Collagen is a protein which contributes to skin elasticity, hydration, and overall firmness, playing a crucial role in keeping the skin looking youthful. Collagen production naturally decreases with age (especially during menopause) and leads to signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Factors which can negatively impact collagen production include:

1. Ageing: collagen production declines naturally with age and accelerates during menopause
2. UV damage: excessive sun exposure (or sunbed use) damages collagen fibres and inhibits collagen production
3. Smoking: tobacco smoke contains chemicals that degrade collagen and reduce its production
4. Poor nutrition: inadequate intake of nutrients, especially protein, vitamin C, and zinc, can impair collagen production
5. Stress and lack of sleep: these can negatively affect collagen production and skin health

Preserving collagen levels is essential for maintaining healthy, youthful looking skin and overall skin health. The earlier in life you start looking after your skin the better. By taking a proactive approach and stimulating collagen production before it declines you can maintain better collagen levels and slow down the ageing process. Think of it like a savings plan for your skin! This is what we call 'collagen banking'.

HOW DO I GO ABOUT COLLAGEN BANKING?

There are lots of things you can do to maintain good collagen levels. The key is consistency which means getting in the habit of looking after your skin every day rather than trying to find a quick fix when things start to go wrong. You need to consider the following:

SUN PROTECTION

UV damage is the number one cause of ageing so the simplest and cheapest way to prevent ageing is to wear a good quality sunscreen EVERY day (yes even in winter and even when you are spending the day indoors). Make sure it is at least SPF30 and is designed for facial use. We don't recommend slathering your Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen on your face! You should also protect your face by wearing a hat and sunglasses when the UV count is high. It goes without saying that sunbeds are a big no no!

HEALTHY DIET

A healthy diet is essential to all your organs including your skin. Try to incorporate plenty of foods which are rich in Vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, green vegetables, tomatoes), proline (fish, meat and dairy), glycine (meat, fish, dairy, seeds, beans, nuts) and zinc (red meat, poultry, whole grains, nuts). Vegetarians and vegans can boost their diet with supplements if required.

SMOKING

The toxins in cigarettes are known to degrade collagen and smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen available to the skin, which can leave it looking dull and lifeless. So it goes without saying that smoking should be avoided or minimised to preserve collagen.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Dehydration impairs the skin's ability to repair itself and maintain its collagen levels. Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, such as vitamin C and amino acids, which are necessary for collagen synthesis. Alcohol can also contribute to glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach to proteins like collagen, making them stiff and deformed. Reducing alcohol consumption can really make a difference to your skin health.

SKINCARE ROUTINE

Unfortunately there is no such thing as a 'collagen cream' as collagen molecules are simply too big to be absorbed into the skin. But what you can do is use skincare products which contain active ingredients which aid collagen production. Look for cosmeceutical products with Vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Sunscreen is also a non-negotiable and is the best way to slow down ageing. If you'd like to have a bespoke skincare routine created for you why not book a free Skin Analysis and Consultation with one of our skin specialists?