Slowing Down the Aging Process with Collagen

Isa Lucero Follow

28 October, 2021

Slowing Down the Aging Process with Collagen

As people grow older, one of the most visible effects that one can notice is the several changes with their skin. They go through a natural aging process that cannot be avoided, making the skin lose elastic tissue in the body, causing them to be dry, rough, and slack. The skin slowly loses its elasticity because of the reduction of collagen production that occurs when aging. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body that provides the skin with structure and keeps them from sagging, giving you a plump and more youthful look. 



Collagen is naturally produced by the body, but gradually becomes less and less through aging. Decreased collagen production is actually a medically recognized sign of aged skin. Thus, it has been known to be the “ropes of protein in the skin.” This means that when one is still young, the rope remains tight. But over the years, the ends begin to fray. Growing older makes the body find it difficult to be able to replace the collagen that they are losing quickly. When a person reaches the age of 20s, a percentage of collagen is lost each year, which means that the skin becomes drier as well. One of the ideal ways for your skin to constantly give your skin that plump and youthful glow is the regular collagen supplement intake.



Collagen supplements are popular in the beauty and wellness industries. While it provides properties that make your skin look plump and fresh, it also has properties that give out a number of health benefits such as relieving joint pain, promoting heart health, and preventing bone loss. With its prominent benefits, it is no surprise that collagen has become a widely sought-after ingredient in the industry. If you want to know how huge of a help collagen is, keep on reading.



Skin Health



The most recognized and common benefit of collagen supplement consumption would be preventing the signs of aging in terms of skin health improvements. This protein is a major component that plays a huge role in strengthening the skin. The skin naturally develops wrinkles and fine lines, and becomes rough over the years because of how it produces lesser collagen in the body as one gets older. Less collagen also causes them to lose elasticity, leading to dry and saggy skin, which is not that easy to get rid of. 



Collagen supplements contain properties that reverse signs of skin aging by boosting skin elasticity. They have the ability to stimulate the body to produce collagen on its own, as well as other proteins that help structure the skin, including elastin and fibrillin. Collagen supplements, when consumed, activate the skin cells called fibroblasts. They are those that trigger the production of collagen and elastin. 



Aside from the wrinkle formation and dryness, collagen supplements are claimed to be of help in preventing acne and repairing damaged skin and scarring, improving the overall skin quality. 



Joint Pain



As it is mentioned that the amount of collagen produced by your body gradually reduces as you age, this also means that the risk of developing conditions, specifically osteoarthritis and other joint disorders, increases. Joints, especially for older adults, usually wear down and become more prone to arthritis and injuries. These are effects of age-related collagen loss. 



Collagen supplements are part of the vital components to reduce joint pain as it improves the connective tissues throughout the body. Taking these has been also known to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in the body. Given this, it helps reduce pain symptoms of osteoarthritis for a period of time, however, cannot be used as a long-term pain reliever. Moreover, collagen helps maintain the intactness of your cartilage, which, in turn, helps protect your joints.



Promote Heart Health



Apart from skin health improvements and joint pain reduction, collagen supplements also help alleviate the risk factors associated with heart-related conditions, such as atherosclerosis. This disease occurs when your arteries harden and become narrow, causing blood flow restrictions that can lead to blood clots. If that is the case, stroke and heart attacks will most likely happen. Without enough collagen in the body, arteries may become weak and fragile as well.



Given all of these, collagen can be of help in preventing any of these to happen. They provide structure to your arteries, which keeps blood flowing to and from the heart, to the rest of the body. Some studies show that taking collagen supplements can reduce the stiffness and increase the level of good cholesterol in the body. With this, it means that it can help alleviate your risk of developing heart conditions, and helps in promoting heart health.



Prevent Bone Loss



Bones are mostly made of collagen, giving them structure and helps to keep them strong. And just as the collagen in your body becomes lesser and lesser as you grow old, the same thing happens with your bone mass. Bones can become weaker as one loses the collagen necessary to keep the bones strong. If you happen to have lesser bone density, risks and chances of bone fractures are high, leading to serious conditions like osteoporosis. 



Taking collagen supplements may help reduce the mentioned bone disorders as they have the ability to help increase the bone mineral density. Collagen also lowers the levels of proteins in the blood that prevents bone breakdowns, combatting certain bone conditions. They have certain properties that give out effects in the body that inhibit bone loss.



Key Takeaway



It is truly a fact that the amount of collagen in the body is being reduced over the years when people grow older. This means more risks of serious conditions may occur if not properly prevented. Drinking collagen supplements are associated with a number of health benefits, while preventing the risk of joint pains, heart attacks, and decreasing bone mass. This also improves skin health as it reduces fine lines and wrinkles, making the skin look plump, hydrated,  and moisturized. These collagen supplements are safe and easy to take, definitely worth trying to utilize all the benefits it can provide.