What is collagen?
The collagen it is the largest amount of protein in the human body. It is the 30% of the "dry" body weight and is found everywhere in our body, in the skin, bones, joints, muscles and other tissues. It should be noted that there are many different types of collagen. Along with keratin and elastin, collagen is a basic structural material of the skin and provides it with elasticity and resilience.
Our body naturally produces the necessary amount of collagen. However, with the passage of time and the aging of the body, this production decreases significantly. Studies show that after 30The year the production of collagen by the body decreases by 1-1.5% per year, which affects both the skin - with loss of elasticity and firmness, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the joints - resulting in pain, a feeling of fatigue or even osteoarthritis - but also a general decrease in physical performance.
Collagen is also highly affected by environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking and toxins.
Collagen dietary supplement
Collagen supplements now widely available on the market promise:
- Reduction of wrinkles
- Hydration of the skin
- Improving skin elasticity and firmness
- Antiaging
- Improving joint functionality
How much does it really help?
Opinions differ. On the one hand there is the view that liquid oral collagen as it passes through the digestive system and comes into contact with digestive enzymes is broken down into amino acids and thus offers no more than a balanced diet rich in amino acids and vitamins. On the other hand, in the context of scientific studies, it appears that oral collagen in hydrolyzed form is absorbed and accumulates in the cartilages, significantly stimulating the production of chondrocytes in the intercellular substance, something that could contribute to improving the functionality of the joints. However, there are no studies proving that oral collagen could contribute equally to anti-aging skin.
Are there any side effects from taking oral collagen?
Feeling of unpleasant taste after taking collagen
Allergic reactions mainly in people with a known allergic background to foods rich in collagen (e.g. fish, chicken)
Decreased appetite
Another serious problem that could arise with the use of collagen is skin necrosis. This is a serious condition where the blood supply to the skin is insufficient with consequent disturbances in the appearance of the skin e.g. appearance of scars.
Other less common side effects include: arrhythmia, constipation, weakness, hyperkalemia, arthralgia, myalgia.
Lifestyle affects collagen levels
What could we do to maintain collagen levels in our body and look younger? Below are some useful tips.
- Prevention of collagen loss
Sun protection, adequate sleep and smoking cessation are key steps to take to maintain collagen levels in our body.
- Proper nutrition
A diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are abundant in fruits and vegetables contributes significantly to collagen production. Tomatoes, grapefruit, oranges, green vegetables and fatty fish provide us with important ingredients such as lycopene, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids that contribute to the health of our body.
- Proper skin care
The use of mild exfoliating scrub the AHAs help renew skin cells. Skincare products proven to help prevent aging contain agents with antioxidant properties, such as green tea extract, coffeeberry and DHEA. Also, products containing retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, appear to help both prevent collagen loss and boost collagen production.
Hyaluronic acid when used in injectable form (filler) provides hydration to the skin. Water is one of the basic components that decrease in the body with age, which is responsible for the reduction of collagen. In addition to hyaluronic acid, other fillers such as those containing PLLA and hydroxyapatite seem to stimulate collagen production.
While as we mentioned collagen decreases over the years however any injury to the skin causes a reactive increase in collagen within the healing process. Thus a mild and medically controlled injury to the skin using Fraxellaser or radio frequencies "forces" the skin to produce collagen in order to achieve healing and cell renewal.