How Can I Boost Collagen on My Face and Scalp?
Collagen makes up 30 to 40% of the protein content in our bodies. It is a structural protein found in skin and connective tissue throughout your body. One of its primary functions is to provide support and structure for skin cells to grow and provide skin strength and elasticity.
As we enter young adulthood, our collagen reserves are full, giving us firm and supple skin. However, as early as our mid-20s, our bodies begin producing less of this vital protein, and we start to notice thin, droopy and dry skin. Thankfully, there are ways to boost the collagen in our face, our scalp and the rest of our bodies.
How Do Low Collagen Levels Affect My Face and Scalp?
When we have higher collagen levels, our face and scalp skin is smooth, firm and hydrated. This is because collagen binds to water and will naturally condition your face and scalp to help you sustain higher moisture levels. It also fortifies your skin by providing a barrier to water loss.
Additionally, collagen is a framework of proteins that gives our skin its firmness and strength. Over time, our bodies generate less collagen, and the rigid framework it creates bends and eventually breaks, leading to sagging and wrinkle formations in our face.
In our scalp skin, collagen plays a vital role in supporting the hair follicle. Studies have shown that as a hair fiber enters the anagen (growth) stage of its life cycle, collagen levels around the hair bulb increase. Once the hair follicle matures, two layers of collagen are lost; yet our bodies continue regenerating the protein, maintaining the hair’s growth cycle.
What Foods Can I Eat to Support Collagen in My Body?
Throughout our lives, our bodies make collagen by combining amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds our bodies synthesize from consuming protein-rich foods, including:
- Fish
- Beans
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Beef
- Chicken
For our bodies to make collagen, they also need minerals including copper and zinc from:
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Shellfish
- Meats
The process also needs vitamin C, which you can get from:
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Green pepper
- Citrus fruits
Additionally, hyaluronic acid is an essential component restoring collagen in your face and scalp. Amino acid-rich foods include:
- Root vegetables
- Soy
- Beans
- Bone broth
Should I Take Supplements to Increase Collagen in My Skin?
When collagen loss happens due to smoking, pollution or excessive sun exposure, it’s often permanent. That’s why it’s critical to avoid cellular deterioration before it occurs and to preserve scalp health and maintain a smooth, toned face.
Collagen supplements can play a crucial role in protecting the health of your skin. The possible benefits of taking collagen supplements were cited in a systematic review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD).
Researchers analyzed data from several clinical study reports and concluded that collagen supplements are beneficial for:
- Increasing skin elasticity.
- Improving skin hydration.
- Impeding noticeable signs of aging.
- Accelerating wound healing .
- Multiplying collagen fibers in the dermal layers of our skin.
What Collagen Supplements Should I Take?
Though eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to boost collagen as we age, our bodies may not be able to synthesize or absorb nutrients as well as they once could.
To ensure your body has the ingredients it needs to make the collagen your body needs, consider supplements that can help boost your body's collagen.
Power Within Skin & Scalp Collagen Gummies
Delicious mango-flavored Power Within Skin & Scalp Collagen Gummies by Better Not Younger are loaded with 96 milligrams of types I and III marine collagen.
There is a minimum of 16 kinds of collagen, with types I and III making up most of this fibrous protein in our bodies. They are crucial building blocks for firm skin and vibrant hair.
Marine collagen is easily digestible and is abundant in amino acids, lysine, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, with proline and glycine functioning like antioxidants that can protect the skin on your face and scalp by combatting free radicals.
Other Ways to Boost Collagen in Your Scalp and Face
Other methods that counter the appearance of aging and improve the look and feel of your scalp and face include:
1. Quitting Smoking
Smoking impedes the blood flow to your scalp and face, causing blood vessels to shrink. This reduces the flow of nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. Your body relies on these nutrients to produce proteins, including collagen and elastin.
Chemicals in tobacco smoke can trigger molecular events that damage or reform collagen structures crucial for skin health and elasticity.
2. Scalp and Facial Massage
Massaging your skin may help encourage collagen production and increase muscle memory in your face. When your facial muscles are toned, they’ll be able to retain skin tightness. Additionally, more blood will be circulated around the skin to deliver nutrients to your face and scalp.
3. Hair, Skin and Nails Supplements
Take a daily supplement with hair- and skin-friendly micronutrients, including vitamin C, biotin and zinc. Significant Other Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement + Retinol Boost is loaded with the vitamins and minerals your body needs, like vitamin A to boost your body’s ability to produce retinol, which helps soften the appearance of fine lines for smoother-looking skin.
Pro Tip: A dermaplaning treatment can revitalize your skin in several healthy ways. Dermaplaning helps you remove the surface layer of your skin in a safe and painless way, and thus allows better collagen production and effective skincare product absorption. You can try dermaplaning at home or at a professional salon, with the same amazing results.
Tell Us: Have you been taking a collagen supplement to boost your collagen? Share in the comments below!