An ageing skin is characterised by slower generation of collagen.DR Shoma Sarkar tells you ways to prevent or at least delay the signs of ageing
Ageing is a natural process brought about by a combination of physiological and environmental factors. As we age, the skin’s natural ability to repair and regenerate itself slows down. At the same time, the body’s capability to generate the vital elements of a youthful skin also starts declining. The skin’s extracellular matrix weakens with the loss of its scaffolding proteins. Collagen being a primary one of them. In fact, collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body that plays multiple functions. As a component of the connective tissues of the bones, muscles, ligaments and the skin, it is essentially the protein that holds the body together.
An ageing skin is characterised by slower generation of collagen. Less collagen directly translates into sagging or lax skin which loses its youthful firmness and tightness. Not just natural ageing, but environmental factors such as exposure to smoking and UV radiation also results in collagen decline. At the same time, mental stress is also associated with collagen breakdown, wrinkle formation and loss of elasticity.
If you are worried about appearance of signs of ageing such as skin laxity, sagging and loss of volume, loss of collagen might be the cause. Here are few ways you can boost collagen generation in your body:
Anti-oxidant rich foods: Oxidative stress that results from oxidation and production of free radicals is a daily process. Ageing, mental stress and other environmental stressors accelerate the process of oxidation in the body. The free radicals released due to these chemical reactions are unstable atoms that damage cells and accelerate the ageing process. Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit this oxidation process by neutralising free radicals. They play a vital role in fighting off the ageing process. Antioxidants are primarily vitamins, polyphenols and flavonoids found abundantly in fruits and vegetables, which help contain collagen degeneration by eliminating free radicals from tissues. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin E are among the most important antioxidants for skin health and collagen protection.
Aloe vera: Aloe veragel or the pulp of aloe planthas has long been known for its ability to accelerate wound healing or sooth skin burn. A series of researches have also established aloe vera’s ability to boost collagen generation, precisely how it helps wound healing. Whether consumed orally or applied topically, aloe vera gel strengthens the skin’s extracellular matrix and helps slow down wrinkle formation through its collagen boosting ability.
Hyaluronic acid products: Hyaluronic acid is another critical component of healthy and youthful skin. A hydrophilic substance, hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin’s extracellular matrix and boosts generation of collagen and elastin. If you want to boost your skin’s collagen generation capacity, HA-based products must be an intrinsic part of your skincare routine.
The writer is Celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist