Collagen is the glue that holds all connective tissue together. Without collagen, the muscles will come apart when hyperextended, the skin will stretch beyond its strength allows, and the bones will shatter like brittle glass. (1)

While collagen is highly functional in every single part of the body, collagen is usually talked about from the point of view of beauty and anti-ageing potential. In fact, it appears that collagen has swiftly made its way from plastic surgeon syringes onto supplement store shelves. The popularity of collagen as an ingredient is not new, as there were many attempts to bring collagen into the skincare world by adding it to anti-ageing skincare products. Though substantially successful in marketing, topical applications were never effective due to the large size of the collagen molecule. Even if hydrolyzed (broken down), topical collagen preparations never penetrated the skin and their functionality was limited to hydration at the uppermost stratum corneum (2). Internal collagen use is a little different as many preparations are focusing on providing a small enough molecule to ensure better bioavailability. Note that even with the bioavailability and particle size kept in mind, it is always great to boost endogenous collagen synthesis (3). Endogenous collagen does not come with the question of bioavailability and naturally finds its way to where the body needs it.

Boosting collagen levels is effective at maintaining strong blood vessels, a healthy gastrointestinal system, healthy urinary passageways, more flexible bones, better stabilized, more cushioned joints and fuller, younger-looking skin (1). The following are simple guidelines to follow to boost your natural, endogenous collagen production.

Collagen is a structural protein that, like any other protein, is made up of an amino acid backbone. Collagen is synthesized as a triple helix mainly by cells known as fibroblasts. Its main function in the body is to give extracellular support. Extracellular support is support for the external integrity of virtually any connective tissue cell in the body. Its flexibility and strength make it a vital player in the upkeep of the integrity of tissues (1,4). Currently, there are about 28 different types of collagen discovered. Though the popular ones are types I, III & IV, the most abundant type of collagen present in the body is Type I collagen. Type I collagen makes about 90% of all the collagen found in the body. What determines the type of collagen being synthesized is largely the post-translational modifications. On the other hand, different collagen types have different, specialized uses. Type III collagen is functional in healing and scar formation while type II collagen is known to play a large role in the composition of cartilage (4).

The process of collagen synthesis relies on an enzyme known as hydroxylase. Hydroxylase is a crucial enzyme that requires Vitamin C as a co-factor to boost the speed of collagen synthesis to a speed that supports life (5). Vitamin C deficiency shows up as general fatigue, mental/ emotional manifestations, poor wound healing, recurrent bleeding, anemia, gum disease, poor hair and skin quality. (5-7)

Silica is a metalloid that is known to be the second most abundant element in nature. Evidence shows that the intake of silica improves connective tissues, reduces inflammation, and generally improves the immune system(8). There are even some studies that link silica to positive mental health effects and heavy metal detoxification. Structurally, silica plays a role in binding hydroxyl groups of polyols which means that it helps in the utilization of other hydrated biopolymers like glycosaminoglycans, mucopyscaccarides and collagen in connective tissue and in bones (9). Those compounds are gel-like compounds that add to the strength, internal moisture, resilience and flexibility of the tissue. Additionally, silica plays a role in the enhancement of the absorption of other minerals and in bone mineralization. (9,10)

The body absorbs orthosilicic acid, which is known as the soluble form of silica. It is known to stimulate the formation of Type I collagen and is readily absorbable through the small intestines. When orthosilicic acid is supplied to the body, it usually comes with many other dietary constituents in relatively small amounts (11). The work of purifying orthosilicic acid and turning it into a dietary supplement has largely facilitated the supply of highly bioavailable silica to the body. It is important to note, however, though generally regarded as safe, the supplementation of purified orthosilicic acid long-term has not been evaluated by literature. Thus, it is always advised to look for natural sources of silica as those forms that are closest in constituents as silica from a dietary form, especially for the ageing population and for those with kidney disease. 

It is important to quickly interject and mention that Nanoparticles of silica also known as SiNPs that are used as additives in pharmaceuticals and food do not provide the same nutritional value as regular silica and may be of significant concern as they are linked to both cytotoxicities as well as genotoxicity. (8)

It is estimated that about 80% of the most damaging signs of ageing can be linked to ultraviolet exposure, that is why it is always important to avoid unprotected sun exposure. Make sure that you research your sunscreen enough to know that it meets your health and safety standards. Additionally, make sure that you apply a skin protective agent that adds to the protection from the elements and helps promote the healing of the skin (23). The skin protector must be applied prior to the skin being exposed to smoke, pollution or harsh conditions like heat and cold. Avoid inducing extra damage to the skin with smoking and alcohol use (24). Twin studies show that smokers suffer a significant amount of skin smoke damage as well as oxidative stress. On the other hand, excessive drinking is also linked to poorer skin conditions (25). Make sure that you have a healthy diet and eat a sufficient amount of protein. It does not matter if you choose to eat animal products or not, what is more, important is to have a healthy, balanced diet that can be supplemented with vitamins/ nutrient supplements when seasonal variation calls for it. Do not forget to always keep your hormones in check as problems with thyroid health or stress hormones can play a big role in ageing the skin. Remember, that skin health is a reflection of your internal health, so take care of your internal health to ensure healthy, beautiful skin at any age!