Natural collagen: where it comes from and how it affects skin health. What is collagen and what is it for: what is its benefit for our body

We are what we eat. So the ancients said, implying that the nutrients that enter our body with food affect not only the feeling of satiety, but also participate in metabolic processes. For example, protein is responsible for the condition of the skin and joints, accelerates tissue regeneration and is the basis of the body's vital activity. And knowing which products contain collagen, you can solve many problems associated with a particular pathological condition.

What is Collagen for?

Collagen is a special type of protein that forms the basis of the connective tissue of the body. Being in the intercellular matrix, the substance, along with elastin and hyaluronate, plays the role of a kind of framework, providing the dermis with elasticity and strength.

This is interesting. Collagen gives our body strength and energy. Its deficiency leads to a decrease in efficiency and a decline in vitality, a deterioration in immunity.

In the body of a young healthy person, the polypeptide is produced in sufficient quantities to maintain the necessary functions. However, with age, protein synthesis is disturbed and its concentration in the skin and structural elements decreases markedly. As a result, a number of serious hereditary pathologies develop.

For example, these:

  • looseness of the joints;
  • habitual dislocation;
  • "glass man" syndrome;
  • congenital rickets;
  • dermatosporaxis.

A sufficient amount of collagen is very important for the skin. With its lack, the dermis dries, flabby and thinner, loses volume and freshness, becomes covered with wrinkles. Hair and nails suffer from protein deficiency ...

Therefore, it is so important to take care of maintaining a sufficient level of collagen in the body. Unfortunately, we are not always aware of this and thoughtlessly spend our reserves, worsening our health.

How do we lose collagen?

The cause of protein deficiency can be not only an age-related slowdown in metabolism. Other factors also influence its production:

  • the state of the hormonal background;
  • bad habits;
  • excessive consumption of sugar;
  • irrational nutrition, diets and hunger strikes;
  • frequent stress;
  • prolonged exposure to the open sun;
  • hormonal disorders;
  • some autoimmune diseases.

It is known that sex enzymes play an important role in the synthesis of natural collagen. Well, since the secretion of hormones in the stronger sex does not decrease as quickly as in women, the signs of aging appear much later, which means that men do not have to make so much effort to preserve youth.

Important. Collagen production drops especially sharply after menopause. So, in the first 5 years of the menopausal period, the number of fibrillar fibers in the skin is reduced by more than 30%.

Affects the rate of recovery of protein compounds and unbalanced nutrition. If the body does not receive all the necessary amino acids and vitamins, the first deficiency symptoms will appear very soon and the state of health will worsen.

What substances improve collagen synthesis

If you notice that the skin has lost its elasticity and firmness, and the body has lost its former flexibility, change your diet. At the same time, keep in mind that for collagen, the presence of three amino acids in products - lysine, glycine and proline is important. What do they contain?

The source of lysine are eggs, legumes, cod and sardine, lean red meat. Glycine can be found in nuts and basil. Proline, which occupies almost 20% of the collagen molecule, is found in cereals, dairy and seafood, meat and green vegetables.

To improve protein metabolism, the following vitamins and minerals are needed:

  • D (fish oil, dairy products);
  • F (oatmeal, vegetable oil, sprouted grains, peanuts, fish oil);
  • C (citrus fruits, berries and fruits);
  • E (animal liver, vegetable oil, legumes, sea buckthorn, eggs);
  • A (fish liver and fat, butter, egg yolks, pumpkin and spinach);
  • zinc (seafood, milk, legumes, eggs);
  • sulfur (gooseberries, grapes, cereals, legumes, meat and fish);
  • silicon (cabbage, pumpkin, cucumbers and tomatoes);
  • copper (hard pasta, beef and fish liver);
  • iron (shellfish, animal kidneys and liver, persimmon, figs, dry yeast).

Collagen production requires foods containing lutein and anthocyanins. They are abundant in green tea, peppers, carrots, spinach, raspberries and egg yolks.

Where else are essential amino acids and vitamins found? Yes, almost everywhere. Each source has its own set of nutrients, so the diet should be as varied and healthy as possible.

What foods contain natural collagen?

It would be nice to get from food not only the nutrients necessary for protein production, but also collagen itself. Splitting in the gastrointestinal tract, it breaks down into amino acids, which are absorbed by the body better and faster, because they are properly structured.

Let's see what products contain natural collagen.

Seafood

It is the richest source of natural protein. Especially a lot of useful substances in fish of the salmon family. In addition, it contains a huge amount of vitamins, trace elements and omega 3 fatty acids, so it is considered an excellent product for the prevention of aging.

