What is
collagen? What factors influence or impact our collagen levels? How do collagen
supplements work?
Collagen is
the most abundant proteins in the body and makes up most of the extracellular
matrix (a network in our body that provide support and structure to our cells).
This matrix makes the skin soft, firm and strong, it also has the function of
keeping the different structures of the body together. Collagen is a protein
that regulates the physiology and structure of the skin, mainly made up of the
amino acid glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. There are over a dozen
different types of collagen in the human body, three of which make up 80% of
the body.
What
affects our collagen levels?
As we age,
there is a gradual drop in collagen, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles.
But there are other factors in our daily life that can also influence such as
sun exposure, smoking, environmental pollution, alcohol or poor diet. The skin
also contains high levels of vitamin C, a known antioxidant that can protect
against damage from UV rays from the sun and stimulate collagen production.
Skin cells in connective tissue depend on vitamin C for the production of
collagen and to regulate the balance of collagen and elastin.
How do
collagen supplements work?
Taking
supplements to help increase collagen production can be beneficial for the skin
as long as it is combined with a high protein diet to in turn help increase
collagen production naturally. Constant intake of collagen supplements has been
shown to regulate skin function and can be very helpful. Collagen supplement
works on the skin in two ways. First, it provides the building blocks for
collagen and elastin production. Second, it holds the connective tissue cells
of the skin together to produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
Collagen supplements support the elasticity of human skin, increase skin
hydration, and help reduce wrinkles. Among others,
They tone:
promotes greater elasticity of the skin, giving it a fresh and toned appearance
Delays and
reduces: helps delay the appearance of wrinkles and reduce existing ones
Nourish -
Helps to deeply nourish the skin from the inside to radiate vitality on the
outside
Protect: its
antioxidant properties protect the skin against aging and oxidative stress
produced by free radicals.
Results may
vary from person to persons, but within eight weeks, improvements in the skin
will already begin to be felt. The key to seeing and sustaining results is
consistency. Some of the best collagen supplements? You can try Naturadika's
Skincoll Expert), which contains bioactive collagen peptides and natural
actives.
