Starting in your mid-20s, your body’s natural collagen levels begin to decline, often leading to signs of aging. However, the rate at which this happens—and how the symptoms of collagen deficiency manifest—can vary greatly from person to person.
Many people seem to be interested in whether their bodies have adequate levels of this important protein and how it affects their appearance in their twenties and beyond. Research from Absolute Collagen found that searches for “collagen loss” have increased by a remarkable 79% year-on-year, while “collagen deficiency” and “symptoms of low collagen” have also increased by 52% and 50% respectively.
To answer these questions, Dr. Dave Reilly, chief scientist at Absolute Collagen, has outlined four changes in your body that could indicate a decline in your collagen levels, reports the Mirror.
The formation of wrinkles:
One of the earliest and most obvious signs of aging is when you notice wrinkles forming on your body. This happens mainly because your collagen production decreases.
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin structure and strength. As it gradually decreases, wrinkles form. When wrinkles first appear, they are likely to be visible around your face.
Our everyday facial expressions like smiling, blinking or frowning all contribute to the formation of wrinkles over time, so you’ll probably first notice fine lines around the mouth, eyes and forehead.
The weakening of the skin:
Collagen, the protein responsible for the firmness of your skin, can be tested to determine its levels and how it changes over time. One of the simplest methods is the hand pinch test. By pinching the skin on the back of your hand with your finger and thumb, you can assess its elasticity.
The longer it takes for your skin to return to its original state, the less elastic it is – indicating lower levels of elastin, hyaluronic acid and collagen. In younger skin, it should recover immediately. However, as you age, this recovery time gradually increases to several seconds, and even further after age 50.
Hair that feels flat and brittle:
Collagen is a vital protein for thick, strong and nourished hair as it directly affects the health of our scalp as well as that of our skin. It is present in the microvessels of our scalp that transport important nutrients from your body to your hair, thus maintaining its health.
Therefore, as collagen levels decrease over time, your scalp is more likely to become dry and flaky, resulting in limp and lifeless looking hair.
Dull and sagging skin:
If you notice that your skin is becoming duller, especially in the areas under your eyes or around your cheeks, this could indicate a loss of collagen.
Collagen is important for maintaining the plumpness and radiance of your skin. When production decreases, your skin can look thinner. This effect is often most noticeable on the cheeks and under the eyes, where a loss of plumpness can lead to sagging skin and a hollower appearance.
Dr. Reilly offers advice to people who are showing signs of collagen loss on how to increase their collagen levels. He explains: “As you age, collagen levels naturally decline, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have an alternative.”
“Taking supplements is a great way to boost your collagen production if your natural production rate is slowing down. Vitamin C supplements help protect your collagen levels from UV damage while supporting your skin.”
He added that incorporating supplements into your daily routine can help mitigate some of the natural signs of aging. He said, “There are many ways to incorporate supplements into your daily routine and reverse some of the natural symptoms of aging. Some of the benefits Absolute Collagen users report include shinier hair, radiant skin, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.”
