Toned and firm skin is something we tend to take for granted when we are younger, thinking that it will always be like this, but the ageing process is something none of us can escape. As we get older and hormone levels dwindle, our bodies change and in particular, our skin elasticity decreases as our collagen levels fall. It makes sense then, that boosting these levels could help contribute to stronger, more structured skin. You’ve probably heard of collagen, perhaps in the context of dermal fillers or wound healing, but it can also be applied to the skin in the form of collagen body cream to help make skin firmer. To find out more about this secret weapon in the fight against ageing, please read on. 

What is collagen? 

Collagen is a protein found in our bones, skin, muscles and tendons. It makes up the structure of our cells and tissues and plays a very important role in holding bodily cells together. In total there are 28 different types of collagen, all with their own unique purpose in the body, including providing joint support, giving structure to the skin, bones and ligaments, maintaining and repairing tissue, helping blood to clot and replacing dead skin cells. 

It is typical for women to experience a drop in collagen levels after menopause, though decreasing production is normal to anyone over the age of about 60. Collagen production can also be hampered by smoking, poor diet, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and some genetic conditions. 

How can it make skin firmer? 

As we age, collagen production slows down and the collagen in our bodies breaks down at a faster rate and becomes fragmented. This, combined with the loss of the structural protein elastin, means our skin loses elasticity, resulting in it becoming saggy and wrinkled. For this reason you will often see anti ageing supplements that contain collagen. You may also find advice on eating a diet that is rich in collagen, to include dietary sources such as chicken skin and fish skin, but as most of what we ingest is broken down by stomach acids and not absorbed into the bloodstream, it is unclear how beneficial such diets and supplements are. 

Using topical collagen creams may therefore be a better way to experience the benefits of collagen as it can be broken down and absorbed back into the body.  

When should you use collagen body cream? 

We know that collagen helps to heal wounds by attracting new skin cells, so it makes sense that it may also help in improving the elasticity levels of the skin when applied as a cream. Using a body cream with collagen may be beneficial to those whose natural collagen levels are falling – as indicated through saggy and wrinkled skin, weakening muscles and joint stiffness.  

Collagen can also help to keep the skin hydrated, particularly when you choose a collagen body cream that uses naturally moisturising and antioxidant ingredients such as coconut oil, germ oil and vitamin E.  The antioxidant properties will help to protect your skin against environmental damage, thus also helping to boost natural collagen production. 

In addition to using a collagen body cream to make skin firmer, there are also other natural ways that you can slow down the collagen loss process, including: 

• Following a diet that is dense in nutrients and avoids overly processed and high sugar foods. 
• Stopping smoking. 
• Reducing alcohol intake to a moderate to low level. 
• Wearing sunscreen every day to help protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays that can break down collagen 

Whilst the use of products that contain or promote the production of collagen will always be popular, it is worth considering that your diet and lifestyle may be contributing to your collagen loss, so making small changes to the way you live your life may also support you in maintaining firmer skin. 

5kind is a clinical skincare company specialising in natural therapy products such as collagen body cream. To find out more please visit their website 5kind.co.uk.