Kolla is the Greek form of collagen, which means glue. In other words, collagen is the substance that keeps the body as a whole together. It makes up more than 30% of all human proteins and is crucial for the connective tissue that makes up the skin, muscles, bones, and cartilage. Amino acids, the fundamental components of proteins, are joined together in a process that employs vitamin C to create long, thin fibers that support structures and tie cells to one another. This complex process results in collagen.
There are four primary forms of collagen; type one makes up 90% of the collagen in your body and gives your skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, teeth, and connective tissue their structural integrity. Type two elastic cartilage cushions joints, which means cushions joints are composed of more loosely coiled fibers. Type four aids in filtration and is located in the layers of the epidermis, whereas Type three promotes the formation of the muscles, organs, and arteries. In the dermis or middle layer of the skin, it aids in the shape of fibroblasts, a fibrous network of cells. Here, dead skin cells are replaced and renewed along with the growth of new cells.
According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, as people age, collagen fibers start losing thickness and strength and create less of it. This leads to the deterioration of the skin’s structural integrity and the thinning of joint cartilage, which has an aging effect on the skin in the form of wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation.
It has also been established that external irritants like sugar, UV light, and pollution impair collagen’s capacity to heal itself. Free radicals are unstable atoms that are produced by UV rays, smoke, and fumes and can harm our body’s cells by destroying collagen and elastin as well as the skin’s natural barrier of protection. A diet heavy in sugar might also be harmful. In a process known as “glycation,” sugar molecules bind to the collagen and elastin proteins, causing the proteins to change in structure and function and speeding up aging. Smokers produce up to 22% less skin collagen than non-smokers, which is a key contributor to collagen damage.
Soluble collagen
Soluble collagen refers to the big, organic collagen molecules that can be isolated from fish or cow skin. You would assume that the presence of collagen on an ingredient list is intended to supplement the body’s natural collagen, but collagen is a large molecule that cannot penetrate the skin’s middle layer, where collagen is present.
Since soluble collagen has so many advantages for skin care products, it is still worthwhile to check for it on the ingredient list. Soluble collagen not only acts as a filler by minimizing the size of wrinkles and fine lines, but it can also speed up wound healing by increasing microcirculation. It produces a water-rich layer on the skin that hydrates the epidermis (skin barrier), and lowers trans-epidermal water loss, smoothening and softening the skin, giving it a brighter, younger-looking texture.
Do collagen creams and serums work?
Unfortunately, adding collagen to a topical skincare solution is ineffectual because the molecular weight of collagen is too high to permeate the top layer of skin. The body needs Vitamin C to form collagen, so topical treatments containing this vitamin have been shown to be highly efficient. The best collagen serums contain vitamin C as well. Because of this, creams made with pure collagen just can’t live up to their grandiose claims because those enormous braided molecules are simply too large to reach the dermis, where the actual magic takes place. Therefore, the benefits of collagen creams are limited to the fact that they feel great and may help hydrate the skin.
Any collagen serum can hydrate you if that’s all you’re searching for.
However, you need to use a more robust serum that also includes additional active components like retinoids, antioxidants, or peptides if you want a collagen serum that will genuinely boost your skin’s natural collagen synthesis. As previously indicated, these additional components enable the collagen to penetrate the skin at a deeper level.
It is natural for collagen production to decline with aging. However, by using the all-encompassing strategy described here, you may slow down the aging process and keep your skin looking supple and young.
In essence, peptides, or shorter chains of amino acids, are what remain after collagen has been hydrolyzed. According to certain physicians and researchers, these peptides “may penetrate your outer skin barrier of skin cells and make their way into the dermis, effectively [giving] the building blocks for fibroblasts to produce new collagen.
And given that those peptides eventually find their way into the dermis, it does seem possible that using a cream packed with these collagen precursors could assist boost collagen production in the future.
Taking it orally
Unexpectedly, some studies seem to indicate that oral collagen supplementation could enhance skin elasticity. At least three recent studies show collagen peptides taken orally are related to better skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles when compared to placebos, according to at least three recent studies. A few asterisks are present in this research, though: Only women over 35 were the only subjects of these studies, which had a limited sample size (60 participants) and lasted only 4 to 12 weeks.
The results that have been seen may be the result of enhanced collagen production or of some other mechanism. In any case, they are at most mild, and there are alternative treatments (such retinoids) that are more likely to be beneficial. Additionally, it’s critical to keep in mind that supplements aren’t FDA-regulated or subjected to the same testing as pharmaceuticals, so you may not always know what you’re getting or how effectively it may function.
And if you consume a typical, well-balanced diet that includes foods high in protein like meat, eggs, dairy, and beans, you probably already get all the collagen you require.
Ways to increase collagen naturally
Get lots of water.
To keep your body and skin moisturized, you must drink adequate water and abstain from dehydrating items like excessive coffee and alcohol. Dehydration of the skin is a crucial factor in early aging.
Increase your intake of collagen.
Bone broth is your best option in this situation. Supplements with collagen are another choice. Try incorporating pure, unflavored collagen powder into your smoothies and beverages; it has no flavor and is healthy for the whole family. Both hyaluronic acid and collagen, critical for healthy skin, can be found in higher concentrations in the body when diets high in vitamin C and amino acids are consumed. Irish sea moss, nori, oranges, red peppers, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts are a few examples of foods high in vitamin C.
Apply only nutrient-rich skin care products.
Full-chain amino acids, vitamin C, and zinc are a few examples of nutritional components that have been demonstrated to boost collagen production when applied to the skin. I’m not talking about soluble collagen, although I do advocate it.
How are the best collagen serums chosen?
Collagen serums which are classed as an important part of face treatments can help to improve the appearance of your skin, as per best collagen serum reviews. Collagen serums are potent skin care treatments that, when formulated with key active components, increase collagen formation. When selecting a collagen serum, there are various aspects to think about. Experts in this field have compiled this list to assist you in deciding which brand or product to purchase based on your preferences and requirements. Chemical-free, natural, organic, and gluten-free ingredients are required in the best collagen serums. Being inexpensive, cruelty free and vegan are other important factors. The best collagen serum reviews can tell you what to look for.
Here is a list of the best Collagen Serum Products available in the market, based on best collagen serum reviews . This list was developed by experts in the area to help you decide which brand or product to buy depending on your preferences and needs. The best collagen serums must have chemical-free, natural, organic, and gluten-free components, as per best collagen serum reviews. Other significant aspects include being affordable, cruelty-free, and vegan. You can learn what to search for in the best collagen serum reviews.