Rich in collagen and vegetable gifts of the ocean. The most useful of them are seaweed and red algae.

Attention. A lot of collagen is found in oysters, mussels, crabs and shrimps. Regular consumption of these inhabitants of the ocean not only saturates the body with natural protein, but also helps to avoid iodine deficiency.

The presence of seafood in the diet is a guarantee of health and longevity. They contain low molecular weight collagen, which is perfectly absorbed by the body and quickly integrated into the intercellular structure. This protein is especially useful for pregnant women, children and the elderly.

Meat

Another leader in the content of collagen. It contains a lot of a full-fledged polypeptide, which is well cleaved and absorbed by the body. The only drawback is that meat products contain substances that slow down protein metabolism.

An exception is turkey meat, which contains the dipeptide carnosine. This compound is an excellent antioxidant and, when in contact with collagen, plays the role of a buffer and protector, ensuring the stability of the polypeptide.

Such properties make it possible to put the tender and healthy meat of the "Spanish chicken" in the first place in terms of protein absorption.

The most stable collagen is found in beef, followed by lamb and pork. There is very little useful substance in a rabbit, which is why rabbit meat is so soft and tender. It is considered a dietary dish and is ideal for feeding children and the elderly.

Meat products rich in collagen

All animal protein sources (especially pork) are high in fat and cholesterol. This should be remembered and, when compiling a diet, choose white and dietary meat.

Gelatin

Edible gelatin is essentially partially processed collagen from animal tissue. It is well absorbed by the body and quickly copes with the deficiency of natural protein. A similar property is possessed by jelly and aspic, prepared from cartilage residues and jelly-forming substances.

To preserve youthful skin and healthy joints, it is recommended to consume the following dishes as often as possible:

  • jelly from fruits and berries;
  • various fillings;
  • jellies.

The collagen in these foods is in an easily digestible form. It is easily broken down and integrated into the cells of the body.

Fruits and vegetables

Of course, there is no protein in vegetables, fruits and greens. But we already know that the polypeptide is not absorbed without a set of amino acids and vitamins, which are so abundant in plant cultures.

Especially important for the synthesis of natural collagen is ascorbic acid, which is abundant in citrus fruits, black currants, garden strawberries, and other fresh berries and fruits.

The antioxidants present in orange-colored plants also have a similar effect. Yellow and red foods include vitamin A in the form of carotenoids, which enhance protein regeneration.

Advice. Among vegetables, cabbage, carrots and tomatoes are recognized as the most useful. For better absorption, it is recommended to use them with olive or vegetable oil. From green crops, pay attention to parsley, dill, lettuce and spinach.

All the considered products contain a lot of vitamins and microelements, accelerate the production of polypeptide and elastin, and therefore are especially beneficial for the skin.

Is there plant collagen?

There is no such thing as vegetable protein, since collagen can only be of animal origin. In this case, we are talking about collagen-like compounds present in germinated wheat grains and green algae.

Pleasant trifles

Where else can you find protein? It turns out that a large amount of such a substance is found in quinoa grains, a cereal from the amaranth family. The culture was grown only in the Andes for a long time, but the high nutritional value helped the "golden grain" to spread further.

A teaspoon of cereal per day saturates the body not only with complete protein, but also with valuable trace elements - copper and zinc.

A large amount of collagen is also present in chia seeds. Add them to yogurt or sprinkle on your morning cereal. Small, but such useful grains swell in the stomach, providing a feeling of satiety for a long time and helping to maintain a slender figure. Chia seeds are the perfect option for women on a diet.

Where is the “correct” collagen found?

It is not enough to eat products containing collagen. It is much more important that the protein is completely absorbed by the body and brings benefits, and not come out in an unchanged form. Therefore, when compiling a diet, one should take into account the presence of other nutrients and the absence of harmful substances.

For example, a meat patty gives us only 3-15% of energy from proteins, the rest comes from fats, the lion's share of which is saturated (remains solid at room temperature).

In natural soy, more than half of the calories are extracted from protein, which is why it is considered a better source of collagen than meat. Other legumes have the same property.

Advice. By including two parts of products containing plant collagen and one part of animal protein in your daily diet, you will get the optimal set of amino acids, including essential ones.

At the request of Marie Claire Galina Ryazanova, Chief Technologist of the Modern Cosmetics Laboratory MIXIT repeated why collagen is so important for the skin, and talked about what types of collagen are, how to slow down its loss and how to replenish it with the help of cosmetics. So, first a little educational program.

