Skincare: How Far Should You Stretch It?

While collagen supplements can be helpful for the skin, don't let them supersede the importance of diet and lifestyle, cautions Lata Agarwal

- Lata Agarwal

Age is inevitable, but ageing isn't. For centuries, the search for the elixir of youth has continued to obsess (and elude) mankind. Having embraced my 40s now, I get why people hesitate to look closely in the mirror, dreading those fine lines. I now understand the shock and disbelief that comes with discovering crow's feet, or why people jump into the face yoga bandwagon, buy that oil, and start those lifts and stretches.

Truth be told, age will catch up. Youth will have to step back, and the skin will begin to lose its freshness, elasticity, and plumpness, bit by bit, with each passing day.

Blame it on collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein in the body. Its fibrous structure is used to make connective tissue and is a major component of bones, skin, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. It is also the most abundant protein that our body produces naturally. Our skin gets its structure, suppleness, and stretch from collagen. There are several types of collagens, but our body mainly consists of Type I, II, and III. Types I and III are of greatest relevance when it comes to skincare. But as we age, collagen production depletes, and our once tight, plump skin loses its strength and elasticity, gradually giving way to lines and wrinkles, leading to sags and folds.

Collagen: the next big thing

A New York-based dermatologist, Dr Whitney Bowe, described our body's collagen as "ropes of protein in the skin." The rope remains tight when young, but as we grow older, the ends begin to fray. Unfortunately, our bodies are unable to keep up with the speed of collagen loss, and replacement happens slowly, leading to signs of ageing.