Spotting the first wrinkle or grey is still one of the most unpleasant surprises for almost every single human on this planet. Despite knowing that aging is an inevitable truth, we want to know the secret of eternal youth. Skin problems like facial aging not only affects your appearance but also corrodes your confidence and self-esteem. We are happy to tell you that you can fight against aging without feeling sad and frustrated. Well, many research studies have advocated that collagen is that “anti-aging superfood” for youthful-looking skin. Collagen makes one-third of total protein, which gives the integrity and elasticity to the skin. A better understanding of the early deterioration of collagen may prove to be a great help to stop the unexplained aging of your skin.
Science Of Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in skin, building up 70% of your skin. This protein is also found in muscles, bones, skin, ligaments, tendons, and other fibrous tissues. In the dermis (middle layer of skin) collagen forms a network of fibers called fibroblasts for the regeneration of connective tissues and new cells. Over time, aging and extrinsic factors begin to break down the collagen, which leads to saggy skin, crow’s feet, wrinkles on your skin. Research studies suggest that by the age of 60 human bodies have lost half of their collagen.
Top 5 factors that destroy collagen
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Emotional stress
- Sleeping with makeup on
1. Prolonged sun exposure
A study published in Clinical, Cosmetic , and Investigational Dermatology has explained the consequences of sun exposure in inducing the fine lines and wrinkles on the face. UV rays reach the epidermis layer of the skin to damage collagen protein, which ultimately accelerates skin aging. Sun protection is considered one of the most crucial steps to prevent the early aging of the skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen to block the UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin surface. In other words, sunscreen is not less than an anti-aging product to keep your skin healthy.
2. Smoking
Many clinical studies unveil that smoking causes severe damage to your skin. Chemicals in tobacco not only damage collagen but also cause oxidative stress in the body to make you age faster. Also, Nicotine in tobacco reduces the supply of oxygen and blood to the skin surface by narrowing the blood vessels. Hence, a decrease in the concentration of nutrients in skin layers contributes to dull and poor skin.
3. Unhealthy diet
It is imperative to understand that the health of your skin and diet go hand in hand. As per research studies, foods containing too much sugar and bad fats not only lead to overweight but also destroys your skin protein. Roshini Rajapaksa, MD Gastroenterology Specialist explains that excess sugar in the body binds to collagen and deforms it. On the contrary, the consumption of an antioxidant-rich diet helps to stimulate collagen levels in the body for a youthful appearance.
4. Emotional stress
Emotional stress has been identified as one of the biggest reasons for skin aging among people these days. Stress or anxiety raises the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) which causes free radical damage in your body. It damages the skin’s key proteins i.e. collagen and elastin which leads to wrinkles formation. Hence, managing your stress levels can keep you safe from early aging signs. Practicing breathing pranayama has been found to raise the serotonin levels (feel-good hormones) to bring a calm state of mind.
5. Sleeping with makeup on
Do you know that makeup slumber can cause long-term damage to your skin in the form of premature skin aging? During the whole day, dirt, environmental impurities, and other toxic things accumulate on your face. All deposited debris seep into your skin during the night, which causes collagen breakdown and the death of healthy skin cells. Besides, going to bed with makeup causes the clogging of pores. Blocked skin pores lead to acne breakout, dull and rough skin. Perking up your night skincare routine will not only protect your skin from early wrinkling but also help you to attain healthy and glowing skin.
There is a need to understand that “extrinsic aging of skin” can be avoided and prevented. Identifying your daily mistakes and adopting healthy lifestyle choices are the easiest yet effective ways to turn back your biological clock. Furthermore, embracing a healthy skin regimen every day is considered a habit of most people with glowing and youthful skin.
P.S.
Moisture loss from the skin also accelerates the premature aging of the skin. Many research studies claim that hyaluronic acid based moisturizers have satisfactory results in preventing wrinkles and fine lines formation. Hyaluronic acid helps to keep the moisture locked in and also prevents trans - epidermal water loss. Its deep moisturizing action helps to keep your skin smooth, supple and rejuvenated.
