Some questions about collagen and "thin" skin

hoppipolla · 02-07-2010, 11:11 AM

Hiya all

I am only 24, but I recently noticed around 8 months ago that my skin suddenly changed. This happened over the course of about a week. One moment it was thick and youthful looking, and the next it... well it still looks ok, particularly when not touched or stretched, but I came to the conclusion recently after a bit of research that it must be "thinner".

It wrinkles up more when I move it or squish bits together, and I think I can see my veins and stuff a tad clearer through it O.O

It just doesn't seem to "hug" my body as tightly or as thickly as it used to. After this research I decided it must be the amount of collagen in my skin, does this sound correct?

Now I know I'm getting a bit older, it's just it still feels a little soon for this to be happening to me, like I say I am only 24. Obviously if it is the way it is then I'm going to need to deal with that or maybe look into other things but... would it be ok if I ask a few questions?

Ok erm..

First of all, is collagen constantly produced? Like, if I were to correct a problem that may have caused my skin to become more thin, would my collagen production increase and therefore restore my skin partly or even entirely to the way it was? I really don't know how this kind of thing works.

Also, I did read that stress can affect this stuff (I do have anxiety, so am worried that stuff like high cortisol levels and things like that I might have could have affected it), and I would guess that diet, lifestyle, hormones, nutrients and many other things can too? Could I correct the problem (if it is caused by one of these) by making the relevant change?

Is there any way to encourage my body to produce more collagen, or otherwise increase it?

Thanks so much, it has been really bothering me at times and has affected my self-confidence a little. I would love to get to the bottom of it and maybe if possible "fix" it, although I'm prepared for the possibility that it could be permanent (at least with today's treatments etc).

Thanks all,

Mike

Angel Hair · 02-07-2010, 01:13 PM

hi mike it sounds definitely like the skin is thinning. but you need to pin point what is causing it. youve mentioned the stress perhaps you can try to address this or if not find ways of dealing with it so it doesnt affect your body.

collagen stimulation can come from using vitamin c serums which most of make here on this forum, just do a search. and also by using retin-a to increase the skin thickness over time. both these treatments are proven to work and have results that can be traced.

on top of that good sunscreens are essential as is increasing water intake, exercise for good circulation and supplements such as biotin, omega 369, msm, and vit c, protein etc.

BirdLover · 02-07-2010, 01:25 PM

Are you recovering from an illness?

Are you possibly dehydrated?

stickyhoney · 02-07-2010, 05:23 PM

skin thinning when its simply a matter of increasing age happens over months and years not one week
unless you are using something with a skin thinner in it such as a steroid or medication etc you arent going to get something as dramatic as your describing by just being 24

you arent on meds its most likely going to be dehydration your diet and lifestyle effects your skin dramatically

being in a room full of smokers the next day i wake up and my skin would look like i dont even look after it dry sallow ashy etc just yuck

hoppipolla · 02-08-2010, 03:25 AM

This is all very interesting to me thank you - it did seem like a very strange sudden change, I kind of knew that something must be wrong but I found it hard to diagnose what. I asked a couple of doctors at my local surgery and they basically kinda said "you're getting older it's just the way it is" (often people mis-diagnosed it as simply "dry" skin, which seems way off what I am seeing here!), but again it just doesn't feel right and it was very quick. I'd like to try some more natural alterations in what I put into my body and my daily activities to see if I can revitalize it again

I don't believe I was taking any medications no, I could be drinking a fair amount of red bull at that point at least but not so much anymore, and I have been taking the beta-blocker propranolol on and off, I'm unsure if I was taking it then. My diet was pretty sloppy - lots of carbs and sugar basically

I am now giving it an overhaul!

So, do you think that correcting my diet and lifestyle could actually "fix" it? Obviously if not I could try one of the more specific cures such as Retin-A or Vitamin C serum (thank you so much Angel Hair for giving me those options

) but yes I mean if I could solve this problem at it's roots that would certainly be a good thing

This is really helping though all of you thank you - it would be so wonderful if I could get my skin eventually back to being the way it was - I would feel more confident and it would be like a dream ^_^

The expression "you don't know what you've got until you lose it" really does apply doesn't it?

