Collagen for Menopausal Skin Vitality
As we age, it becomes harder to maintain our body’s natural collagen stores. This can be particularly true during menopause as the body is further impacted by changing hormone dynamics and increasingly struggles to adequately absorb vital amino acids and nutrients needed to synthesise collagen. The skin is the most obviously affected by the aging process and menopause, but collagen loss and degradation can occur throughout the body impacting gut health, joint mobility and increasing inflammation.
As menopause begins collagen loss accelerates with up to a 30% decrease in collagen stores in the first 5 years. Afterward, the rate slows to 2% annually for post-menopausal women. Reduced estrogen levels contribute to skin dryness, thinning, sagging, and wrinkles. Menopause also affects dermal cellular metabolism, leading to decreased collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels, as well as reduced skin hydration. When combined with the effects of skin dryness due to hormone interactions and reduced glycosaminoglycan levels, this complex interplay can accentuate skin sagging, particularly in areas like the neck, jawline, and cheeks, and increases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The interplay of oestrogen and collagen synthesis in skin
Skin cells contain oestrogen receptors that regulate cellular signals. These receptors are also found in skin structures like keratinocytes, fibroblasts, glands, and blood vessels. Reduced oestrogen levels during menopause effect these cells' functions, from cell metabolism and collagen synthesis through to impacting on hair follicles. Areas with high oestrogen receptor concentrations, like the face and breast, can be particularly vulnerable.
Our skin plays a role in oestrogen metabolism and production. Oestrogen conversion from androgens occurs in the subcutaneous skin layer and oestrogen levels influence glycosaminoglycan production, which affects collagen stores and skin hydration. Reduced collagen and glycosaminoglycan levels lead to decreased skin elasticity and hydration and increased skin sagging, fine lines and wrinkles.
How can health choices support skin during menopause?
It is not all doom and gloom when it comes to our skin health during the natural processes of ageing and menopause. Fortunately, we can relieve some of the skin-related effects of menopause by taking care of our specific skin care needs and making dietary choices that support our body’s natural stores of collagen.
Eating collagen-rich foods and including collagen supplementation can support skin health. Supporting our body’s collagen assist the body to minimise the nutrient absorption issues that can arise during menopause. Collagen powder supplements assist on a nutrition level by providing highly bioavailable amino acids to support the body to synthesise collagen and replenish lost stores. Hydration is key so making sure to drink enough water during the day and including collagen boosting foods rich in vitamin C and zinc also benefits collagen synthesis.
On an external level, it is important to manage your sun exposure. Whilst vitamin D levels in the body are reduced during menopause, it is still important to protect the skin from sun damage from UV and by using a 50+ factor sunscreen. Topical moisturising cremes also act as a barrier for environmental damage and assist in retaining hydration.
Certainly, whilst there are some health challenges that are associated with the natural change processes of ageing and menopause. These changes are very individual in nature, and effect everyone differently. Despite these challenges, there are great natural and effective options available that can support our health and wellbeing on a day-to-day level and contribute to managing these changes.
It is always best practice to talk to a trusted medical practitioner to assist you with managing the symptoms associated with menopause. They will be able to give you individualised nutrition and management advice that best suits your needs.
Why choose Nutraviva collagen supplements?
Collagen supplements are not a magical cure-all to health symptoms, and they work best when combined with a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and proper skincare.
For those looking to bolster their skin health, manage the impact of ageing and menopause symptoms, and support their overall wellbeing through collagen supplementation, Nutraviva offers a range of premium collagen powders. We offer both bovine and marine collagen that are 100% pure and unblended hydrolysed collagen powders ensuring high bioavailability and easy absorption. Our collagen powders are free from preservatives, fillers and binders making them a clean healthy collagen powder for those looking to incorporate a highly bioavailable collagen supplement into their daily diet.
We use only natural premium quality collagen powders sustainably sourced from the cleanest of environments. Our grass fed & finished Collagen Hydrolysate contains smaller pre-digested peptides than intact proteins, allowing them to be absorbed by the body more rapidly maximising nutrient delivery to cells. Nutraviva Marine Collagen powder is a 100% pure natural fish collagen peptide sourced from high quality wild cod. Created from natural, raw materials that are harvested from the crystal-clear waters of the North Atlantic, this wild caught collagen supplement is sourced from MSC approved raw materials that are used to identify sustainable fisheries.
Disclaimer: As with any dietary choice, it's essential to strike a balance. A varied and balanced diet, coupled with a healthy lifestyle, is key to overall well-being. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with your Doctor or healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs before making any changes to your health routine or starting any new dietary supplements.