Collagen has always been the most important protein in your body. However, it has recently begun to trend as companies have now capitalized on everything collagen related. From collagen powder and pills to cosmetic treatments, collagen has been a hot topic in the world of beauty and wellness. However, the recent uptick in the popularity of collagen should not be dismissed as a fad. Because it is a protein your own body creates, collagen has major value for your skin and body. It is the most important protein found in the body and is one of the major building blocks of your body composition, as it is often referred to as the glue of your body. Let’s look into the importance of collagen.
Importance of Collagen
The importance of collagen can not be overstated. Collagen is highly important in keeping your skin looking youthful and glowing. Even though your body creates collagen on its own, the amount produced reduces by one-percent each year after turning twenty. Once collagen begins to reduce, you may notice fine lines, wrinkles, and other issues that age the look and feel of your skin. Collagen plays a huge part in your overall body composition as it is found in your tendons, fat, ligaments, and many other areas throughout the body. Below are the four main types of collagen that keep your skin and body youthful and glowing.
Type I:
This type of collagen helps provide strength for your skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, connective tissues, and teeth. Type I collagen is the most common type of collagen in your body as it makes up 90% of the total amount in your body.
Type II:
This type helps cushion your joints and is less common as compared to Type I.
Type III:
This type of collagen supports your muscles, organs, and arteries.
Type IV:
This type of collagen exists in layers of your skin and helps with filtration.
Collagen Stimulation and Treatment
Collagen production inevitably slows down once you hit your early to mid-twenties. So, stimulating collagen is necessary to stay looking young with bright skin. Below are some of the most common ways to stimulate collagen.
Nutrients:
Certain nutrients can help increase collagen production. Things like vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper are all good foods to eat.
Supplements:
Collagen peptides come in a powder that you can add to your drinks for easy consumption. When using supplements, find high-quality sources that use marine collagen.
Microneedling:
While eating a diet rich in collagen-producing foods and taking supplements can assist in collagen production, the most effective way to stimulate collagen is through microneedling. The treatment involves using a special instrument to create thousands of tiny micro-puncture wounds. The small “wounds” cause your body to make more collagen and elastin, which help heal your skin and keep you looking younger. The procedure may sound slightly scary, but it is actually very smooth and simple. We provide the best microneedling Tampa Bay Area.
Prevention and Skincare Tips
While eating a healthy diet, taking supplements, and using cosmetic treatments can help increase collagen production, it’s important to stay away from collagen damaging behaviors. Below are the most common behaviors that damage your collagen production.
Smoking: This can dramatically impact the look and texture of your skin. Smoking is one of the most damaging behaviors for your overall health and well-being.
Sun Exposure: Sun exposure without SPF or protective clothing can damage your skin and put you at risk for skin cancer.
Diet: If your diet is high in sugar or refined carbs that can interfere with collagen production.
Dermatologist Tampa
If you have developed fine lines, wrinkles, or dull and aged-looking skin, contact Dr. Milan Lombardi at Lombardi Institute of Dermatology. Dr. Lombardi has been working with patients for years, helping them with various skin and dermatological issues. Dr. Lombardi and his team are focused on addressing your concerns and providing you with the most effective treatment options. Contact Dr. Lombardi today for an appointment!