The Skin Nerd: Plump up the volume - mind your collagen

Boost your skin’s spring by giving collagen production a helping hand...

Pic: iStock

Plump, healthy-looking skin is always desirable, and collagen has long been considered the make-or-break component when it comes to achieving it. Widely held as a skin saviour, collagen is a key skin component that keeps our complexion plump, firm and hydrated as well as giving it its 'snap'. Collagen is a structural protein — in fact, it’s the most abundant protein found in the human body. It is often referred to as the skin’s ‘scaffolding,’ or has been likened to a mattress frame. If the ‘frame’ or ‘scaffolding’ is no longer intact, the skin starts to break down (as the mattress or building would,) resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. To get nerdier... collagen helps to form a network of cells called fibroblasts within the skin and these encourage new skin cells to grow. It also plays a key role in the process of replacing and restoring dead skin cells, which is important when it comes to wound healing.

After the age of 25, the rate our body produces collagen begins to slow and continues to decline as we age. You may notice that your skin loses its plumpness and spring. Subsequently, the structure of the skin tends to weaken after collagen degradation, resulting in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and increased skin laxity. You may also find that the skin experiences dryness with a 'crepey' appearance.