The firmness and elasticity of the skin depend on the formation of collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen provides firmness, and elastin provides elasticity. Both decrease with age. Starting at age 25, the body gradually reduces collagen production. By as much as 1% per year after age 40! This causes the skin to become weaker, thinner, and more sensitive, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Furthermore, after menopause, women experience a drop in sex hormones (estrogens), which are also involved in collagen formation; during these years of change, the loss of skin firmness and elasticity becomes more evident.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the structure of our dermis. It is composed of several specific amino acids (primarily glycine, proline, and arginine) that link together to form elastic, stretchy chains. However, the formation of these chains also requires certain cofactors, including vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese.
These are the well-known antioxidants; their function is to stop or block the free radicals responsible for aging, which result from metabolic processes caused by toxins (tobacco, pollution…), solar radiation, diseases, stress, or even excessive exercise. The production of this protein, like that of others, is activated at night while we sleep. That’s why restful sleep is necessary for a “healthy glow.”
In summary, the main causes of collagen loss are: aging, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle habits—such as lack of sleep and exercise—and health problems such as malabsorption disorders, infections, and side effects of certain medications.
What can we do to improve collagen synthesis in a healthy way?
- Eating a balanced diet: ensuring we get the minerals, vitamins, and amino acids essential for the formation of all proteins. Balance your diet with vitamins (C and E) and minerals (zinc, manganese, selenium, etc.) involved in the formation of collagen chains, and consume more protein (milk, eggs, meat, and fish—preferably organic) or animal gelatin as a direct source of collagen.
- Include nutritional supplements: unless there is a medical contraindication, we can benefit from supplements containing hydrolyzed collagen or amino acids, which serve as building blocks for proteins.
- Prevent skin aging; slow the breakdown of collagen fibers by using sunscreen and avoiding tobacco.
- Promoting collagen formation: We can use laser technology, radiofrequency, mesotherapy with vitamins and minerals, and medical peels that stimulate the formation of new collagen fibers by generating heat, nourishing the skin directly from within, or removing the skin’s surface layers to stimulate cell renewal.
There are no more excuses… inside and out! Your skin needs collagen to look supple and smooth.
