
Owing to Age
The process of aging the skin is the main cause of loss of collagen. Fibroblasts are the cells that produce collagen found in our bodies. As they age, their capacity to produce collagen decreases. As we age, the amount of fibroblasts decreases too. Other skin components including elastin, the hyaluronic acid that are essential for a youthful skin are also in declining. This leads to the skin becoming stiff and not in a position to hold the amount of water needed. This causes dull skin that is stricken with wrinkles and fine lines. However, the process of aging intrinsically can only be 33% of collagen loss. The remaining 97% remains at your fingertips and easily controlled by making a few changes to your lifestyle.
Because to UV exposure
Sun exposure without protection is the main causes of collagen loss and the aging of skin. UV rays from the sun penetrate through the layer between skin, known as the dermis and destroy collagen at a greater rate than the normal. They also trigger free radicals that cause further breakdown of collagen through the level of enzymes found within the skin. The UV exposure can also alter the normal process of collagen production within the body. This creates double threat and is best avoided by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.
A Poor Diet
Another factor responsible for degrading collagen is an unhealthy diet. The production of collagen in the body is influenced greatly by nutrients and consuming products like poultry and meat is a great way of increasing collagen production. Consuming too much sugar can be harmful as it causes the breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers in the body. This can lead to signs of aging that are premature. Therefore, it is necessary to replace their sugar consumption with natural sugar alternatives.
Due to a Lack of Vitamin C
Vitamin C combats free radicals and reduces damages caused by sun’s UV radiation. Its antioxidant-rich properties aid in protecting the skin from being damaged by pollution. The increase in antioxidants within the body is the best method to reduce the harm that free radicals cause. A great way to achieve this is to incorporate lots of vegetables and fruits which contain Vitamin C in your diet. Application of Vitamin C topically also assists by smoothing skin texture and improving the appearance of skin.
Anxiety
Anxiety is widely known as a pro-inflammatory condition that hinders the body’s natural capacity to create collagen. Anxiety causes an increase in cortisol, the hormone that is responsible for stress, which results in a decrease in the quantity in collagen manufacturing. When you are stressed and the majority of resources of the body are devoted to combating tension and inflammation caused by it. This can be damaging to collagen production, and can lead wrinkles on the skin.
Side Effects of Collagen
This protein is made naturally by your body, therefore, there are no collagen-related skin problems. Certain collagen supplements could contain other vitamins that when taken in excess can cause health issues however, as a whole there aren’t any negative side effects of collagen supplements. There are a few reports of negative side effects from collagen supplements like the feeling of being heavy in the stomach or an occasional bout of diarrhea. Patients taking any medication, or expecting or nursing should consult their doctor before they begin using every new supplement.
Conclusion
After it was proven that sun exposure, whether unprotected or not, the sun, a poor diet as well as stress and smoking are all major factors in the deterioration of collagen in the skin and it’s the right time to make certain changes in your lifestyle to reduce the damage. Collagen can be described as the substance that holds the skin in place, and the absence of collagen can cause a flurry of skin problems which aren’t limited to the appearance of signs of ageing. To maintain healthy, glowing skin, you need to replenish the collagen stores of your body. It is also necessary to stop any damage that leads to the loss of collagen.
