what does collagen do to skin - #37549
I am really worried about my skin lately. I'm only in my 30s but have been noticing these fine lines around my eyes, and my skin just doesn’t feel as plump as it used to. I was chatting with a friend and she mentioned something about collagen and said, "what does collagen do to skin?" I thought that was an interesting question to ask because, honestly, I keep hearing about collagen everywhere now—supplements, beauty products, you name it! Last month, I even tried adding a collagen powder to my smoothies, but I’m not sure if that's doing anything. Some days my skin feels dry, and I think about what does collagen do to skin in terms of hydration as well. Do I need to do more than just take a supplement? Can I get enough just from food? I've been eating a lot of bone broth lately, thinking that would help, but it feels like I'm just not seeing results. Are there specific foods that can help, or do you think I should get more serious and look into topical treatments? I also wondered does age play a big role in this? Would I really see a difference if I commit to a better routine? Just kinda lost on how to really address this. Any thoughts or wisdom would be greatly appreciated!!!
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Doctors' responses
Collagen is a fundamental protein that provides structure and elasticity, crucial for the skin’s youthful appearance. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, often leading to wrinkles and the loss of firmness you’re noticing. Consuming collagen, be it through supplements like powders or naturally from sources like bone broth, can support the body’s system but isn’t a quick fix due to the body’s complex nutritional needs and metabolism.
In Ayurveda, the focus would be on maintaining balance within the body to promote skin health, addressing both nourishment and external care. Vata dosha, which encompasses qualities like dryness and lightness, can be a cause of dry skin and fine lines. Ensuring balanced Vata through diet and lifestyle can support better skin appearance.
1. Dietary Inclusion: Apart from bone broth, incorporate foods rich in vitamin C (like amla or Indian gooseberry), which is essential for collagen synthesis. Leafy greens and seasonal vegetables can also support the production of collagen naturally. Hydrate adequately to combat dryness.
2. Lifestyle Practices: Regular oil massage, or ‘Abhyanga’, with sesame oil can enhance circulation and nourish the skin, counteracting dryness from the outside. Practice this once or twice a week followed by a warm bath.
3. Herbs and Supplements: Consider Trikatu (a combination of black pepper, long pepper, and ginger) to enhance digestive fire, ensuring proper assimilation of nutrients crucial for collagen production. Ashwagandha could also support the body’s vitality and skin health, aiding natural collagen maintenance.
4. Topical Treatments and Routine: For external care, look into using herbal face packs made from fresh aloe vera, turmeric, and sandalwood—it can rejuvenate the skin. Regular exfoliation with a gentle natural scrub encourages cell renewal.
While supplements like collagen powders can provide some benefit, their absorption and effect vary between individuals. Freshly prepared meals, infused with spices and appropriate oils, closer to a fresh, sattvic diet can be more effective in the long run. Age does play a role, but a consistent lifestyle approach—balancing diet, proper hydration, stress management, alongside topical care—can yield noticeable improvements.
Collinsure you introduce changes gradually and observe how your skin responds over a few weeks. If imbalances persist, a personalized consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner might provide deeper insights tailored to your constitution and any underlying conditions you may have.

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