Collagen is pretty big in the world of skincare, as you might have seen creams that claim to boost collagen production. But what exactly is collagen? Collagen is a protein that naturally exists in the body and is the foundation of the skin’s “structure and support” (via Byrdie). The claims that collagen supplements boost collagen production in the body are somewhat murky, but aesthetician Melanie Grant told the outlet, “Vitamin A is a tried and tested ingredient for collagen synthesis, so incorporate a retinol serum into your nighttime routine.” It’s good to know that there are ways to increase collagen production in the skin as it tends to decrease with age.
Sadly, our bones become weaker as we age too, and collagen helps the body make “new bone” and heal faster. According to WebMD, we also have collagen in our bones, which makes them stronger, so it is important to eat a protein-rich diet to maintain the healthy structure of the bones. Some people think our teeth are “made up of bones,” but that is not true. However, collagen does play a key role in maintaining your beautiful smile by working its under-the-radar magic.
