Collagen has arisen as a popular expression that most people use. Famous people and specialists continue to promote the advantages of collagen in our skin and in our bodies.
We all might have different skin types, however, what does not change and stays the same is the proteins and ingredients that offer a stable structure for our skin.
And the one we are speaking about today is: COLLAGEN!
So, based on this, we will dive deep into understanding the science behind collagen and its advantages for our skin.
Table of Contents
Why is collagen important to the body
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, constituting around 25-35% of the whole-body protein content. It’s made up of two amino acids the most abundant being Proline and Glycine. Collagen is a great protein, as it has a vital part in keeping up with the construction and flexibility of our skin, making our skin steady, smooth, and youthful (avoiding skin wrinkles and looking old). Collagen is essential for your bones, your joints, your tendons, your skin, your hair, and your nails.
We start losing collagen with age, so from 21 years old onwards we lose 1% of collagen every year and then after menopause, you lose 30% collagen in those first five years. Collagen literally just drops off a cliff and that affects everything; so you may actually be able to see fine lines, wrinkles, aching joints, etc. That will happen gradually until you reach menopause and then from there, everything declines very rapidly, AHAHA.
And this is the reason why: Lack of collagen in our body!
To tackle this, you want
- 1st stop the premature breakdown of collagen and
- 2nd stimulate collagen production
Doing both simultaneously.
Benefits of Collagen
Youthful Skin
Collagen is referred as being the protein that will boost your youthful looks, due to the ability to maintain the skin’s elasticity and firmness. This reduces the fine lines and the wrinkles, making our skin be hydrated, and improving the overall texture.
Joints
It also plays a big part in maintaining your healthy joints, this can also help alleviate joint pain, reduce stiffness, and improve joint flexibility and mobility.
Hair and Nail
It also helps your nails and your hair, providing them with strength and thickness. By incorporating collagen in your daily life, you will be able to see the improvements on your hair texture and growth, as well as strong and healthier nails.
Gut Health
Collagen is composed of specific amino acids (like glycine and glutamine) that are really beneficial for our gut health. This helps to repair and strengthen our gut, providing better digestion.
How To Stop The Premature Breakdown Of Collagen
Free Radicals
For you to do this, you will have to stop the amount of free radicals being generated in your skin.
But you may ask: ‘’what is free radicals?’’
Scientists state that free radicals are atoms that can damage our cells, causing illness and aging. Free radicals create oxidative stress on the skin and this leads to collagen breakdown (destroy our collagen).
If you live in the city or in polluted areas, it is important for you to double cleanse your face and wear your SPF 50 at all times to avoid this.
Sugar
Another thing you should do to stop the premature breakdown of collagen is to reduce your sugar intake (and I will be guilty of this) because eating sugar can also destroy your collagen.
Denatured alcohol
In certain skincare ingredients, you might find on the ingredients list that they use ‘’denatured alcohol’’. If they do, this also can damage your skin as well as the collagen in your skin. If you see this ingredient in one of the 10 first ingredients, be aware that this is damaging your skin collagen as it also generates free radicals in the skin.
How to Stimulate Collagen Production
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are available in various forms, including powders, which is the best way to add collagen to your body. With powder collagen, you can use this in different ways, you can even add collagen to your favorite smoothie. This will increase the collagen in your body and give you all the benefits you’re looking for. Also, follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer for the best results.
Vitamin C
It is important for you to have antioxidant serums in your skincare routine, like Vitamin C, that can be directly applied on the skin to promote collagen and improve skin elasticity. We can find many Vitamin C creams or serums in the market, however, that does not indicate they have the correct formula or the correct packaging.
Note: The last thing you want is to be using a Vitamin C that will bring no results on stimulating collagen.
So, it is very important for you to pay attention to the packaging of the vitamin C product you are looking to buy; this should be in an airless pump because vitamin C oxidizes in oxygen.
Collagen-Rich Foods
Probably, one of the easiest one in this list, would be adding foods you can take that will increase your collagen intake. Things like, fish, chicken, beef and pork are also very beneficial in general, but also for collagen.
Lifestyle Factors
Unforeseen circumstances in Life will always happen to us, and things will happen that are outside of our control. However, prioritizing healthy habits like getting enough sleep, managing our stress levels, and maintaining a healthy diet are all things that will contribute to, not only high collagen production, but also a healthy body.
Now… with all this information, you might be wondering….
What is the difference between protein powder and collagen powder, isn’t it all the same, protein?
Well, the difference is in the nutrients that each protein has.
Collagen has: Proline and Glycine
Protein has: Valine and Leucine
This means that these two different powders have two different outcomes. If your goal is to better your skin or maintain your beauty, nails, joints, etc., you would want to buy a collagen protein powder.
But…
If your goal is to take care of your muscles, muscle tissues, build muscle, etc. you would want to buy a protein powder.
Collagen powders are essential for your skin, nails, and joints.
Protein powders are essential for people trying to build their muscle mass and repair muscle.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or treatment regimen.
