6 Things That Damage Collagen In The Skin

Collagen is considered the most abundant protein in the body. It’s what holds everything together, providing strength and structure to the body. There are two types of collagen, endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous is natural collagen that’s produced naturally in the body. Exogenous is synthetic, that comes from sources such as supplements.

With age the body naturally produces less collagen. Women have a dramatic reduction in collagen after menopause. There are several things that deplete and damage collagen in the body. If we can avoid them this can keep the skin healthy longer. Here are 6 of the things that damage collagen in the skin. (post includes affiliate links; full disclosure statement available {here}

Sun Damage

Unprotected sun exposure causes skin damage and aging, this happens when UV rays enter the dermis and breaks down the skins collagen. This also causes free radicals that break down collagen. UV rays cause collagen to break down more rapidly, causing abnormal elastin to build up.

Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the main reasons for the breakdown of collagen. Diets high in sugar, processed meat, simple carbohydrates, activate inflammation in the body and interfere with the healing of the skin cells. High sugar levels harden collagen, weaken the skin, and cause premature aging. 

Stress

Stress has been shown to increase inflammation, reducing the body’s ability to naturally produce collagen. It increases the hormone cortisol that reduces collagen and elastin, and forms wrinkles. Chronic stress can cause inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress depletes collagen levels causing premature aging.The more stressed the body is, the less collagen it can produce. 

Sleep

Sleep is important to skin repair and regeneration. We produce collagen during sleep, which is part of the repair process. While sleeping, the skin’s blood flow increases, rebuilding collagen and repairing damage from uv exposure. A lack of sleep affects the immune system and the production of collagen in the skin.This increases the signs of aging in the skin. 

Sugar

Sugar damages the elasticity and collagen in the skin, speeding up the signs of aging. A diet that is high in sugar increases the rate of glycation, where the blood sugars attach to proteins. The sugar molecules attach themselves to collagen and elastin causing wrinkles, inflammation, and skin damage.

Not Enough Vitamin C

Vitamin C fights the free radicals and damage that’s caused by UV ray. It helps boost the skin collagen production and shields the skin from harmful environmental factors. The body isn’t able to produce vitamin C naturally, a diet high in vitamin C is necessary for glowing skin and collagen production.