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The Benefits of Collagen: Why Your Skin Needs It
Collagen has become a big buzzword in the skincare world. Between collagen creams, supplements, injections, and more, it’s absolutely everywhere!
However, before jumping onto any skincare bandwagon, it always pays to do some research to ensure that you fully understand that new ingredient or technique that you’re yearning to try. When it comes to collagen, things aren’t quite as simple as they may seem…
So, read on as OROGOLD explains what collagen is, why your skin needs it, and how you can get more of it!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein – a structural one, to be precise. This means that it forms the structure of the cells and tissues in the body. In fact, collagen happens to be the main structural protein in mammals, consisting of around 30% of the total protein in the body.
Where does collagen come from? The body produces it. Special cells called fibroblasts are responsible for producing new collagen, as well as for maintaining the integrity of existing collagen fibers. When you’re young, this process occurs at an optimum rate. However, as you grow older, fibroblast function slows down, meaning that the same happens with natural collagen production.
What Does Collagen Do For Your Skin?
So, why all the hype about collagen? What does it actually do for the skin?
Well, as mentioned, it’s a structural protein. This means that collagen is largely responsible for the structure of the skin. Think of it as scaffolding that holds your skin up from within. When this scaffolding network is strong and sturdy, it keeps the skin above it firm, full, and smooth. However, once that scaffolding begins to weaken and break, it’s no longer able to support the skin in the same way. This causes parts of the skin to start wrinkling and sagging, with this exacerbating as more collagen is lost.
Collagen also plays a crucial role when it comes to replacing dead skin cells. Your skin cells are produced in the deeper layers of your skin, with collagen providing a helping hand. These then move up to the surface layer, where they die off and are replaced by the newer skin cells that have been created with the assistance of collagen.
The Loss of Collagen
As we mentioned earlier, natural collagen production slows down with age. This process begins once you’re in your mid-20s. For the next decade, collagen production starts to dwindle by about 1% per year. Once you hit your 40s, this figure increases and then jumps again once menopause begins. This is one of the reasons why wrinkles and sagging skin are, in the end, inevitable.
However, other factors contribute to the decline in skin collagen levels too. Not only do the following affect the skin’s ability to produce new collagen fibers but they also weaken and damage existing collagen fibers:
- Sun exposure – you’re probably aware of how excessive sun exposure can lead to wrinkles. This is down to how UV rays degrade collagen production and attack collagen fibers.
- Dietary choices – research shows that certain foods, such as those that are highly processed or are full of sugar, reduces collagen production. They also inhibit how existing collagen fibers communicate with surrounding cells, which can affect the replacement of dead skin cells.
- Smoking – smoking not only suffocates and dehydrates your skin but it also slowly destroys your skin’s collagen fibers.
- Excessive alcohol consumption – drinking too much hinders collagen production in the skin while also hindering the ability of skin cells to repair themselves.
Understanding How Collagen Skincare Products Work
Once people start to see the effects of collagen loss in their skin, they seek out ways in which they can restore their collagen levels to regain the smooth and bouncy complexion of their youth. As a result, they often turn to collagen-infused skincare products, believing that these formulas will help to replenish the collagen that their skin has lost.
Unfortunately, topical collagen doesn’t work in this way. In most cases, those molecules are far too large to penetrate into the skin to the extent that they’re able to reach the deeper layers where your natural collagen fibers lie. Hydrolyzed collagen could be an exception. This ingredient features fragments of collagen, making it easier for the ingredient to penetrate the skin. However, whether or not they are able to bolster natural collagen remains up for discussion – there isn’t enough clinical research available yet to confirm this.
Does this mean that collagen-infused skincare is a con? Definitely not. Although topical collagen may not be able to replace natural collagen for the most part, it’s an ingredient that still offers some great benefits…
For starters, collagen is a natural humectant. This enables it to bind water to the skin. It boasts incredible moisturizing properties too. This is why the use of collagen skincare usually leaves the skin looking firmer and smoother. It also helps skin cells to feel supported and capable of functioning to the best of their abilities.