Mike

2blue · 02-08-2010, 04:11 AM

24 is way to young to notice any signs of thinning skin. I know many women approach 50 before this noticeably showing, and it's connected to menopause. With men it's a more gradual thing and they often have thicker skin to begin with.

Perhaps you should do some investigation, and it's probably not dehydration either. Skin thickness is very individual, and some people have thinner skin that others all their life. The don't necessarily get more wrinkly or saggy for that reason.

Collagen, elastin and all the components of the skin from the deepest layers to the surface are constantly renewed. The younger you are the more easily skin recover from any environmental effects like sun damage or a poor diet, and respond better to any treatment given. At 24 it should come very easily.

Good luck :- )

hoppipolla · 02-09-2010, 04:06 AM

..hmm... ok I'm not sure again now *looks at skin*.. but a second ago I was simply convinced my skin was looking a tiny bit thicker and more healthy! It seems to be clumping together more and felt thicker! Who knows! I have been taking Omega 3 and a scattering of other vitamins and things as part of the tablet "Cardioace" for about a month, and have recently swapped that for multivitamin tablets coupled with Omega 3 1000mg tablets which I have been taking together every day for approaching a week. I have also been drinking more water and eating better food

Soon, I will definitely get some MSM tablets, as that has been recommended to me a few times, and may get Coenzyme A, as that is supposed to be good for complexion and a few other things. Biotin, Omega 3 (but not 6+9 yet) and vitamin C are all already covered

I really am feeling very hopeful about this. I have also felt a little bit less stressed, not loads but a tiny bit, so that might be helping.

And thank you so much 2blue for your very informative, realistic but positive post ^_^

It really made me feel better and also confirmed what I thought before - that this isn't really normal and should be encouraged to improve

Well, I'll keep drinking my water, taking my supplements, improving my diet and lifestyle and reducing my stress! If that doesn't do it... then it's back to the drawing board!

stryder256 · 02-24-2010, 09:51 PM

Hoppi: I suffer from massive amounts of stress and I think there could be an autonomic correlation between stress and skin health. I highly recommend you check out Qi Gong. I am a hand therapist and have used this with my patients who have chronic pain with remarkable success (within 10 minutes). I have tried many videos on Qi Gong (I have about six), but Qi Gong for Beginners by Lee Holden is my all time favorite. Some of the exercises immediately put me into a deep meditative state (and I normally have a hard time meditating because of ADD).

I think as well as addressing the internal nutritional health, it's just as important to address emotional health and how you manage stress. I am a firm believer that Qi Gong helps to rebalance the nervous system and allows you to handle stress on a daily basis...try it for 30 days every day and see the difference.

cella · 02-24-2010, 10:02 PM

I am in my mid forties and need to know if anyone can suggest a solution for the dark circles in the inner corner of my eyes and my eyelids. My skin is also thin with crows feet beginning to show.Thanks.

Sister Sweets · 02-24-2010, 10:19 PM

Mike - there is a terrific connection between what you eat, the amount of sleep and the mental connection.
Green, leafy veggies are where it's at. Or try some green drinks daily. Also supplements are great. In addition to what's been mentioned; Hyaluronic Acid will add a plumping effect to your skin (Dr's Best offers a good one).

Get enough rest - this is where you body rejuvenates itself - and this includes collagen turnover.

Cut back on the red bull

and carry a water bottle with you. A big plus in the skin column for drinking at least 64 oz.

Exercise = good blood flow to the facial tissues, facial massage, no smoking! and keep a happy look on your face....

SecretLady · 02-25-2010, 04:10 PM

Maybe you're just too stressed out Hoppipolla. Try to get some more rest..