The condition of the skin directly depends on collagen ─ the basis of the connective tissue, which is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. In the skin, collagen is located mainly in the dermal layer (in other words, in its “base”) and makes up about 70% of all skin tissue proteins. The main task of collagen is to maintain skin turgor. Thanks to collagen, the skin is smooth and elastic - without wrinkles. Collagen, like elastin, helps the skin retain its ability to "elastic deformation", i.e. ability to recover from visible changes under load. We are talking about the speed with which creases from a hard pillowcase disappear after a sleepless night or, for example, the network of mimic wrinkles around the eyes disappears after too emotional dialogue. Collagen stabilizes our face oval in the form of a “triangle of beauty”, preventing it from sinking and sinking down. With the help of collagen, the skin can regulate the water-lipid balance and does not dry out.

The skin can return to its original state when pressed or stretched - this is its natural property, and collagen is responsible for it.

After 25 years, the natural production of collagen decreases, on average, by 1.5% per year, and after 40 years, collagen in skin cells is consumed at a very rapid pace. Smoking, love of fast food and sunburn, constant stress and lack of sleep increase the likelihood of impaired collagen synthesis in skin cells. With age, this leads to the accumulation of damaged collagen, and visually manifests itself in the fact that the skin “sags” unevenly, the oval becomes flabby, and wrinkles appear on the face. Our main task is to maintain the level of collagen necessary for the skin, maintaining it over time in all possible ways.

Where should it be in the composition

It all depends on the type of collagen (about them later) and the direction of the cosmetic product. For classic formulations, the dosage of collagen is from 0.5% to 5%. But there are so-called "collagen sheets", which are 100% collagen - their mechanism is somewhat similar to tissue masks with alginate components. In creams, gels and fluids, collagen is usually located "somewhere in the center."

Types of collagen

Collagen in cosmetics can be referred to as:

Collagen (Native Collagen). Most often, this type of collagen is used in creams as a film-forming substance to retain water inside skin cells. It is also used in hair products - in shampoos, conditioners. Such collagen has a large molecular weight and cannot penetrate deep into the skin.

Soluble Collagen. This type of collagen is obtained from the connective tissue of animals. It moisturizes the skin well, works on its elasticity, protects against stress factors.

Atellocollagen (Soluble Marine Collagen). Hydrolyzed fish collagen molecules are similar in structure to our own collagen and can easily penetrate into deep tissues. Once in the dermis, amino acids stimulate active cell renewal.

Hydrolyzed Collagen. The amino acids glycine, proline and lysine predominate in this type of collagen. Such collagen is used in cosmetics as an additive to its own collagen, when it is deficient in the body. It can be found in moisturizing creams and the entire range of lifting products.

"Vegetable Collagen" is a myth. There is no own plant collagen, just as there is nothing wrong with products with the so-called "plant collagen". Usually, these are useful vegetable proteins, obtained mainly from wheat and algae, which contain the necessary groups of amino acids, are easily absorbed by skin cells and are much less allergens than natural collagen.

Collagen fibers under the microscope

The most effective collagen products

Where is collagen found? The main products with it are anti-aging creams, serums and lotions, eye masks, neck and decollete care, lifting serums and creams for the face and body, any moisturizers, creams and balms for hands and nails, moisturizing shampoos, balms and hair rinses and even developers of hair dyes.

For the most part, collagen is used to achieve the “Cinderella” effect ─ immediate lifting and skin tone, or for long-term hydration. Usually, funds with a cumulative effect, in addition to collagen, contain a number of active ingredients, including because it will help them to be better absorbed and penetrate deeper into the skin. Therefore, cosmetologists recommend using collagen complexes immediately, for example, “serum-cream-mask” with collagen for a pronounced and quick action.

Hello, friends! Let's talk about a very important and well-known substance - collagen protein, collagen supplements, how to choose and take collagen for joints and ligaments, where and what collagen to buy, and what role collagen plays in our lives. There is a lot of material, but I hope that with the help of the table of contents you will find answers to all your questions.

Let's start with definitions and scientific background. I myself don’t want to bother with complex definitions, but I’ll sort out something to understand what, where, where and from where it is necessary.

All living beings on our planet, excluding plants, fungi and viruses with bacteria, are composed of connective tissue.

Connective tissue is the tissue of a living multicellular organism. Almost every part of our body is a connective tissue. Skin, bones, internal organs, and, and even fat and fluids in our body are made up of different types of connective tissue. The cell floats in the intercellular medium (matrix), which is the connective tissue. This tissue is made up of fibroblast cells and the collagen and elastin they produce.


Connective tissue structure

Purpose and structure of collagen and elastin

Connective tissue is also called fibrous tissue ( from lat. fibra - fiber), that is, a tissue formed from collagen and elastin fibers. Collagen is the basis of connective tissue.

