Collagen, you’ve heard of it, you know it’s important, but have you ever really thought about it enough? Probably not, until the day you catch yourself in bad lighting and wonder why your face is looking suspiciously more tired and a little older. That, my friend, is the slow betrayal of collagen loss.
Collagen is basically your skin’s personal scaffolding, keeping everything perky and in place. Without it, you’re left with fine lines, sagging, and a general sense of, "Wait, when did that happen?" It is the silent hero of youthful, firm skin until your body decides to start producing less of it, just to keep life interesting.
So, if you’d rather not watch your face age all of a sudden, then stick around. In this blog I am talking about what collagen does, why it’s ghosting you, and how to convince it to stick around a little longer.
What Exactly Is Collagen (And Why Should You Worship It)?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, found in skin, hair, nails and your joints. Think of it as the duct tape of your body, except instead of patching up your questionable DIY projects, it keeps your skin firm, smooth and bouncy.
As we age, collagen production takes a nosedive. By your mid-20s, you start losing about 1% of it per year. By your 40s, you could have lost up to 25-30% of your collagen, which explains why everything starts feeling a little less held together. This is also why those fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin start showing up uninvited, like that one distant relative who always asks you personal questions at family gatherings!
Collagen: Not Just a Ladies’ Affair
Men, before you click away thinking this doesn’t apply to you… because, yes it does.
While men tend to have thicker skin, collagen still naturally declines over time. Men’s collagen levels start higher and decline at a slow and steady pace. Women on the other hand, experience a more dramatic drop, especially during menopause when collagen levels can nosedive by up to 30% in just five years. That is like your skin’s support system handing in it's resignation overnight. This means that while men may age a little more gradually, they are still on the same collagen losing train, just with a slightly longer ride before things really start to look suspiciously more creased. Gentlemen, if you’re not taking care of your skin now, you really need too. So listen up.
The Many Perks of Collagen (Beyond Your Face)
Collagen isn’t just about keeping your skin looking like a freshly fluffed pillow, it has other benefits written all over. Research suggests that collagen supplements can improve joint health by reducing pain and stiffness, making your knees, hips and back less likely to pop like bubble wrap every time you stand up. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening the pelvic floor (important for bladder control and core stability), and has been linked to improved hair growth, so you can keep your locks looking lush for longer.
If you are considering collagen supplements, there are many options. Bovine collagen (from cows) is good for skin and joints; marine collagen (from fish) is known for its skin-boosting abilities, and vegan collagen boosters (which help stimulate your body’s own collagen production) are ideal if you are like me and would rather not get your collagen fix from something with a face. Whatever your preference, a good supplement can help slow the whole "why is my body betraying me" process.
Fun Facts About Collagen (Because Science is Cool)
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Collagen makes up about 75% of your skin. That’s right, three-quarters of your glorious face is basically held together by this protein.
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The word “collagen” comes from the Greek word “kólla”, meaning glue, as without it, you’d quite literally fall apart.
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Smoking and excess sugar are like kryptonite for collagen. So if you smoke, drink alcohol excessively, or eat or drink too much sugar then your skin is probably filing a complaint against you as we speak.
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Your body naturally produces less collagen when you’re stressed. So if your job, kids, or existential crises are ageing you, well now you know why.
How to Boost Collagen Naturally & Keep It from Abandoning You
Since we are not all blessed with the genetics of a vampire who never ages, we need to be pro-active about collagen production. The good news is you don’t need to resort to extreme measures like beauticians. Here are my top tips to what actually helps:
- Massage Your Face Like You Mean It – Facial massaging increases circulation, boosts lymphatic drainage and helps stimulate collagen production naturally. Using the right skincare while doing this is key. Using skincare that is high in man-made chemicals is not going to do your face or lymphatic system any favours.
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Use Skincare That Supports Collagen Production – Look for products packed with antioxidants, natural ingredients, and vitamin C, like the ones from Olive & Joyce Skincare (see what we did there!). We have crafted skincare that actually works, without any weird, unpronounceable ingredients.
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Eat Like Your Skin Depends on It (Because It Does) – Eat blueberries, leafy greens like kale, spinach or cabbage. My Grandmothers swore by a cup of organic chicken, or beef bone broth, or salmon but this is obviously not an option for vegans so I eat as many greens as possible.
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SPF Is Your BFF – Sun damage breaks down collagen like a joyful toddler tearing through a quiet room. Wear sunscreen every single day (yes, even when it’s cloudy, and yes, even if you are inside). If you wear Olive & Joyce Skincare be assured that we have you covered with colder months and cloudy days as our products contain natural sunscreen.
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Take A Supplement –As I am vegan, I like to use the vegan option and use Feel’s Pro Collagen powder click the link to receive 20%off your first order. However there are also beef and fish collagen options. If you do choose the later I would always recommend an organic option.
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Sleepy Beauty Was Ahead Of The Game – Collagen loves sleep because that’s when it gets to work. While you are dreaming, your body shifts into repair mode, ramping up collagen production and fixing the daily wear and tear on your skin. Sleep deprivation on the other hand, is basically a fast track to collagen loss, leading to dull skin and fine lines.
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Get Exercising – Go for a run, get to the gym, or simply have sex because, well, collagen is a fan of good circulation, reduced stress, and happy hormones. When you get busy, your body releases a cocktail of endorphins, oxytocin and other feel-good chemicals that help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone that loves to break down collagen). Plus, increased blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to your skin, helping to keep it plump, firm, and glowing. Basically, collagen thrives when you’re feeling good, so consider this your most enjoyable anti-aging tip yet.
Collagen might not last forever, but good skincare choices will keep you looking fresher for longer.
If you want more skin-saving wisdom, and a dose of our no-nonsense advice, check out our other blogs, browse our skincare range, and give us a follow on social media. Your future face will thank you.