What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein responsible for giving your face that youthful bounce. Its a crucial element to the skin. Everyone makes their own supply of collagen, via our cells’ fibroblasts (assuming they have the amino acids and other required nutritional building blocks they need).
As natural production declines, fine lines appear. The #1 cause of skin aging is the loss of collagen.
So, what can we do about it?
Take a deep breath. It’s not all bad news. Thankfully, we have options (whew!).
Improve the areas you can control
Don’t smoke, avoid excessive sun exposure, and limit your intake of carbohydrates, as they can activate the immune system and promote inflammation throughout the body. Sugar is also tough on collagen. High sugar levels promote premature aging of the skin by hardening and fragmenting your collagen supply. This weakens the skin’s foundation. Stress can also create inflammation in the body. A rise in Cortisol (stress hormone) levels has shown to decrease the production of collagen.
Boost your supply with collagen treatments
Sculptra injections and daily use of Nu Skin’s LumiSpa device are scientifically proven to increase collagen formation.
Take a collagen peptide supplement
Collagen supplements made of collagen peptides have been shown to promote collagen production. Personally, I rely on the quality and convenience of NuSkin’s Beauty Focus Collagen as part of my daily beauty routine.
Get ahead of it!
If aging gracefully is your goal, you’ve got options! Taking care of yourself as you age has never been more important. If you have questions, please reach out–I’d love to answer them.