Help Fight Wrinkles: Care for your Ageing Skin

I am not sure about you, but when I was a kid, I longed to be an adult. And now that I have grown up, I sometimes wish to become like a child again. Besides so many responsibilities, adulthood has been linked with various bodily changes and experiences like random body aches, failing eyesight, and also...wrinkles. Some people consider them a sign of wisdom and longevity, yet to others, they are simply a not-so-subtle reminder that the best years are now behind us.

Statistics say that the global anti-ageing industry was valued at $58.5 billion in 2020. However, besides expensive creams and dubious lotions, there are natural ways to reduce ageing effects through natural, simple ways.

But before we take a look at what these measures are, let's quickly discuss what wrinkles are, what causes them, and some of the most effective ways we can use to avoid them.

What Are Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are crevices or furrows in the skin, which are usually seen in the elderly and increase in number as we get older. Developing wrinkles is a natural part of the ageing process and is virtually unavoidable. However, due to several factors, not everybody develops them to the same extent and at the same rate. 

Top Causes of Wrinkles

Several factors determine how wrinkled your skin eventually appears later on in life. Some of them are unavoidable causes like age and genetics. These are known as intrinsic factors because they are unique to you and are unchangeable. However, a lot of factors can be completely avoided, or at least your exposure to them can be minimized. These are known as extrinsic causes of wrinkles. Let's take a look at some of the top intrinsic and extrinsic reasons for wrinkle formation.

Ageing

Your skin loses its natural elasticity as you get older. It also becomes drier and thinner due to reduced production of natural oils and a gradual loss of the skin's protective fat layer. All these changes minimize the ability of the skin to recover from damage and maintain its normal shape. These changes lead to an increase in the number of wrinkles as we age.

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure

Aside from ageing, researchers found out that sun exposure and UV light radiation can also provoke wrinkle formation. They say that UV light speeds up the ageing process as a result of tissue breakdown in some layers of the skin. Without these tissues which supports the skin, it becomes saggy, and wrinkle starts to form.

Smoking

Almost everyone knows how bad smoking is for the lungs and heart (even though some people disagree on the extent of the damage it causes. However, there's still a bunch of individuals who don't realize how bad smoking is for the skin as well. How can we say that smoking is bad for the skin? Well, study shows that a single cigarette contains over 7,000 chemicals, some of which reduce collagen production. As many dermatologists say, collagen is responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin.

Poor nutritional habits

Poor feeding habits such as consuming unhealthy amounts of trans fats and processed sugars put the body in a state of chronic inflammation. Swelling is known to affect collagen synthesis and accelerates the ageing process. Natural foods rich in vitamins, minerals, essential oils, and antioxidants are great for the skin and keep your skin looking fresh, smooth, and supple.

Dehydration

You won't turn into the Lizard Man if you skip out once on your eight glasses a day (which is just a myth). However, between 60-90% of the connective tissue supporting your skin is made up of water. Therefore chronic dehydration weakens this important layer of support and impairs its ability to function properly.

Chronic stress

During periods of stress, the body releases several hormones that are meant to help you deal with the stressor. However, these same hormones can negatively affect the body when exposed to them for too long. Chief among them is a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is a natural enemy of connective tissue, and chronically elevated levels of cortisol cause increased breakdown in connective tissue and accelerated wrinkle formation.

Important Anti-Aging Nutrients

All nutrients are essential for proper health. However, some are essential for important nutrients for maintaining healthy, supple, and wrinkle-free skin. Let's take a look at some of the most important anti-ageing nutrients and their benefits to the skin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for proper skin cell growth and is a good antioxidant. It also helps in the proper development of facial oil glands, keeping your skin looking hydrated and smooth.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and is a powerful antioxidant as well.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent which also helps absorb UV light.

Zinc

Zinc helps in epithelialization, which is a fancy word for skin growth. Not only does it help your skin heal better after an injury, but it is also needed for cells to divide and specialize as they grow.

Selenium

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant and helps protect the skin against UV rays.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help regulate the skin's oil production, keep the skin hydrated, and smoothes rough and leathery skin.

Water

Water makes up most of the extracellular matrix, the supporting tissue surrounding the skin cells.

Amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of the various proteins that provide support for the skin, such as collagen and glycosaminoglycans.

Healthy Eating Habits to Prevent Wrinkles

The skin is one of the best indicators of overall health and one of the first organs to show signs of anything going wrong within the body. Therefore it's important to control what you put into your body, especially when you are trying to prevent wrinkles. Here are some healthy eating habits to help you prevent wrinkles.

Don't Overlook the Importance of Fruits and Vegetables.

Most of us grew up listening to our parents emphasizing the importance of fruits and veggies. It's a childhood mantra right up there with washing behind your ears and how milk helps build strong bones and teeth. Yet, we seem to forget this lesson as we grow older. Make no mistake, know that vegetables are great for your health and even better for your skin.