CocoNut · 02-25-2010, 04:43 PM

Hi Mike,

Thanks for asking this as I have similar problems. Although, I seem to have had it virtually all my life. I can see my veins through my skin - like on chest area, neck, etc.., maybe that's just normal, but it bugs me. I also have anxiety too. It'll be interesting to read and find out more.

CocoNut · 02-25-2010, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by cella

I am in my mid forties and need to know if anyone can suggest a solution for the dark circles in the inner corner of my eyes and my eyelids. My skin is also thin with crows feet beginning to show.Thanks.

It depends on why they're there and, funnily enough, nasal congestion is the most common cause. Obviously ageing can make the skin thinner showing them more. There are other causes but I won't go into them as you're interested in how to get rid of them.

Got this from a book:

Quote:

Supplements containing vitamin C, or grapeseed extract, or pycnogenol contain antioxidant compounds that may help strengthen blood vessels (anyone on blood-thinning medication ... should take these under medical supervision.). Topical creams containing vitamin k may help. Other ingredients in 'topicals' include eyebright, horse chestnut, gingko, and yarrow, which increase localised circulation - also witch hazel, for its astringent properties, which may help to shrink the capillaries. Pycogenol and green tea may also help strengthen the tissue in the eye area.

Be sure to get enough sleep and stop smoking!

A cold compress will help constrict blood vessels and normalise tissue colour...

... Cranberries, blueberries and bilberries, blackcurrants, onions and legumes, garnished with lots of parsley and washed down with green tea (or black); they contain the antioxidant that may help to fortify vessels. Drink plenty of water to combat dehydration, flush out toxins and discourage fluid retention ... Cut down on dietary salt which may contribute to dilated blood vessels.

Apologies for the length, just couldn't decide what to put, it all seemed useful, and also sorry Mike for putting this in your thread - just wanted to help.

hoppipolla · 02-27-2010, 10:24 AM

That's totally fine, to be honest I'm just so glad to be getting such a great mix of opinions and help

Basically, as long as there is a real chance it will go back to the way it was or at least like.. improve a lil

, then I am feeling really positive and I will do whatever is necessary to make my body all better ^_^

I always was quite lazy with diet and things as I was thinking "I'm young, I can take it!" but then you kinda realize that sometimes your body CAN get unhappy with the way it's treated and it can play up and show problems, and things like this were a wake up call that I need to start listening to my body more and treating it better, and I'm sure it will start treating me better in return! hehe

Stryder, thank you so much for the advice about Qi Gong... I really do think I need something like that to just settle my mind and encourage it to calm down! I think I do need to work out how to make changes to improve my path in life and lifestyle, but in the mean time I need to help my body to not like... self-destruct! lol

I was even thinking of hypnotherapy but I think that might be a bit extreme! I'll look into Qi Gong definitely

and Sister Sweets, I think you're right maybe something like Hyaluronic Acid that will encourage my skin to plump up! Is it an important component of collagen production or something like that? I think the reduction of stress has to be my number one goal, but things that just help to encourage my body to improve this a little would be perfect too!

Finally again I'm so glad I have this forum here - isn't it amazing that you tend to get better health advice from good communities online than from your GP! I mean of course it should never be a replacement, but I think it's because instead of just having one person with a general good medical knowledge, you've got an entire community of people who really care about the subject ^_^

Ah the internet is great!

spraytangirly · 02-27-2010, 10:05 PM

I was informed by Lighenlift (member here) to get the Skin Communicator , which has the collogen and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid in it , plus rice protein , and a few other wonderful ingredients.. I LOVE IT ! I just wish the bottle was bigger, since it's kinda pricy.. but let me tell you.. good stuff baby! lol I ordered it from Gardenofwisdom.. neat site w/ lots of good stuff.

hoppipolla · 03-12-2010, 01:56 PM

I'm suspecting it might be poor sensitivity to thyroid hormones, probably caused by anxiety.

In essence "hypothyroidism".

This also explains why I am experiencing some hair loss ._.

Thankfully I believe it can be cured with iodine, selenium, and probably things to help me control my anxiety! heh