Basic Knowledge of Collagen

Collagen is one of the most used terms when it comes to anti-aging skincare. But what exactly is this ingredient and how does it keep your skin youthful- looking?

What exactly is collagen?

Perhaps you won’t be surprised by the fact thatcollagen, just like many other ingredients, is a big molecule. Its main role is to provide support in the middle layer of skin (dermis), so it helps your skin stay tight. Collagen occurs naturally in your body: it is constantly produced, but due to aging and various environmental factors (e.g. UV radiation), it breaks down faster, which lowers your collagen level, resulting the appearance of aging.

How to replace collagen?

With logical thinking, we could say that collagen creams are the best. Unfortunately, it is not that simple because collagen is a big molecule. Our skin basically prevents the absorption of any harmful substances through skin. According to science, a molecule must have a weight of 500 Daltons to penetrate the middle layer of skin – as long as there is a chance of seeing results from using external ingredients. But collagen molecule is way bigger: its molecular weight can reach 10 000 or 100 000 Daltons. Another problem is that it wouldn’t be able to integrate properly even if it could be absorbed. Different types of collagen can be found in skin, which has a very complex structure, so collagen has literally no chance of finding the spot where it could be effective. 

Do collagen creams work?

Not at all. As mentioned, due to its size, collagen is not able to absorb into the right layers of skin. That’s why preventing the signs of aging with simple collagen creams is slightly similar to just showing your toothbrush to your teeth instead of brushing them properly.

Why is it important to replace collagen?

On one hand, collagen has an external moisturizing effect, cares for dehydrated, dry skin and reduces wrinkles and fine lines, resulting a smooth skin texture.  On the other hand, it is recommended to maintain the amount of molecules internally by taking various liquid collagen supplements. After the age of 25, our body starts producing 1% less collagen in the skin each year. By the age of 40, the production completely stops and the remaining collagen in our skin starts to break down. Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol or sunlight can lead to collagen loss. That’s why it would be so important to increase collagen internally.

What’s the role of collagen in your body?

With the use of oral collagen supplements you can see spectacular results faster. It improves nail growth and decrease brittle nails, but it can also help prevent hair loss and thinning, and can slow down graying. When it comes to muscles, collagen also plays an important role: it helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes weight loss. Taking collagen can improve endurance as well. In skin, collagen has a stabilizing effect on the connective tissue, providing the skin elasticity, tightness and hydration.

How to maintain collagen production?

Take care of the remaining collagen, slow down collagen degradation and decrease the harmful environmental factors:

• Wearing sunscreen every day is a great option, as UV radiation speeds up the collagen degradation process.
• Antioxidants help protect the skin from dirt and stress.
• Increase collagen internally. Collagen has different types: you can find bovine, porcine, marine or even plant-based collagen powders and pills.
• All of them help keep your hair, joints and cartilage young.Stimulate collagen production in your skin: choose active ingredients that help the skin cells produce more collagen. These ingredients include retinol, vitamin C or even peptides.