Collagen 101: The C Word Of Indian Skincare

Over the years, trends in the skincare industry have changed drastically. The focus has now shifted towards repairing the damage caused by pollution, harsh products, and lifestyle choices. And right at the heart of this shift sits collagen, a protein which gives your skin youthful firmness and resilience.

Accordingly, collagen has become one of the most-talked-about ingredients in the beauty industry. And as it continues to gain fame, it’s natural to question hows and whys. So, if you are also wondering what collagen is, how it works, and why it matters, you are at the right place. Let’s break it down and understand the C word of Indian skincare.

What Is The Hype About Collagen?

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in your body. It occurs naturally in the thick, middle layer of your skin called the dermis. Interestingly, collagen is present in the form of tightly packed fibres, which provides elasticity and strength to your skin.

Additionally, collagen takes care of providing support and structure to your skin. It is also responsible for giving you bouncy skin and a youthful look. Think of it as a system that works beneath the visible skin layer. Without collagen, your skin will gradually lose this support and show early signs of ageing.

What Does Collagen Do And Why Your Skin Depends On It

When it comes to skincare, collagen is a multitasker. It works way beyond improving overall appearance. For instance, studies have found that collagen products can improve overall skin health and delay signs of ageing. Other reasons why your skin depends on collagen include:

• It acts as a building block for skin, teeth, bones, and other body parts
• Collagen helps your skin retain its original shape after being stretched
• It ensures proper hydration levels in the skin to make it look plump
• This protein also supports cell regeneration process
• It promotes faster wound healing
• Collagen gives elasticity and a plump effect to your skin

Without adequate collagen levels in your body, the skin slowly starts losing the ability to bounce back when pinched, pressed, or stretched. Plus, it may make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

When Does Collagen Start Declining?

Collagen production doesn’t work at the same rate throughout your life. Instead, it slows down gradually, especially in your mid-20s. And this decline is not sudden, but the result of a long process.

As you age, your body starts producing less collagen every year. This makes it easier for the existing collagen to weaken and break down faster. Similarly, the quality of collagen also drops with ageing. And this combined effect leads to visible skin changes over time.

What Causes Collagen To Decline

While ageing performs a primary role, it is not the only factor responsible for the decline of collagen. Instead, several external and internal factors can accelerate this process. These include:

• Prolonged exposure to harmful sunrays that break down collagen fibres
• Smoking or drinking alcohol can introduce toxins in your body and damage collagen
• Eating too much refined sugar can also weaken collagen structure
• Hormonal fluctuations in the body can impact collagen percentage
• Taking too much stress regularly and not knowing how to manage it can hamper skin health
• Not getting enough sleep can also affect collagen in skin

How To Prevent Loss Of Collagen

Let’s be honest, it is not humanly possible to stop collagen decline completely. However, using the right products and following healthy practices can slow it down. Here are some easy and practical ways to prevent loss of collagen:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect your skin against daily damage
• Eat a balanced and nutrient-rich diet and include foods rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C
• Introduce retinol and peptides to your skincare routine to boost collagen production
• Avoid over-exfoliating your skin or using harsh scrub to protect the skin barrier
• Drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration levels in the body
• Follow a consistent skincare routine to see visible results

Collagen In Skincare Routine: Expectations Vs Reality

According to Google Trends, the term collagen has seen a rapid increase in online search queries since 2014. With it becoming a trending term in the skincare industry, expecting quick and dramatic results is natural. And that’s why it is important to set realistic expectations by drawing a boundary.

Found in various skincare products, collagen isn’t an overnight solution to your issues. Instead, it works slowly but steadily to give you long-term, confident results. However, applying these formulas isn’t enough. Instead, you need to provide the routine with some strength by following the right practices. Think of collagen as your long-term buddy or an SIP meant to give you greater results in the future.

Today, skincare is no longer limited to achieving a glowy base. Instead, consumers are becoming more informed and conscious about what they apply on the skin. And ingredients like collagen have the power to change the way your skin feels and looks. It doesn’t give you just a surface-level glow. Instead, it works from within to help your skin fight damage and signs of ageing.