Collagen- the main protein of our body and the main building material of connective tissue, which has a filamentous structure elongated in the form of a spiral and provides strength and elasticity to the tissue, allows it to be elastic and resist loads and physical impact. It makes up 1/3 of all proteins in the body. It is a simple protein, as it does not contain all the essential amino acids for humans.

According to its structure, collagen is a complex (chain) of amino acids and minerals, where every third element is the amino acid glycine. Depending on the type of collagen, the amino acid composition changes, but glycine remains.


The structure of collagen

Whether it is worth overpaying for marine collagen, which is more expensive than an animal, when buying supplements, or not - it's up to you. I think that for a change, with a regular intake of collagen, you can try different types.

But keep in mind that everything derived from marine products is a strong allergen for some people. Be careful.

Formation of collagen and elastin in the body

The formation of collagen and elastin is one of the main processes in the life of the body. In fact, this is the process of growth and development. With age, already after 25-30 years, these processes slow down, which slows down tissue renewal. The body begins to feel a lack of collagen, which affects the condition of the skin, hair and musculoskeletal system. Vessels become more fragile, lose their elasticity and resist loads worse, cardiovascular diseases and disorders appear. It is more and more difficult for the joints to recover: after all, the tissues become weaker, and the impact and stress increase, cartilage is destroyed.


Why there is a slowdown in the synthesis of collagen, and indeed the aging of the body, has not yet been fully clarified by scientists. There are many theories, but the fact remains that this process is not reversible. But we can make it less fast and noticeable, significantly delay it. And the most important way to this is not at all taking specialized supplements, as many people think, but all the same rules of a healthy lifestyle.

  • Proper nutrition will ensure proper nutrition of tissues and the supply of necessary substances for the formation of collagen and elastin.
  • will speed up and make these processes more efficient and, above all, the saturation with oxygen and the supply of working tissues with substances. If there is no movement, then the body does not need to feed the lazy organs and muscles.
  • will provide and create conditions for the flow of all life processes. Life originated in water, and only with a sufficient amount of water is it possible for the full development and life of the organism.
  • Absence of bad habits (smoking, alcohol, stress).

The process of collagen synthesis is complex and long. That is why wounds and cuts heal for so long, cartilage injuries recover for a long time and slowly. And with age, these processes increase even more, including due to the increasing lack of essential substances.

We need to know what to do and what to supply our body to ensure the process of effective collagen synthesis. What to focus on when there are signs of a lack of collagen or its failure. In this case, specialized supplements or products simply carry a ready-made formula and the necessary set of elements in an increased amount for the synthesis of its own collagen, which makes it easier for the body to assimilate it and produce its own unique protein.

How is collagen absorbed by the body?

It's important to say that the most effective collagen for humans, it is the collagen produced by the body itself . Moreover, the body will not accept or miss any other collagen for the construction and renewal of connective tissue. Therefore, the very first and most important way to increase and improve the synthesis of your own collagen is to provide the body with everything necessary for the independent production of this most important protein.

The rule, which has long been proven and is an indisputable truth, is known to everyone: before something is learned, the body and its systems must be completely destroyed to the smallest components. And already from this to build your own unique proteins that go to various needs. By and large, it is enough for a person to consume only these basic components for life - amino acids, in order to create their proteins, cells and tissues, and vitamins and minerals are necessary for the complex process of creating their own collagen.

Whatever type of collagen we ingest, be it jelly or a specialized supplement, it will undergo the same process of complete breakdown into small components, and then it will be collected into the right types and sent to the most suitable places. Collagen supplements, whatever the manufacturers say, are degraded just like any other food product.

Often, when taking supplements, we want to see the result immediately, and many people think that the supplement only works when you see that gorgeous hair has begun to grow or the skin is tightened before our eyes and better quickly, after a couple of weeks. But our body is smarter and will first send nutrients to the most necessary places and organs on which life depends, and the last thing it will think about is the beauty and splendor of the hair. Therefore, the recovery processes take a long time, require a long and constant supply of all the necessary substances. Everything takes time, at least for cell renewal.

Sources of collagen

Consider all possible sources of collagen, as well as sources that are better not to use for such a noble purpose.