They provide you with much-needed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are very important for normal skin growth and support. Here are a few fruits and vegetables you should add to your diet if you want glowing, wrinkle-free skin:

• Romaine lettuce 
• Tomatoes
• Lentils and beans
• Watercress
• Red bell pepper
• Papaya
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Nuts (especially almonds and walnuts)
• Avocado
• Pomegranate seeds
• Sweet potato

Stay Hydrated

Although dehydration lines may appear different from wrinkles, both are caused by different factors. Chronic dehydration can predispose you to wrinkles. The proteins which support your skin cells require large amounts of fluid to function properly. Depriving your body of adequate water over a long period decreases the ability of your skin to heal from external stresses, leading to accelerated wrinkling.

Make sure you drink 5-8 glasses of water a day (a glass is about 8oz or 250ml). Not only does it help keep you hydrated and your skin moisturized, but it also flushes out harmful toxins, improves skin elasticity, and gives you a smoother skin texture. Some good ways to increase your fluid intake include:

● Set a daily goal
● Use reminder to space your fluid intake evenly throughout the day
● Replace other drinks such as soda and teas with water.
● Drink a glass before each meal
● Always carry around a water bottle.
● Drink one glass per hour at work
● Flavour your water
● Eat foods with a high water content such as lettuce, celery, cabbage, watermelon, and so on.

Improve Your Protein Intake

Proteins are made up of amino acids, the basic building blocks of your body. Amino acids are broadly divided into essential amino acids (those your body cannot synthesize) and non-essential amino acids (amino acids that can be created from other biomolecules). The most important protein involved in supporting the skin is collagen. 

One of the essential amino acids necessary for collagen production is threonine. Since your body cannot produce this vital nutrient from other substances, it needs to be provided in adequate amounts through your diet by eating healthy proteins. The safest and most beneficial way to boost your protein intake is by adding lean meats such as beef, fish, and chicken to at least two of your daily meals. Also, beans and lentils are excellent sources of protein and also provide several important anti-ageing vitamins and minerals.

Consume Healthy Oils

A lot of people have the unfounded belief that consuming oil is terrible for the skin. This is due to the bad reputation that the food group has gotten lately due to trans fats. However, fatty acids are an important part of your diet, and you should consume about six teaspoons of healthy oils a day. Omega-3 fatty acids and several other essential fatty acids are great for the skin and keep your skin looking moisturized and smooth.

These essential fatty acids can be found in several healthy oils and other foods. Some of the best sources of essential fatty acids include:

• Cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines
• Plant oils like flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil
• Nuts like chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts

 

Stay Away From Certain Type of Food

As much as we enjoy junk food, it is bad for the health, and we hope no one argues about that. However, most people only think about the internal damage it does to the body. They conjure up images of clogged arteries and an overburdened pancreas. However, one of the earliest signs of an unhealthy body is unhealthy skin.

Therefore what we eat is just as important as what we don't eat when it comes to preventing wrinkles. Limit your intake of highly processed foods like potato chips, french fries, and sugary pastries. Also, processed meats, fatty meats, and alcohol are just as bad for your skin.

Therefore what we eat is just as important as what we don't eat when it comes to preventing wrinkles. Limit your intake of highly processed foods like potato chips, french fries, and sugary pastries. Also, processed meats, fatty meats, and alcohol are just as bad for your skin.

The earlier you start, the more effective these habits are.

Don't make the mistake of waiting for your first wrinkle before picking up these healthy eating tips. The earlier you start, the more effective these habits are. Nevertheless, it's also never too late to start taking care of your body and your skin. So pick up a glass of water, add that extra helping of broccoli, and cut down on the soda. Believe me, and your skin will thank you for it one day.

Collagen Supplements

You’ve probably noticed by now how many times the word “collagen” pops up whenever people talk about skin and skin health. In this article, we even mentioned it for three to five times and the reason for mentioning them is because they are worth paying attention to. Like we previously mentioned, the skin won’t be as elastic and vibrant looking without collagen.

Here’s a fact: as we age, our natural collagen slowly degenerates. Although there is no known diagnostic exams that can prove how much collagen we lose in our body with age, anyone who has reached the age of 40 years (sometimes earlier) or those in senior years can already feel it. Low collagen can be observed in many ways including sagging skin, wrinkle formation, or sunken eyes--among others. Yes! These are all classic signs of ageing!

If you want, try to ask anyone (politely) who has reached the age of 30 or so, and they would say that their skin is not as firm or as good as it was before. Well, believe them. As we age, the more collagen we lose and the more changes our skin would experience. Although depending on eating habits, a certain lifestyle, or inherited genes, some may experience ageing faster than others.

Nevertheless, we can’t just stop ourselves from getting. That is how our bodies work. That is just how our lives work. But it does not mean we cannot do something about it. Because that is where collagen supplements come in.

Collagen, What are they?

Collagen has been dubbed as the body’s scaffolding; like a structure used to support a house, and that is for a good reason. Dr. Whitnew Bowe, a widely-known New York dermatologist and the author of the book “The Beauty of Dirty Skin: The Surprising Science of Looking and Feeling Radiant from the Inside Out”, mentioned that collagen is the glue that keeps the skin strong. It gives the skin volume, making it look plumper, firmer, and wrinkle-free. Furthermore, it contains amino acids called proline and glycine which initiate the repair and maintain the condition of our body’s joints and bones.

