I’m in my 30s and aged my skin backwards – you don’t need fancy products, just two changes to boost collagen naturally
A HARVARD-CERTIFIED skin expert has revealed how she has aged her skin backwards after getting “over the Thirties hump”.
Susie Spring once suffered with eczema, acne, dark spots and enlarged pores on her face – until she began boosting her body’s natural collagen production.
“Keeping collagen levels up is key for firm, youthful skin – especially as we age,” she says.
Collagen is a key protein in the skin that maintains skin firmness, elasticity and smoothness.
It provides structure to the face, helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines by supporting skin strength and plumpness.
As collagen production declines with age, the skin on the face becomes thinner and more prone to sagging, which contributes to wrinkles, fine lines and general signs of ageing.
Susie, who is in her Thirties, didn’t take expensive supplements to boost her body’s natural collagen production, though.
Instead, she made two key lifestyle changes.
“I maintain a clean diet, incorporating fish, bone broth, and chicken to naturally boost collagen intake,” she shared in a now-viral Instagram post about her anti-ageing efforts.
“Managing stress was also crucial, as stress has a major impact on both my skin and my eczema flare-ups.”
Eating fish, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, supports collagen production in several ways.
The water-borne animals provide amino acids like glycine and proline, which are essential building blocks for collagen synthesis in the skin.
Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids in fish help reduce inflammation, which can protect existing collagen from damage and improve skin elasticity.
Reducing stress levels will also do wonders for your anti-ageing efforts, according to Susie.
This is because prolonged stress can release hormones that break down collagen fibres, leading to a loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles.
Stress is also a major contributor to inflammation, which can wreak havoc on our skin.
What is Collagen?
- Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and provides strength and structure to the skin and muscles
- It plays a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity and hydration
- As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin and decreased skin firmness
- Collagen production starts to dwindle in our mid-to-late 20s and early 30s. By 40, it has dropped dramatically
It’s important to note that while collagen-based skincare products may offer benefits, their effectiveness can hugely vary.
Some experts suggest that topical application of collagen may have limited effectiveness compared to other skincare ingredients that stimulate collagen production within the skin.
This inflammation often manifests as redness, puffiness and exacerbation of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, as Susie herself experienced.
Alongside her lifestyle changes, she incorporated collagen-boosting skincare products.
“My journey was a bit unique because I was dealing with a severely damaged skin barrier from overusing active ingredients, along with eczema flare-ups,” she adds.
“This not only worsened my skin barrier but also led to premature ageing and dehydration lines.
My journey was a bit unique because I was dealing with a severely damaged skin barrier from overusing active ingredients
Susie Spring
“So, a huge part of my focus was healing and nourishing my skin barrier first.
“Once I restored my barrier, I needed to focus on boosting collagen production and supporting skin renewal.
“For me, that meant using Vitamin C every morning and Resveratrol in the evenings.
“Along with a gentle retinol eye cream and peptide moisturisers.
“Occasionally, I’d use retinol-based masks.
“I also exfoliated two to three times a week with an AHA to speed up cell turnover.”