  1. Cartilage, skin, bones etc., which are found in various dishes and are subject to minimal processing (fried or boiled chicken, cartilage, ribs, etc.). An absolutely inefficient source of collagen production, since with such a slight processing, collagen fibers are almost not absorbed by the body and require a lot of energy and additional digestive substances. As they say, one must be able to digest nails. Not many can boast of such an ability, and those who can - they flatter themselves.
  2. Chicken or any other meat broth, aspic. Dishes obtained by cooking (long-term heat treatment). This is a more accessible type of food for the absorption of collagen. During cooking, collagen fibers are destroyed and become more bioavailable for further assimilation by the body. Thus, ordinary home-made gelatin is obtained. It is almost no different from the purchased gelatin powder. Such dishes should be eaten periodically. But I doubt that this can be made a permanent source of collagen. In addition, the broth contains many other substances that cause controversy about their usefulness for the body.
  3. Purchased gelatin in sachets. Decided to separate this into a separate paragraph. Purchased gelatin is a completely natural product for use in the food industry and in the confectionery industry. Obtained by boiling bones, skin, tendons. The properties of gelatin (or rather, collagen fibers) are used to capture water molecules and form a jelly-like form. After cooking the initial raw material, the resulting gelatin is purified and becomes a good natural food supplement, which is quite cheap, but also has a number of disadvantages. There is no artificial gelatin, but when buying, you need to make sure that it is not diluted with other substances that we do not need. I sometimes take myself such a 100% gelatin. It is well refined and has a neutral taste. My mother is a confectionery and bakery technologist, she determines the ingredients and ingredients even by appearance. So my mom recommends!
  4. Jelly, marmalade, gummies. This type of product, contrary to popular belief, is not a good solution for replenishing collagen. There is very little gelatin in such products, the main place is occupied by sugars, dyes, flavors, etc., which is very harmful, especially for constant use. In addition, often in such products not even gelatin is used, but veining substances - agar-agar and pectin. Agar-agar is derived from red seaweed, while pectin is a polysaccharide derived from fruits and vegetables. Both substances are not collagen.
  5. Specialized Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplements. Specialized additives (BAA) based on collagen hydrolyzate and other substances that promote better absorption of collagen and its synthesis by the body. Everything is clear here. This includes collagen drinks, powders, and tablets. One of the most famous and reliable manufacturers of collagen supplements - NeoCell .

Rules and regulations or how to take collagen supplements

When taking collagen supplements, there are certain rules that must be followed. It is difficult to say by whom it was established and whether there are clear scientific justifications for this, but it is based on something and it is better to observe them.

In supplements, different types of collagen are consumed separately. . When shopping, you will find supplements with collagen types I and III and separate supplements with type II collagen. It is believed that they should not be mixed.

Collagen Supplements I and III types intended for joints, ligaments, skin, hair, bones and other purposes.

Collagen II type designed for articular cartilage, therefore it is often added to specialized joint supplements along with,.

Doctor's Best, Hyaluronic Acid with Chondroitin Sulfate & Type II Collagen.


Or a very high-quality supplement from the well-known company Solgar with many components that reinforce each other for proper nutrition of the joints and cartilage tissue.

Solgar, Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin, Type II Collagen & MSM (Sulfur).

Some type II collagen supplements are designed specifically for articular cartilage. They are obtained by processing chicken cartilage. They cost more. It makes sense to take such supplements for problems and diseases of cartilage tissue, after operations on cartilage and their injuries. When I get rich, I will periodically drink a course of such supplements.


From a letter from a reader: Hello Igor! I have been reading your articles for a long time. They helped me a lot. Thank you. I myself developed spondylarthrosis after rhythmic gymnastics. What I just did not try to drink. Now I drink 2 month UC-II. This is a biological supplement. undenatured collagen. I feel better. I recommend you try it too. Sincerely, Marina.

Spondylarthrosis- inflammatory destructive-dystrophic disease of the spine, characterized by limitation in movement and pain.

When mixing collagen I, III and type II collagen, when they are used together, the body, having broken everything down to amino acids, does not see for what specific purposes the supplement is intended: the amino acid composition is mixed and the specific goal is the joints, it is more difficult for amino acids to reach.

Collagen type I and III supplements should be taken on an empty stomach : Approximately 1 hour before meals or 1 hour after. The time varies depending on the form of the supplement (liquid, powder, tablet) and, accordingly, the rate of assimilation.

The reason is the same: when collagen amino acids are mixed with other protein foods, the purpose of amino acids is lost, and the body releases them for general needs.

Type II Collagen Supplements It is also recommended to be taken separately from collagen types I and III and separately from other protein foods. See manufacturer's recommendations.

The main and most important rule for the use and absorption of collagen supplements by the body is enough vitamin C .

