What's the hype about COLLAGEN? Benefits & Myths

Collagen is found everywhere in your body - in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and even the lining of your intestines. In simple terms, collagen is the foundation -just like glue, that holds them together.

 As we age, collagen production decreases, sadly just like other things in our body. This can lead to visible signs of aging such as formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of all protein content. As you know protein is a building block for bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin, so collagen plays the same part as well. In the skin, collagen is the primary structural protein that provides elasticity and strength, helping to keep the skin firm and smooth.

Why Is Collagen Important for the Skin?

1. Supports Skin Structure: Collagen keeps skin firm. As collagen levels decline with age, the skin becomes thinner, fragile and less robust.

2. Boosts Elasticity: Collagen keeps your skin elastic, so when your skin "bounces back" when stretched or compressed this is what I’m talking about.

3. Improves Hydration: Collagen helps retain moisture, keeping the skin soft and hydrated.

4. Reduces Wrinkles: Adequate collagen levels help minimize these signs of aging.

5. Wound Healing: Collagen plays an important role in skin cell regeneration and healing. That’s why children under the age of 10 have the capacity to heal wounds faster than adults.

   
   

Should You Apply Collagen or Eat It?

There’s a lot of debate around whether collagen is more effective when applied topically or ingested. Here's a closer look at both options:

1. Topical Application of Collagen

Collagen is often included in skincare products like creams, serums, and lotions. These products typically claim to "firm" the skin, improve elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. However, collagen molecules are generally too large to penetrate the skin's surface.

While applying collagen topically might provide hydration and improve the skin’s overall texture by forming a moisturizing barrier, it’s unlikely to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. However, some ingredients, like peptides and retinoids, can help stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production like this Skin Renewal night cream

2. Ingesting Collagen

Eating collagen, typically in the form of collagen supplements is a good way to improve skin health. Look for hydrolyzed collagen because that has been broken down into smaller, bioavailable peptides that the body can absorb and use to stimulate collagen production in the skin, joints, and other tissues.

You can opt for collagen supplements available in the market especially if you are over the age of 30, when natural collagen production starts to decline.

Natural Ways to Boost Collagen Production

Whether you choose to apply or ingest collagen, there are also natural ways to support your body's collagen production:

• Eat Collagen-Rich Foods: Bone broth, chicken skin, fish, and egg whites are rich sources of collagen.

  

  
  

• Increase Vitamin C Intake: Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis.

  

  Incorporate citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens into your diet.

  
  
  
  

• Add Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and green tea, help protect your existing collagen from damage by free radicals.

  

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels, which supports collagen function.

Conclusion

Collagen is crucial for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. While topical collagen can improve surface hydration, don’t forget to pair it with retinoids like Skin Renewal Night Cream.

Consuming collagen peptides through supplements or foods is another effective in supporting collagen production from within. However, eating collagen rich foods will be the best way regardless.