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Role of Collagen in the skin- All you need to know

What is collagen?

Collagen, the most abundant structural protein found in mammals, is the primary fibrous component of skin, bones, and teeth. As a matter of fact, it forms 30% of the total protein content in the body (by weight). Collagen is synthesized in distinct cells known as fibroblasts as a large precursor, also known as procollagen, which is further transformed into collagen. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) plays a very important role in its formation.

The skin and collagen: how this protein changes as we age

Of the 19 types of collagen, type I is the amplest, found in the skin, tendons, and blood vessels. Collagen aids to hold together the cells in various tissues and equips the skin with high tensile strength. Collagen is equally crucial in maintaining the firmness, elasticity and moisture content of your skin. Owing to its tough fibrous structure, it manages the signs of ageing, repairs skin damage as well as scars, and gives the skin a smooth appearance. This ability of collagen to work as a fireball constituent peaks in the second and third decade of life, and sadly dips thereafter. This is induced by the decreased activity of fibroblasts throughout the years (aggravated by various stresses mentioned above). With age, your skin’s ability to replenish collagen decreases by about 1.5% per year. Surprisingly, women can lose up to 30% collagen within the 5 years of hitting menopause.

Is damage caused by depletion of collagen reversible?

The age-dependent decline is favoured by various factors such as the infamous UV radiation, environmental aggressors, stress, and smoking, a sudden change in the environment, hormones, and nutritional deficiencies. Thus, with advancing age and decreasing collagen levels, we start noticing increased fine lines and wrinkles. Nevertheless, numerous research papers point towards the fact that these signs of ageing can be reversed via four methods- a. Increased production, b. Decreased degradation c. surgical treatments d. topical treatments, and e. oral supplementation of collagen. By far, oral supplementation and topical treatment stay the most popular approaches to increase collagen level in the skin and thus improve its appearance.

Boost the collagen levels with :-

1. Vitamin C is very critical in the synthesis of collagen, as it serves as a cofactor for two important enzymes (prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase) that stabilize collagen fibres. Vitamin C also acts directly on the DNA and increases the synthesis of Type I and Type III collagen.

2. Zinc, another cofactor in the biosynthesis of collagen, is clearly essential to repair as well as protect collagen from damage. It is abundant in pumpkin seeds, cashews, and cacao.

3. Bone broth, citrus fruits, berries, and white tea- these are some food sources of collagen that help to augment the level of collagen in the body.

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