It has been proven that without this important vitamin, collagen cannot be absorbed. Vitamin C is almost always added to collagen supplements to make it easier. It is more convenient to control the intake of vitamin C by taking it with collagen, but this is not necessary. It is enough that a daily dose of vitamin C is already present in the blood to ensure the necessary processes. If you don't take anything containing vitamin C alone, it's best to choose a supplement that already contains it.

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More difficult when using gelatin. Here you yourself will have to take care of the additional intake of vitamin C.

Drinking gelatin and collagen in the absence of a sufficient amount of vitamin C is useless.

The amount of collagen

Consumption of collagen. For prevention and for the normal functioning of the body, it is enough to consume 2-3 grams (that's 2-3 thousand mg) of collagen per day.

For an athlete, especially power sports, this dose should be increased to 5-6 grams.

If you are faced with problems and injuries, then the dose of collagen is recommended to be increased to 10 grams and taken in courses. It is best to alternate the intake of supplements with the same gelatin: this diversifies the diet and does not hit your pocket so hard.

In addition, it is desirable to alternate animal supplements and. Personally, I use a course of collagen with a dosage of 5-6 grams. And I alternate it with a month or two of rest and a course of gelatin. I take gelatin from a sachet (10 gr.) From gelatin, you can make jelly, a gelatin drink, or simply dissolve it in water and drink it with vitamin C.

The time of day does not matter when taking collagen supplements.

Unless you can remember about the biological clock and the overall work of our digestion. In the morning, the digestive system is most active (the best time for protein products), by the evening the activity decreases. This applies more to food and gelatin, less to collagen supplements. Since they already contain highly degraded collagen protein (peptides), absorption is easy. But it is better to take any supplements in small portions gradually, taking into account the rules indicated by the manufacturer and their form (time for absorption by the body). That is why it is recommended to distribute the daily norm of collagen during the day. In any case, listen to your own body: it will tell you.

The rules are quite simple, but I can tell by myself that sometimes it is difficult to control the emptiness of the stomach and remember to take collagen in between. But everything is possible.

What are collagen peptides and what are they for?

By selling and advertising their supplements, manufacturers promise nothing. Very often, when describing collagen supplements and many others, as well as when describing the action of cosmetic products, one may come across the concept of peptides as the most digestible and effective elements. What it is?

Peptides are very short chains of amino acids. All proteins are made up of long chains or a set of amino acids. If the chain is long, then it is called a protein. If the chain consists of one or two amino acids, but no more than ten, then this is a peptide. The body breaks down proteins into amino acids and peptides. If for some reason it was not possible to completely destroy the protein and the penetrated piece turned out to be too long (long peptide), then the immune system takes it for a foreign one - rejection and allergy occur.


Peptide in the structure of the amino acid chain

In the body, peptides are formed very quickly, but it is more difficult to create peptides in the laboratory, it takes a lot of money and time, but it is possible. Proteins are unique structures for the body, but peptides are universal in living organisms and have some specialization for each organ or tissue. From peptides and individual amino acids, the body builds its own unique combinations of proteins. Scientists claim that it is possible to create such peptides for the specific needs of the body.

Peptides, unlike the large proteins of collagen, even if hydrolyzed, are able to penetrate the skin to their destination or to other places. The body, breaking down food into individual amino acids and peptides, sends them to the right place. You can create peptides that will definitely go either into the skin, or into the bones, or into the cartilage. A wonderful future is opening up. Theoretically, knowing how to create the necessary peptides, you can control individual processes in the body.

When I read the description of supplements or other products and see that the manufacturer claims the miraculous properties of their peptide-based product, I have a double feeling: on the one hand, this should work, and on the other, there is distrust. These are complex processes. Is he lying? We just need to know that this is possible and is actively developing, but we also need to take a more responsible attitude to the choice of the manufacturer and his promises.

I touched upon the concept of peptides precisely because it has now become common in cosmetics and specialized additives containing collagen. The size of the final chain of amino acids depends on the absorption, penetration and effectiveness of collagen in the body. That is why manufacturers (especially cosmetics) have the courage to declare the maximum penetration into the deeper layers of the skin and the action of peptides. I thought that this should be known in our case. The supplements recommended in this article, according to the manufacturer's description, are exactly the source of collagen peptides.

Forms of use of collagen supplements

As usual, manufacturers offer collagen supplements in different forms and packages. In addition, the supplement almost always contains additional substances that enhance the effect, depending on its purpose and purpose. Let's look at examples.

Liquid Collagen. The most easily digestible form of collagen precisely because it is liquid. We must not forget that this is a food product that must be kept in the refrigerator and which has an expiration date. Difficult to transport and control dosage. I don't feel comfortable taking this kind of collagen.

