“Collagen makes up about 30% of the structural protein in the body” ,says Top Dietician Keri Gans. This shows how vital this body nutrient is to our general body health. Among all body nutrients that help with body repair, collagen is the most essential. It helps build various tissues such as ligaments and tendons. However, as we age, our collagen production declines, which could lead to different health challenges.Here are some signs you are losing collagen .

Wrinkles and Other Age-related Issues

Collagen  is vital for the smooth connection of different skin tissues in the body. It helps maintain hydration, skin elasticity, and firmness. Also, it is responsible for holding different body organs, like muscles, together for better body health. However with time ,body organs lose their firmness, which leads to saggy skin and wrinkles. When you notice  skin lags, it means you are losing collagen.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Another way to know if you don’t have enough collagen is when you start experiencing some gastrointestinal issues. The most common being ‘gut leakage’. This health condition occurs when gaps appear in the intestine which toxins and bacteria use to attack your bloodstream. When this ailment becomes serious, it could lead to inflammation and serious intestinal infection.

Slow injury healing

When people have minor injuries, they are expected to heal within a few days. However, when you are low on collagen , it takes more time for your injury to recover. This is true for elderly people whose collagen production has declined over time. A wound that should heal within a few days can take weeks and even months.

Read Also : Does Grapefruit Really Help Build Collagen?

Cellulitis

Is your skin looking lumpy and pale? If yes, it could be cellulitis. This happens when fat cells in your body are fighting against weak tissues. While there are many reasons why this could happen, the main cause is a reduction in collagen fibres. When they weaken, your skin elasticity reduces, which could lead to a more serious skin ailment in the future.

Blood Pressure and Other Circulation Issues

Blood vessels need collagen to maintain their strength and elasticity. However, blood vessels become weak when people suffer from high blood pressure and circulation problems. Those with anxiety and depression problems are also affected by these issues. That’s why people are advised to eat foods and fruits rich in collagen, like avocado and chicken skin.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a rich amount of collagen to keep their skin smooth and maintain a healthy life. However, collagen production can be depleted due to age and other illnesses. We have explained in detail some signs that could show you are low on collagen supply.

Sometimes, the glow you’re looking for isn’t in that expensive skincare bottle it’s in your kitchen. That’s right. With a few local, everyday ingredients, you can whip up a face mask that leaves your skin feeling soft, fresh, and alive.

No chemicals. No complicated process. Just nature doing its thing.

Here’s a guide to making DIY face masks using ingredients that are easy to find in Nigeria and maybe already sitting in your fridge or pantry.

1. Honey & Turmeric Mask (For Brightening & Fading Dark Spots)

Why it works:

Honey is a natural humectant, it attracts moisture to your skin. Turmeric? That’s your glow plug. It fights inflammation and helps fade scars and spots.

How to use:

Mix 1 tablespoon of honey with a pinch of turmeric powder.

Apply to a clean face and leave on for 10–15 minutes.

Rinse off gently with warm water.

Tip: Use this once or twice a week. Be careful with the turmeric, it can stain your clothes (and your fingers).

2. Oats & Milk Mask (For Sensitive or Dry Skin)

Why it works:

Oats are calming and great for irritated skin. Milk contains lactic acid which gently exfoliates dead skin cells and smooths rough patches.

How to use:

Blend 2 tablespoons of oats (or use oat flour) with 1–2 tablespoons of raw milk to form a paste.

Apply and leave for 15–20 minutes.

Wash off in circular motions with lukewarm water.

Bonus: It leaves your skin feeling clean, soft, and baby-smooth.

3. Pawpaw & Lime Mask (For Glowing & Clear Skin)

Why it works:

Pawpaw contains natural enzymes that help clear dead skin cells and brighten your skin. Lime is rich in Vitamin C and great for oily skin (but use it in small quantities).

How to use

Mash a few chunks of ripe pawpaw

Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.

Apply and leave for 10–12 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly.

Caution: If you have sensitive skin, skip the lime or do a patch test first.

4. Egg White & Lemon Mask (For Tightening Pores and Oil Control)

Why it works:

Egg white helps tighten your skin and shrink large pores. Lemon helps cleanse and reduce oiliness.

How to use:

Separate one egg white and mix with a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Whisk until slightly foamy.

Apply with a cotton pad and leave on until it dries (about 10–15 minutes).

Rinse with cold water.

Warning: Avoid lemon if your skin reacts to acidic things.

General Tips for All Masks:

Always apply on a clean face. Dirty skin = blocked results.

Do a patch test if it’s your first time trying any of the ingredients.

Don’t overdo it. 1–2 times a week is enough.

Moisturize after masking. Your skin will drink it up.

Conclusion

Glowing skin doesn’t have to cost you your entire salary. With a little creativity and some love from local ingredients, your face can thank you without breaking the bank.

The best part? You know exactly what’s in your skincare, no hidden chemicals, just pure goodness.

So, next time your skin feels dull or tired, head to your kitchen. Your glow might be sitting in a bowl of oats or a spoon of honey.

Read Next Post: Wizkid Opens Up: Life, Love, and the Story Behind His Tottenham Stadium Show

One of the common skin problems people have is dark circles. It is a bruise-like skin issue that appears under the eyes. Many dark circles are genetic; others think it’s because of facial structures. Dark circles happen due to allergies, lack of sleep, and dehydration, Also, it is common among the elderly as they lack sufficient collagen. For those with dark circles, here are the best Serums that could be effective against it.

StriVectin Tightening Eye Serum

This is one of the top budget-friendly eye Serums you could get today.The major ingredients of this serum are Kakadu plum extract, Caffeine, and Tripeptide blend. It could help debuff the dark circles around your eye and it comes with a cooling effect. This serum also helps with collagen production and smoothing skin.

Tula Skincare Eye Renewal Serum

Are you suffering from tired-looking eyes and wrinkles ? This is a good skincare product to combat dark circles . With ingredients such as prebiotics, peptides,, and probiotic extracts, the eye serum helps hydrate and smoothen the skin. This serum is best used once daily to avoid skin irritation. A few weeks of using it makes your skin softer, thinner, and youthful.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Triple Correction Eye Serum

This eye serum is best for people suffering from modest skin irritation. It is also an excellent product that works for wrinkle reduction. Ingredients include Bakuchiol, Retinol, rambutan and ferulic acid. They help in toning, depuffing, and cooling skin texture. This is one of the best skincare products you have. It comes in an air-tight container, which protects the liquid. This serum helps remove dark spots, wrinkled lines, and signs of aging.

Read Also : 5 Ways to Deal with Hormonal Acne

Dermalogica BioLumin-C Eye Serum

What makes this skincare product a good choice for skin issues is the  Vitamin C ingredient. It serves as an antioxidant that protects the skin against free radicals. This serum is ideal for the under-eye area of the body and  enhances makeup.

Beauty Of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

This serum is best for sagging skin around thewki eyes and is ideal for skin elasticity. People with damaged skin or dark circles will find it very helpful. It is made from anti-aging properties like ginseng root extract and retinal liposome. These ingredients help reduce fine lines and they increase collagen production. Ginseng is known to help reduce inflammation and boost hydration. This is one of the most effective skincare products around.

Final Thoughts

People battling with dark circles and skin irritation need the best serums. If you see an effective eye and want your skin to be smooth and free from environmental free radicals, the above-mentioned serums are highly recommended.