Collagen: Where did it go? How to get it back?

Facing Forty - Collagen: Where did it go?

Excuse me, have you seen my friend, Collagen? Don’t know who she is? Let me tell you about her. Collagen is my ride or die. She has been my roommate since birth. Collagen had a weight problem in our younger days. She was HUGE!! I was very happy when Collagen was large and in charge. She made me look really good!. When Collagen was at her largest, I was my most radiant self. My skin was soft, firm and wrinkle-free. Then when I was in my mid-twenties, Collagen’s diet started working. At first, her weight loss was minimal. I hardly noticed it. But fifteen years later, Collagen’s gradual weight loss had a significant impact on my life. Well, my face, to be exact. As a result of Collagen’s slow exit, I have noticed fine lines around my eyes and some not so fine lines across my forehead. My jawline is starting to sag.. So long side profile pictures! From now on, it will be full-face to the camera for me. She is such a BITCH! If Collagen wanted to leave me, why did she have to take the best parts of me with her?

You may have guessed that Collagen is not a real person. Collagen is the main structural protein that forms your connective tissue and skin. It makes your complexion firm, plump and youthful. Collagen helps your skin cells renew and repair themselves. Are you familiar with the phrase “cell turnover"?” Well, that is collagen’s primary job. Let’s just say that Collagen is slacking on the job as we get older. As we age, our body produces less collagen. Lack of collagen results in the common signs of aging - fine lines, sagging skin, and lack of moisture.

why did collagen leave me?

Remember how much fun you had in your twenties? Partying with your friends until the wee hours of the morning. Drinking cosmos and bottomless pitchers of margaritas. Greasy fried hangover food. Endless summers at the beach. Daily venti triple-shot lattes. Those were good times! Unfortunately, our good times have contributed to our collagen loss. Lifestyle choices like the ones we made long ago caused our bodies to produce free radicals, contributing to disease and aging. But before you start beating yourself up for having fun in your twenties, know that free radicals are naturally produced in your body. There is no escape from aging. However, our lifestyle choices have helped free radicals accelerate their production.

collagen Stay, please don’t go!

Now that I understand how Collagen has been sneakily trying to leave me, I want to stop the rest of her moving from out. But how? You and I already know the answer to this question. We need to be a better roommate. You can protect your existing collagen levels by eating a well-balanced diet and wearing sunscreen all year round. Duh!, I told you, we would know the answer. Although we know what to do, the tricky part is doing it. Now is the time to hop on your Instacart app and start adding proteins, leafy vegetables, and fruits to your cart.

It’s time to wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter. Remember, we are protecting our existing collagen. We can’t afford to let her get any thinner. Lately, I have been using Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen. It’s SPF 40 coverage, which is enough for everyday wear. The sunscreen’s velvety matte finish provides a smooth base for applying foundation or tinted moisturizer. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, then use EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen, a favorite among dermatologists. On my makeup free days I will admit to being lazy and skipping sunscreen. Instead, I will use Supergoop! City Serum SPF 30 which is a moisturizer with SPF.

isn’t there a magic pill or potion i can take?

If it existed, you would know about it. Right now, collagen powders and supplements are having a major moment. Collagen powder is a form of hydrolyzed collagen, which is protein broken down in a digestible way. Adding collagen powder or taking a collagen supplement can help support your skin, nails, joints and muscle health. However, it is not a cure-all. Believe me, I took a deep dive into researching collagen powder. There is no concrete evidence that ingesting collagen powder or taking an oral supplement will produce new collagen. But don’t give up on them yet! The research I found shows there are no adverse side effects by introducing collagen powders and supplements into your diet. Finding ways to sneak in extra protein can’t hurt you. I use Vital Proteins Original Collagen Peptides in my morning coffee. I like to believe that the extra protein I am taking helps offset my occasional carb-binging days. Some days I consider cookies an acceptable breakfast choice!

Can’t I slap Collagen on my face and go?

Yes, you can! If you are in your forties, then your social media has flooded your feed with all types of anti-aging products. You know all the buzz words like collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. At this point in your life, you should be using a serum and moisturizer as part of your nightly skincare time. A key point to consider when choosing a serum or moisturizer is that peptides are better than collagen formulas. Remember when our friend Collagen was in her prime, she was a big girl. She was too large to be absorbed into the skin. Peptides are tiny pieces of collagen that easily penetrate the skin and help make new collagen. Try Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer or Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster.

i want my fat roommate back!

If you are like me, then you are nostalgic for the good old days when Collagen was your big fat roommate. If you want her back to the way she used to be, then it is time to see a professional. Stop searching for that miracle cream that will instantly produce massive amounts of collagen. It doesn’t exist. Dermatological treatments are the most effective way to generate new collagen. I know it is easier to buy a gadget off the internet than visiting your dermatologist. To be honest, devices are not effective unless you have a professional treatment done first. Let me be clear, I am not giving you advice. I am providing you with some options to research and discuss with your doctor.

Baby Steps (Non-invasive Treatments)
Retin A - A prescription form of Vitamin A known to stimulate collagen production. This topical cream will visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and large pores.
Hydrafacial - A medical-grade hydra-dermabrasion procedure that uses patented technology to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin.
Red Light Therapy - Uses infrared light to boost collagen production.
Full-On Sprint (Invasive Treatments)
Microneedling (aka Vampire Facial) - Tiny needles create micro punctures into the skin’s top layer. As a result, skin goes into repair mode and boosts the production of new collagen.
Fillers - Injectables to restore volume in the face
Fraxel Laser - If you want to say good-bye to hyperpigmentation, sun damage, or acne scars then say hello to Fraxel. A Fraxel laser procedure requires at least a week of recovery.

Again, all of these procedures should be discussed with your dermatologist before booking a treatment or procedure.

Whoa, Just give me the Cliffsnotes

We lose collagen as we get older. Our bodies produce it at a slower rate now than when we were younger. Improving your diet, continuing to wear sunscreen, and using serums and moisturizers containing peptides and hyaluronic acid will help us hold on to our collagen. Your dermatologist can provide treatment options on how to generate new collagen.

I don’t know about you, but I am slow to adopt new habits to improve my general well-being. However, if you appeal to my vanity and tell me I will look ten years younger, I will do it without asking questions. Can anyone else relate to my logic? Leave me a comment on Instagram and let me know how you are protecting your forever roommate, Collagen. Remember to tag @FacingForty, and use hashtags #collagen and #facingforty.