Most people have experienced scarring on the surface of their skin, whether it’s a small scar left behind from a pimple, or a more severe scar as a result of a deep wound or burn. While we may find them unsightly, scars are the body’s natural way of healing and repairing damaged skin. There are various treatment methods for scarring of the skin, but ensuring that your body is producing enough collagen is key. Collagen supplementation is a great, natural way to encourage smooth skin and successful wound healing.
Types of scars
Depending on the nature of the injury that has led to scarring, there are a number of different types of scars that can occur.
Contracture
A contracture occurs when a large area of skin is damaged and lost and is common in the case of serious burns. This type of scar pulls the skin together, resulting in a tight area of puckered skin, which can sometimes impact or impair your ability to move.
Atrophic
Atrophic scars are common when severe acne is involved, often forming on the face as a direct result of skin inflammation. They may be shallow and heal fairly quickly, or blemishes may spill into surrounding tissues, resulting in deeper scars. These scars appear sunken, due to a loss of collagen at the site of the scar.
Keloid
When a wound is healed and there is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the borders of the wound source, a keloid forms.
Keloids have the appearance of a small bump, as they are usually raised above the rest of the skin. They may start out as red or purple and eventually fade to a lighter colour over time. They feel quite rubbery and hard and are usually shiny in appearance.
These protruding scars form as collagen buildup occurs, due to hyperactive fibroblast activity. Fibroblasts are the cells that synthesize collagen production, particularly when there is a wound on the skin.
Hypertrophic
These scars are similar to keloid scars, with the difference being that their growth is confined to the boundaries of the original skin defect. These scars may also appear red and are usually thick and elevated.
Treating scars
There are many different treatment methods available for scar repair, from laser to steroid treatments, topical creams, and everything in between. However, increasing your skin’s collagen content is a non-invasive, accessible way to heal wounds and certain types of scars naturally. 75-80% of our skin is composed of collagen, making it a necessary ingredient in any sort of skin rehabilitation. Whether you’re upping your intake of collagen-producing foods or opting for a supplement, collagen is excellent for skin health and plays a critical role in wound healing and scar repair.
What’s collagen?
Collagen is a very important structural protein found in the body, made up of strings of proteins called amino acids. It’s abundant in our skin when we’re young, however, it naturally starts to decline as we age. The formation of wrinkles and loosening of skin are key indicators that collagen production has slowed in the body.
Collagen is known for keeping the skin youthful and plump, but also supports the digestive system, and keeps the muscles and bones strong. Collagen helps to heal scars on the skin by reconstructing damaged connective tissue, effectively closing the wound.
Does collagen reduce the appearance of scars?
Collagen is wonderful for helping to heal and repair skin that has been damaged. In cases of scarring where there is a lack of collagen at the site of healing, such as contracture or atrophic scars, collagen supplementation can be a helpful aid. In the case of keloid or hypertrophic scars, which form due to the overgrowth of scar tissue and collagen respectively, your doctor may recommend a topical or injectable solution instead.
How can collagen help?
A key amino acid in collagen, glycine, helps to fight inflammation associated with scarring. The immune system uses collagen to close the wound, while building up collagen at the wound site where tissue has been damaged. This helps to strengthen and heal the wound, which also improves the appearance.
Ways to increase collagen naturally in your skin
Eating more foods that encourage collagen production is very helpful for naturally increasing collagen levels, as well as supplementing with an all-natural formula such as Collagen Skin Revive powder or liquid.
Collagen is a key player in healthy, glowing skin, and plays a vital role in wound healing and scar formation. Whether you’re trying to encourage collagen formation at the site of a wound or reduce the appearance of scars, a collagen supplement is a great tool to have as part of your skincare routine.