In fact, collagen is such a useful ingredient that you’ll find it in several OROGOLD products. Let’s take a closer look at a few of them:
The 24K Collagen Pre-Mask
The OROGOLD 24K Collagen Pre-Mask is a unique product that perfectly preps the skin for a face mask. It starts off as a gel, turns into an oil, and then transforms into a foam that’s then rinsed off.
The soluble collagen in this formula is joined by several other hydrating ingredients. Between algae extract, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil, it will leave your skin cells feeling quenched and, therefore, more receptive to the ingredients in the mask that you’re about to apply.
The 24K Deep Tissue Rejuvenation Mask & Collagen Eye Renewal Mask
Want a collagen-infused face mask to use after applying the 24K Collagen Pre-Mask? Try the OROGOLD 24K Deep Tissue Rejuvenation Mask & Collagen Eye Renewal Mask.
This set of eye and face masks is formulated to deeply hydrate and plump up the complexion. Thanks to a blend of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and sea algae extract, it does this beautifully. Meanwhile, lavender oil and allantoin help to keep the skin feeling soothed and balanced.
The 24K Cryogenic Contour Eye Firming
The eye area often particularly benefits from topical collagen due to how the skin here is so much thinner. With the 24K Cryogenic Contour Eye Firming, you’ll soon be able to give the skin around your eyes a thicker and fuller feel.
Once again, collagen is a star ingredient in this formula. Other noteworthy compounds include green tea extract, vitamin E, panthenol, caffeine, and vitamin A. It’s a great product for countering the look of aging skin.
The Collagen Cooling Set Limited Edition
As you can tell from the name, the Collagen Cooling Set Limited Edition is all about collagen! This set contains three collagen-infused skincare products:
- HydroCollagen Lift Mask – hydrates and plumps the complexion
- Collagen Plumping Mist – enhances the properties of the mask but can also be used on its own for a burst of hydration
- Advanced Soothing Cool Cream – a lightweight moisturizer that adds radiance to the skin while soothing the look of inflammation
The Facial Anti-Aging Firming System
If you want your skin to look smoother and firmer, the Facial Anti-Aging Firming System is what you need. This duo consists of the Collagen Firming Mask Powder and the Firm Boost Essence, which you mix together yourself to create a formula that’s powerful enough to transform your complexion.
In this mask, hydrolyzed collagen is used in the powder. The essence features an action-packed blend of peptides, niacinamide, amino acids, sodium hyaluronate, and other hydrating ingredients. You should see a difference in your complexion immediately upon rinsing the mask off, with this continuing to improve after every use.
Is it Possible to Increase Natural Collagen Production With Skincare?
Although topical collagen may not make much of a difference to the structural collagen in your skin, there are still other ingredients out there that can help to make your skin feel capable of producing more collagen.
Vitamin C is one. That’s how this powerful antioxidant is able to leave the skin looking smoother and firmer with regular use. For best results, use it in the form of a serum, like the OROGOLD 24K Vitamin C Booster Facial Serum. With two forms of vitamin C, along with other potent antioxidants, it won’t be long before your skin is looking younger.
The 24K Vitamin C Facial Cleanser is another way to add this superstar to your skincare routine. Combine it with the serum above and you’ll be giving your skin a double dose of this much-loved ingredient.
Retinol is another ingredient worth having in your skincare arsenal. You’ll find it in the OROGOLD 24K Multi Vitamin Night Nourishment + Retinol. This nighttime moisturizer is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots while also providing the skin with enough hydration to see it through until morning.
What About Diet and Collagen Supplements?
Another way to help your skin produce plenty of collagen while also supporting your existing collagen fibers is to eat the right foods. Quality proteins will give your skin the tools that it needs to build more collagen while collagen itself can also be found in the following foods:
- Beef
- Fish
- Gelatin
- Bone broth
- Chicken and pork skin
Summary
Collagen is such a crucial part of your skin, which is why the complexion tends to take a downturn once collagen production begins to decline. Fortunately, there’s plenty that you can do about this. Between using the right skincare products, protecting against collagen loss, and eating the right foods, you’ll be able to keep your skin looking smooth and feeling firm well into your later years!
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