The downside is that as we grow older, the body slowly bids farewell to these building blocks of protein more than they could be replaced. And with the gradual loss of other essential proteins, vitamins, and nutrients in our bodies, comes the common signs of ageing. Collagen supplements like our Kolla Code Collagen can help replace and mend that nutritional gap which gets wider and faster as we age. Like we all know, ageing is inevitable; but we don’t have to tolerate it with the help of these supplements.

Why use collagen supplements?

If you haven’t read our article on Collagen Supplements and What They’re All About, find some time to so you can see how collagen supplements help. 

Nevertheless, here’s a quick look at why we should consider taking collagen supplements:

Collagen boosts skin elasticity.

The most popular reason why many individuals take collagen supplements is that they want their skin to not just look healthy but be healthy. Based on several studies, collagen supplements aid in slowing down the ageing process by continuing to provide a good skin framework. It also promotes elasticity and in turn, reduces wrinkles.

Collagen also maintains a healthy level of moisture in the skin. In fact, participants who take collagen supplements in one study noticed great improvements in their skin in terms of elasticity and hydration.

Collagen reduces cellulite formation.

Cellulite, although considered harmless, is a very common skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the hips, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. This condition, most prevalent in women can be prevented with the use of health supplements. As a matter of fact, in a study conducted a few years ago, researchers were able to observe that women who had supplements experienced a significant reduction of cellulitis in their body. This includes less waviness on their thighs which is a clear manifestation of cellulite. As a summary of the research, it was proven that such supplements provide excellent results especially among average to overweight women.

Collagen aids in strengthening the bones.

Our bones also contain collagen; which is why the more we add years to our lives, the more likely our bones get weaker due to the loss of collagen stores. With the help of supplements, we can address this issue and help improve bone density. And with healthy bones, we can even reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Collagen can help reduce bad cholesterol

Do you know what is atherosclerosis? Quite a savvy name but it just means plaque build-up in the arteries. Now, who would have thought that collagen may be an instrument to aid in the reduction of the stiffness in the blood vessels and also reduce the risk of having too much bad cholesterol in the circulatory system? Yes, it’s true! There is a study involving a clinical trial of the use of a specialized collagen on people with atherosclerosis and the results have indeed improved arterial health and reduced bad cholesterol.

Collagen helps in improving digestive health

Surprising, but true indeed. One of the unpopular benefits of collagen is that it can promote a healthy gut. Research has proven that those people suffering from IBS, short for Irritable Bowel Syndrome were found to have lower levels of collagen. It states that it might be due to the fact that collagen helps connective tissues to better perform with their function in the body’s intestinal lining.

Collagen can help maintain your muscular health.

Muscle cramps or thinning muscle tissues? You can probably trace it back to lack of collagen. There is a study done among older men suffering from sarcopenia, a condition characterized by generalized skeletal muscle mass loss, where each was given 15 grams of collagen throughout the three-month program. The results indicated that all participants gained more muscles as compared to those who are just exercising without collagen supplements. 

Collagen promotes better mental health.

While this may require further research and clinical trial, a study was conducted and researchers found that a certain type of collagen, called V1, helps fight Alzheimer’s Disease. They say that collagen used in the study did work by protecting the brain cells from a harmful compound linked to such disease known as the amyloid-beta protein. In another study, glycine, a major component of collagen was also found to improve sleep and reduce symptoms brought about by mental health issues.

How to find the right collagen supplement

Finding the best collagen supplement means finding a reliable and reputable company that provides no artificial fillers or additives in the supplements for their brand. It should be formulated based on scientific studies rather than just focus too many advertisements that only appeal to fads or popularity. 

Now, the question is “where can you ever get the kind of product that you can use to replenish your collagen stores in the body?”. 

Here’s what we can offer:

OUR KOLLA CODE COLLAGEN

When it comes to collagen supplements, our Kolla Code Collagen dietary supplement is one of the best. It is specially formulated to maximize the benefits that one can receive from collagen. It provides a 2:2:1 ratio of Vitamin C, Type 1 Glycine Amino Acid, and Vitamin E. Remember how we discussed what glycine is and how unequal collagen supplements are because some supplements lack the sufficient amount of glycine intended for sleep improvement? With this type of supplement, you can have this golden ratio.

Age beautifully everyone!

Don’t you just feel bad when you wake up every day, look in the mirror, and see other facial folds or wrinkles in your face? Or do you feel like your skin is slowly losing its lustre?

Rather than worrying or sitting idly and letting ageing get the best of you, build your arsenal against your fight with wrinkles with the right collagen supplement. Have the right amount of collagen needed for firmer, healthier, and glowing skin like you used to have.

We’ll end this by saying growing old may be mandatory, but looking old is optional. So, age beautifully everyone!