Why Collagen Is Vital For Healthy Skin

Stretch marks happen when the collagen beneath the skin’s uppermost layer breaks down and stretches out. Collagen and elastin are essential to having supple skin, and collagen also plays a role in the support of tissues, organs and even the bones.

Healthy skin is about 75% collagen, and when collagen production slows down, it can really take a toll on your skin in the form of wrinkles and just a general “aged” appearance. Collagen production can also be disrupted when someone loses or gains weight quickly. Fibers are stretched out, leaving scars that we dread- stretch marks.

When a woman is pregnant, those fluctuating hormones soften up the collagen that’s in the skin of the abdomen. This prepares the body for childbirth, but it also causes stretch marks. Over 75% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy.

There are other factors besides pregnancy that cause collagen production to slow down. Unprotected sun exposure can damage the collagen in the skin which can lead to premature skin aging, so people should always cover up with clothing, hats, and sunscreen.

Pesky free radicals (in pollution and other toxins) can damage the collagen in the skin, which can also lead to skin aging and a much higher chance of getting stretch marks. To prevent this damage to the skin, eat a diet rich in antioxidants and supplement if necessary.

Not only should you protect the collagen you already have, you should do everything you can to promote the creation of new collagen. This is especially true if you have stretch marks. Be sure to get enough Vitamin C, as it is a potent antioxidant that plays a vital role in the making of collagen. It’s ideal to get your recommended daily intake of this vitamin from food, but if necessary, you can take a supplement as well.

Collagen synthesis can also be promoted by the removal of dead cells from the skin’s surface. Exfoliation encourages the growth of new, fresh skin. Use an exfoliant with alpha hydroxy or poly hydroxy acid, they are really effective. A doctor can also prescribe a cream to stimulate the skin’s production of collagen, but these creams are quite costly and they require a lot of diligence to see results.

As we said, collagen is a vital component of healthy skin, and the promotion of collagen production should be part of any good skin care regimen. If collagen levels are kept normal, skin can keep its youthful look and stretch mark free appearance well into the future.

Stretch marks may be unsightly and embarrassing, but they can be treated with good diet, proper skin care, and healthy collagen levels. It’s no longer necessary to live with stretch marks!