Collagen drinks with liquid collagen, vitamins and antioxidants: Neocell, Collagen +C, Pomegranate Syrup And Youtheory, Collagen Liquid, Advanced Formula, Type 1 & 3

Collagen Powder. The second form in assimilation and bioavailability. In my opinion, it’s also not a very convenient form: it takes up a lot of space, it’s difficult to calculate the dosage, you need to have juice or another drink on hand (it doesn’t taste good to drink with water), it takes time to prepare the drink. But it is very quickly absorbed and stored for a long time. When compared with other forms, the cost of collagen powder is cheaper.

Neocell, Super Collagen, 6600 mg, Types 1 & 3, Powder (198 g).

A super option of fish collagen (collagen peptides) for price, quality, quantity and composition. California Gold Nutrition CollagenUP 5000 (461 g) with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.


Powdered collagen is added to water or juice. It's good to add it to your morning multivitamin smoothie or any other protein-free drink.

Some are added to tea or coffee. Haven't tried. Theoretically, there is nothing wrong with that. Collagen is already a denatured protein that has been destroyed by heat treatment, but, nevertheless, since supplements often contain other useful substances, it is better to dilute and drink them with liquids at room temperature. In addition, vitamin C, necessary for collagen, is destroyed at temperatures above 60 ° C.

There are people who find unpleasant aftertastes in fully purified collagen, so juice with enough vitamin C is the best conductor for collagen.

But there is another minus: drinking juice in the morning on an empty stomach is not very healthy - it's bad for the pancreas, and drinking with water is tasteless.

For me personally, it is easier to drink collagen in capsules or tablets. Stopped, drank and went.

Collagen capsules. Combines the advantages of powder form and tablet form, but dissolves a little longer.

Doctor's Best, collagen types 1 and 3, 500 mg.


Excellent joint health supplement with type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and chondroitin. But it does not contain vitamin C and it is not clear what types and how much glucosamine with chondroitin is included in the recommended rate. But the presence of collagen is important here. It is better to use as an addition to the courses of chondroprotectors.

Neocell Joint Collagen Complex Type 2.


Collagen tablets. It is convenient to store, transport, dose and drink, but it dissolves for a long time. If a drink with collagen powder begins to be absorbed immediately, then the tablet should be dissolved in the stomach for about 20-30 minutes. That is why it is better to take collagen tablets several times a day. It is difficult and time-consuming to assimilate at once the number of tablets recommended by the manufacturer. It is better to break up the reception during the day.

One of the Best Hydrolyzed Collagen Vitamin C Supplements Neocell, Super Collagen + C Types 1 & 3, 6,000 mg, 250 Tablets.


A super offer from Dr "Best - a large amount of collagen with the necessary composition. I buy myself the maximum amount at once: you need to drink supplements for a long time, otherwise it makes no sense. And it turns out profitable and lasts for a long time.

Doctor's Best, Best Collagen Types 1 & 3, 1000 mg, 540 Tablets.


Collagen for athletes

Collagen is a protein necessary and important for any person. For people involved in sports and having increased stress on the body, it becomes even more necessary.

But collagen, taken as a supplement or with food, is an incomplete protein and cannot supply the body with all the essential amino acids it needs. Therefore, as a protein for building muscles, it is not suitable.

However, collagen consumed provides sufficient amounts of the amino acids that are needed to build its own collagen and elastin, allowing the body not to remove them from other important processes and not to expend energy on the production of these amino acids. When developing and gaining muscle mass, this is a very important point.

To obtain the effect and benefits of collagen supplements, however, like any other, you need a sufficient amount of ALL the necessary substances in the athlete’s food:, amino acids,. The lack of even one thing can nullify all efforts. Therefore, close attention should be paid to substances that contribute to the effective process of the formation of collagen fibers.

When any problems appear (injuries, increased stress, diseases of the connective tissue), the body needs more certain substances and amino acids, which it can painlessly use to restore weaknesses.

Collagen strengthens ligaments, muscles, bones, tendons and cartilage, increases their elasticity. Helps to more effectively withstand increased stress. It is indispensable for injuries and other tissue damage, since it is collagen and elastin that are responsible for the rapid restoration of tissues.

Joints and cartilage are very slowly regenerating structures. Just as you should not expect quick results, so when taking collagen supplements, you need to be patient. This is a long process.

Collagen - beauty supplement

Despite the fact that diseases of the musculoskeletal system and joints are becoming a real scourge of our time, when certain problems affect a huge number of people, the first thing that worries and is the most important for a person, and especially for our beautiful half of humanity, is appearance. What is there with the joints is not the most important thing, the main thing is that the “suit fits”, or rather, our main clothing (skin) is healthy, young, toned, smooth and radiant.

