Collagen: Benefits and Ways to Preserve and Replenish
Understand the importance of maintaining this essential protein for healthy and beautiful skin.
Do you know what collagen is and what role this protein plays in the skin?
Learn how it works, the factors that contribute to its degradation, and how we can restore and preserve it to ensure healthy, radiant skin.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a fibrous protein naturally produced by the body, accounting for around 70% of the proteins in the skin and 30% of the proteins in the entire body.
What is Collagen For?
The function of collagen varies depending on its location in the body. In the skin, the most common types and their benefits include:
Type I Collagen
Promotes skin elasticity and strength.
Type III Collagen
Provides elasticity and structural support, and also helps with wound healing.
Is Collagen Good for the Skin?
The main aspects that highlight the importance of collagen for the skin include:
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Structure: forms a network that supports the skin, giving it firmness and resistance;
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Elasticity: allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape, preventing wrinkles and sagging;
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Hydration: helps retain skin moisture, keeping it soft and supple;
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Healing: accelerates the healing process of wounds and skin injuries;
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Protection: forms a protective barrier that helps shield the skin from external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.
Can You Lose Collagen?
Collagen production gradually decreases from the age of 25, as the body loses the ability to produce it at the same rate and quality as before. This leads to visible skin changes such as increased wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, dullness and dryness.
Collagen loss may be further accelerated by external factors and lifestyle habits such as: excessive sun exposure without protection; genetic predisposition; hormonal changes (such as those occurring during menopause); injuries and chronic inflammation; exposure to environmental pollutants; chronic stress; nutritional deficiencies; and smoking.
How to Prevent Collagen Loss
Preventing collagen loss involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and practices that promote the production and preservation of this structural protein, such as:
daily use of sunscreen; a consistent skincare routine with moisturisers, serums and antioxidant-rich products; regular physical activity, especially resistance training; a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, amino acids (especially lysine and proline), zinc and copper; limiting sugar intake; adequate water consumption; stress management; and reducing smoking and alcohol consumption.
In your skincare routine, choose topical products recommended by a specialist for professional follow-up—preferably those with active ingredients that help preserve, stimulate or regenerate collagen in the skin, such as: vitamin C (ascorbic acid), retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, coenzyme Q10, ferulic acid, organic silicon, bakuchiol, among others.
Many of these ingredients can be found in Ollie’s sunscreens, such as the Tinted Sunscreen Stick SPF 95 and Multifunctional Colourless Stick SPF 95, which contain vitamin C and hyaluronic acid; the Mineral Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 and the Biphasic Body Spray Sunscreen SPF 35, which contain niacinamide; and many others.
How to Replenish Lost Collagen
Although natural collagen production decreases with age, there are several ways to stimulate its production and slow down the ageing process.
These include: daily sunscreen use; skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants and peptides; a collagen-rich diet including bone broths, lean meats, fish, eggs, poultry, and gelatin-containing foods; consumption of vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, peppers and broccoli; proper hydration (both oral and topical); oral supplementation; regular physical exercise, especially resistance training; and reducing harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In any case, professional follow-up is essential, as regular assessments are needed.
To help you, Ollie offers an amazing line of high-protection sunscreens that help prevent sun damage such as premature collagen loss, fine lines and wrinkles, and dark spots. Visit our shop by clicking here.
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