What is collagen?
Understanding Collagen: Skin Health, Aging, and Lifestyle Tips to Slow Down the Clock
Written by: Nicole Brown, R. Ac
Skin is the body’s largest organ!
Collagen accounts for about 30% of our body's total protein mass, making it the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen is the primary building block of your body’s skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues, providing structure, support and strength.
Collagen levels naturally begin to decline around the age of 25. Since it is so prevalent in connective tissues, this often leads to sagging skin, fine lines, brittle nails and thinning hair.
Studies have found that ingesting 2.5-5 grams of collagen once daily for eight weeks significantly improved skin elasticity, skin moisture, trans-epidermal water loss (dryness) and skin roughness. Supplementing with collagen has also been shown to help (patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and many gastrointestinal disorders.
There are currently 28 known types of collagen
Differences among collagen types I, II and III:
Type I: By far the most abundant and considered to be the strongest type of collage in the body. It is very important for wound healing, giving skin its stretchy and elastic quality, and holding tissue together to prevent tearing.
Type II: Although less prevalent in the body than type 1. Type 2 is extremely important for cartilage and the skeletal system, found in elastic cartilage. Beneficial for preventing age-associated joint pain and various arthritis symptoms.
Type III: Generally found in reticular fibers, such as in the bone marrow. Typically found alongside type 1 in the body, helps to give skin its elasticity and firmness.
Elastin: The main component of elastic fibers, which provide stretch, recoil and elasticity to skin. Normal levels of elastin are integral in maintaining healthy skin structure, function and youthful appearance. Like collagen, elastin production reduces as we age and contributes to looser and sagging skin.
Lifestyle tips to help slow down skin aging
Wear sunscreen and limit sun exposure
Drink plenty of water
Avoid smoking
Eating a healthy diet that includes healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals
Properly managing stress levels
What else can I do?
Want to learn more about how to support your skin health? Cosmetic acupuncture or Naturopathic Medicine can be a great support. Book an appointment with our acupuncturist, or one of our Naturopathic Doctors to get started.