Kolagen

What destroys collagen in the body and how to prevent it?

5 min
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Dietician

Karolina Dobrowolska-Zrałka

Collagen is a protein that is responsible for skin firmness, joint elasticity and connective tissue strength. But unfortunately, there are factors that affect its destruction in the body. How to prevent and what to avoid?

What is collagen and what is the functions in the body?

Collagen is a structural protein, which is responsible for the endurance and elasticity of the skin, joints, tendons and ligaments. It makes our skin firm, strong hair, and the joints work without pain. Unfortunately, the natural production of collagen begins to fall after the age of 25, which affects the aging process of skin and tissues.

What destroys collagen in the body?

Collagen is a delicate protein that easily damages under the influence of various factors:
  • UV radiation - It damages collagen fibers and causes faster skin aging.
  • Smoking - Nicotine weakens the body's ability to regenerate collagen.
  • Bad diet - Lack of vitamins and minerals, excess sugar and nutrient deficiency negatively affect collagen production.

UV radiation and collagen degradation - can you protect yourself from it?

Sun exposure is one of the main threats to collagen. UV radiation damages the structure of collagen fibers, which causes wrinkles, cellulite, the skin becomes much less elastic and more flabby. How to prevent damage caused by sunlight?
  • Use creams with a UV filter - minimum SPF 30 every day, not just in summer.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during the greatest sunlight.
  • Take care of skin hydration and regular supply of antioxidants in your diet.

How does smoking affect collagen?

Smoking cigarettes destroys collagen in the body in several ways.
  1. Toxins weaken collagen regeneration Cigarette smoke contains a lot of harmful chemical compounds, such as nicotine, which reduce oxygen supply to tissues. The reduction of oxygen supply hinders fibroblasts the production of new collagen fibers, which makes the skin aging faster.
  2. Acceleration of collagen fiber degradation Nicotine and other chemicals affect the destruction of existing collagen fibers. Damaged fibers lose their elasticity, which makes the skin more flabby and wrinkles more visible.
  3. Limiting the absorption of vitamin C Smoking reduces vitamin C levels in the body, and it is it who supports collagen synthesis. Without the right amount of this vitamin, the body is not able to effectively produce new collagen fibers, and thus affects their smaller amount - more flaccid skin, with wrinkles and cellulite.

Symptoms of collagen deficiency - when it is worth supplementing it?

Collagen deficiency makes itself felt in different ways. Most often you may notice these: Changes in the appearance of the skin The collagen deficiency can be seen on the skin the fastest. It becomes less firm, loses elasticity, wrinkles appear, and the skin looks tired and dry. You can also notice that the skin heals slower and is more susceptible to irritation. Problems with joints and muscles Collagen is a very important protein for joint and connective tissue health. Its deficiency is manifested by joint pain, their greater rigidity and susceptibility to damage. Brittle hair and nails If your hair is dry, dull and start to fall out, and the nails become fragile and break easily, it may mean that the body lacks collagen.

How to protect collagen every day - practical tips

You already know what factors affect collagen degradation in the body. What to do to prevent this?
  • Use creams with a UV filter - UV radiation is one of the greatest enemies of collagen. It destroys its structure, causing wrinkles and sagging of the skin. Apply creams with a SPF 30 or higher filter each day, even in winter, avoid direct sun in the highest sunlight hours, wear a hat and sunglasses on the most sunny days.
  • Quit smoking - Cigarette smoke contains toxins that destroy collagen fibers and inhibit their regeneration. Smoking accelerates the aging process of skin, causing wrinkles and loss of firmness, so quitting smoking is one of the best steps to protect collagen and improve the condition of the whole body.
  • Take care of a diet rich in ingredients supporting collagen production - Your diet has a huge impact on the level of collagen in the body. Include these ingredients in your diet and your skin will thank you for that.
  • Products rich in vitamin C - e.g. peppers, citrus, kiwi - support collagen synthesis.
  • Protein sources - meat, fish, eggs that provide amino acids necessary to build collagen.
  • Healthy fats - Avocados, nuts, olive oil, support skin elasticity.
  • Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, such as berries or spinach that protect collagen against damage.
  • Supplement collagen - If it is difficult for you to provide the right amount of ingredients from the diet, consider supplementation. Choose hydrolyzed fish collagen, which has high absorption and search for products enriched with vitamin C, which increases the effectiveness of supplementation.
  • Avoid excess sugar - A diet rich in sugar accelerates the glycation process that damages collagen fibers. Try to limit sweets, processed products and drinks sweetened with sugar to protect collagen and maintain skin firmness.
  • Take care of a healthy sleep and reduction of stress - During sleep, the body regenerates, i.e. also produces collagen. Too little sleep or chronic stress usually disturb this process, so try to sleep 7-8 hours a day to regenerate well.

Does collagen supplementation work?

Collagen supplementation has become one of the most popular ways to improve the appearance of the skin, strengthen the joints and hair and delay the aging process. However, it is worth choosing proven products that stand out from the competition.

Why choose Supersonic Collagen Beauty Drink?

Supersonic Collagen Beauty Drink is a dietary supplement that combines hydrolyzed collagen with additional ingredients supporting its operation. What's in its composition? Hydrolyzed fish collagen We use the Peptan® fish hydrolyzate, which is characterized by high bioavailability. Thanks to the hydrolysis process, collagen is broken into smaller peptides that are better absorbed and are used by the body to regenerate the skin, joints and connective tissue. Additional active ingredients Supersonic Collagen Beauty Drink contains ingredients that strengthen the effects of supplementation: vitamin C, which supports collagen synthesis and accelerates its absorption, hyaluronic acid, which ensures intensive hydration of the skin and biotin, which strengthens hair and nails. Collagen supplementation works, but remember what causes its degradation and what to avoid it so as not to worry about its deficiency. Try the Supersonic Collagen Beauty Drink and see how easy it is to take care of collagen and see the effects on your own skin!

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