Collagen is a protein that helps keep your skin strong and smooth. It gives your skin structure and firmness. As you get older, your body makes less collagen. Other factors like too much sun, smoking, and pollution can also lower collagen levels. When collagen is low, your skin may start to show signs of aging and damage. Here are seven signs that your skin might need a boost of collagen.

1. Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are small creases that show up on your skin as you age. They often appear around your eyes and mouth. When you have enough collagen, your skin stays smooth. If your collagen levels drop, your skin loses its smooth look, and these small lines become more visible. Adding collagen can help make these lines less deep over time.

2. Loss of Skin Elasticity

Skin elasticity is the ability of your skin to bounce back after stretching. Collagen helps your skin do this. When your body does not produce enough collagen, your skin may not bounce back as well. This makes your skin look loose and saggy. Common areas to see this change include your cheeks, neck, and arms. Boosting collagen levels may help your skin feel firmer and more youthful.

3. Dry and Dull Skin

Dry skin does not have enough moisture and can look tired or dull. Collagen helps your skin hold water and stay soft. When collagen levels drop, your skin can lose its natural glow. It may also feel rough or tight, especially during cold weather or after using harsh products. A collagen boost can help your skin retain moisture and look more lively.

4. Visible Sagging

Sagging skin is when your skin droops or hangs loosely. Collagen gives your skin the strength to stay in place. With less collagen, gravity can pull your skin downward, and it may start to sag. This is often seen on the face, neck, and arms. Sagging skin can affect your appearance and self-confidence. Treatments that help increase collagen might improve the firmness of your skin.

5. Slow Wound Healing

Collagen plays an important role in healing cuts, scrapes, and other wounds. It helps form new skin. If you notice that your wounds take a long time to heal, it might be a sign that your collagen levels are low. Slow healing can sometimes lead to infections or scars. Boosting collagen can help your body repair itself faster and more effectively.

6. Increased Scar Visibility

Scars form when your skin heals after an injury. When there is not enough collagen, scars can be more noticeable. This can happen after acne, cuts, or other skin injuries. If you see that your scars are not blending well with your skin, it might be a sign that your collagen needs a boost. Helping your skin produce more collagen can sometimes make scars less visible over time.

7. Rough or Uneven Skin Texture

Healthy skin is usually smooth. When collagen levels are low, your skin can develop a rough or uneven texture. This change in texture can affect both how your skin looks and feels. Areas that are rough may also become irritated more easily. Increasing collagen may help improve your skin’s texture and make it feel softer.

How to Boost Collagen

There are ways to help your body make more collagen. One of the best ways is to eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants can help. Lean meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables are good choices. Vitamins C and E, in particular, support collagen production and help protect your skin.

It is also important to protect your skin from things that can harm collagen. Too much sun can damage collagen. Wearing sunscreen with a high SPF every day can help keep your skin safe. Smoking is another factor that reduces collagen and damages your skin. Quitting smoking can help your skin stay healthier.

Doctors can also offer treatments to boost collagen. Some options include microneedling, laser therapy, and certain injections. These treatments can help stimulate the body to produce more collagen. If you are thinking about these treatments, talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you decide which treatment is best for your skin.