Collagen benefits and ageing go hand-in-hand, as this essential protein plays a key role in supporting our skin, joints, bones, and overall health. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to noticeable changes in our bodies.
This reduction affects the elasticity, strength, and hydration of our skin and connective tissues, ultimately influencing our overall wellness. Understanding the connection between collagen benefits and ageing is crucial for taking proactive steps to support our health as we get older.
Let’s delve into the fascinating roles collagen plays and how its decline affects us over time.
Babies are known for their soft, plump skin, which can be attributed to their bodies producing high levels of collagen. This vital protein provides structure, elasticity, and hydration, keeping their skin smooth and resilient. Collagen benefits and ageing are most noticeable as we age, with younger individuals having optimal collagen levels that contribute to plump and resilient skin.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of its total protein content. In infants, the synthesis of collagen is at its peak, leading to a high turnover rate of skin cells and maintaining that characteristic baby-soft skin. This high collagen production contributes to the overall health and appearance of their skin.
As we age, however, our collagen production decreases, with a significant reduction starting around the age of 25. This decline contributes to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and a general loss of skin plumpness and elasticity. Understanding the collagen benefits and ageing process helps explain why our skin changes as we grow older.
Children’s wounds tend to heal quickly due to the high levels of collagen in their bodies. Collagen is crucial in the healing process, helping to repair and regenerate tissues, leading to faster recovery and reduced scarring. The rapid production and deposition of collagen in children’s skin allow for efficient tissue repair and remodelling.
Moreover, collagen provides a scaffold that supports new tissue formation and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), which is essential for wound healing. With age, the decline in collagen synthesis and the decreased efficiency of cellular functions slow down the wound healing process, making older adults more prone to longer healing times and more significant scarring.
Collagen is a major component of connective tissues, providing structure and strength while maintaining flexibility in our joints and tendons. This ensures smooth and pain-free movement. Type I collagen, found in tendons and ligaments, and Type II collagen, found in cartilage, are specifically essential for maintaining the mechanical properties and resilience of these tissues.
However, as collagen production declines with age, the reduced quality and quantity of collagen fibres lead to decreased tensile strength and elasticity of joints and tendons. This can result in conditions such as osteoarthritis, where the degradation of cartilage causes joint pain and stiffness, and tendinopathy, characterised by the degeneration of tendon tissues.
The elasticity of our skin is maintained by collagen, which provides structural support and strength. As we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity. This reduction results in wrinkles and sagging skin, common signs of ageing. Scientific studies have shown that by the age of 40, the body’s ability to produce collagen drops significantly, and this decline continues at an accelerated rate.
Additionally, external factors such as UV exposure, smoking, and poor nutrition can exacerbate the degradation of collagen fibres, further contributing to the ageing process. The reduction in collagen synthesis, coupled with the fragmentation of existing collagen fibres, impairs the skin’s ability to maintain its structural integrity and elasticity.
Collagen supports the structure and strength of our hair and nails, promoting their resilience and healthy growth. Keratin, the primary protein in hair and nails, relies on the presence of collagen to provide a healthy environment for growth.
Collagen contains amino acids such as proline and glycine, which are essential for the production of keratin. As we age, the decline in collagen production can lead to weaker hair and nails, making them more prone to breakage and damage. Scientific research indicates that collagen supplements can improve hair thickness and reduce brittleness in nails by supporting the underlying dermal structure and enhancing nutrient delivery to these tissues.
Collagen supports gut health by maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. It helps repair and strengthen the intestinal walls, improving digestion and reducing inflammation. The amino acids in collagen, particularly glutamine, play a critical role in maintaining the gut barrier function and healing the intestinal lining.
Studies have shown that collagen can help manage conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where the permeability of the intestinal wall is compromised, allowing toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream. With ageing, the decrease in collagen levels may affect gut health and digestion, leading to issues such as increased gut permeability and inflammation, which are linked to various gastrointestinal disorders.
Collagen plays a vital role in supporting bone health by providing the structural framework for our bones. It makes up about 90% of the organic matrix of bone, giving bones their flexibility and strength. Collagen fibres form a scaffold that supports the deposition of minerals such as calcium, which are crucial for bone hardness and density.
As we age, collagen production declines, contributing to a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Studies have shown that collagen supplements can help improve bone mineral density and support overall bone health by stimulating the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and enhancing the absorption of calcium.
Maintaining adequate collagen levels through diet and supplementation can thus be an important strategy for preserving bone health and reducing the risk of age-related bone disorders.
Collagen benefits and ageing are integral to our overall health, influencing everything from skin and hair to joints and bones. As collagen production naturally declines over time, taking proactive steps to support collagen synthesis through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes can help reduce the signs of ageing.
By embracing strategies that support collagen health, you can maintain a more youthful appearance, improved joint function, and overall well-being as you age.
Shop our premium range of marine collagen supplements to support your body’s collagen production and take the first step toward healthier ageing.
Photo credit: Emma Bauso