It is for this reason that manufacturers are more positioning their supplements (in this case, collagen) as a means of preserving beauty, favorably affecting the skin, rejuvenating and tightening it. This is the main thing, and there - at least the grass does not grow.

Our skin contains the most collagen types I and III. This is exactly what is indicated on collagen supplements. Manufacturers don’t lie (they don’t always lie) and collagen, as we managed to make out, has exactly these functions, this is its direct purpose in the body - to take care of connective tissue and skin as well.

Great beauty supplement. In addition to marine collagen, it contains a bunch of necessary substances for the synthesis of its own collagen, hydration and tissue health. Neocell, Marine Collagen.

Another Women's Supplement Neocell Collagen Beauty Builder.


Main, in the pursuit of beauty, do not forget that the skin, hair and nails receive their nutrition not from shampoos and creams, but through the blood , through internal power supply. This I already pro numerous cosmetic means.

Concerning collagen for external cosmetic use added to cosmetics, masks, creams, etc., then the question of its effectiveness is debatable and depends very much on the manufacturer and the technologies available to him. By and large, such products have some effect due to other components: vitamins, minerals, oils, etc., which have a positive effect on the skin. Collagen proteins are too large to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, albeit in a hydrolyzed form. But, as I found out, collagen helps to retain moisture and nutrients due to the formation of a kind of barrier.

As for cosmetic products containing collagen, which, according to scientists and manufacturers, are able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, integrate into the structure of the skin's collagen and influence the synthesis of its own collagen, one must trust this carefully.

According to scientific data, amino acids individually, although they are able to penetrate into the layers of the skin, are not useful, because they do not have information data for these processes, cells do not know how to use them, but peptides (small amino acid chains) are able to penetrate due to their size. into the skin, and cells recognize their purpose and use them for collagen synthesis or other purposes.

How accurate this is, how correctly understood and, most importantly, studied from an independent point of view, I can no longer say. The cosmetics industry is developing very intensively, consumer demand is huge, but you need to choose any products from high-quality, reliable and responsible manufacturers. Without fanaticism and with a sober look. It must be understood that the process of laboratory production of peptides is complex and expensive, it is not yet possible to surpass the body and nature in this. Funds obtained in such ways cannot be very cheap.

It is impossible to stop the natural processes in the body. But you can slow it down, make it less pronounced both inside and outside.

That's all I know about collagen from this side. Do not blame me, I'm more interested in joints and ligaments. Who about what, but lousy ... about the joints! And the inner beauty from excess, in the end, will break out ...

The main thing is that the body receives everything it needs and collagen from the inside, and let the cream, even with unique peptides, perform its cosmetic functions. And only then, by attacking from different fronts, it is possible to achieve good results in the matter of health, and beauty will be an inevitable accompanying bonus, reflecting the internal health of the body and the beauty of the spirit.

Japanese Collagen

One reader once asked me what I think and how I feel about Japanese additives. Naturally, I immediately thought of the most famous Japanese supplement that I have tried - Japanese collagen.

Probably, many people know that the Japanese are the nation that consumes various additives the most in the world. And they drink collagen drinks in buckets. I think that good appearance, youth, health and longevity in Japan depend on many reasons, not only supplements, but they also play a significant role.

First of all, everything for food and other needs, including cosmetic, Japan receives from marine resources. Collagen produced by Japanese manufacturers is marine. Most often, collagen is positioned as a supplement for beauty, youth and rejuvenation. Developed high-tech means of processing raw materials (Japanese, you know) make it possible to obtain high-quality additives. I also got into this and figured it out. Naturally, I ordered Japanese collagen via the Internet.

If someone now remembered about the accidents that happened not so long ago in Japan at nuclear power plants, then you don’t have to worry. The production of additives in Japan is subject to serious multi-stage quality control and compliance with international standards, there is a completely different attitude to this. You understand, about 80% of the population eats additives. In general, I believed the Japanese.

I took Japanese collagen supplements in powder form. They undergo complex processes of processing, denaturation and deodorization. Such collagen is more like a powder with a creamy, milky smell, and by no means fishy, ​​and a neutral taste, so adding it to juices or other drinks is very convenient (for my personal taste, it may differ from yours, do not blame me). To justify its purpose as a beauty supplement, they add, and, extracts of medicinal plants and other ingredients, which is quite good. The main thing is that it is high-quality hydrolyzed collagen, which can be tried as part of a comprehensive treatment for recovery from injuries, joint diseases, connective tissue problems, and just when you want to look good and healthy.

AMINO COLLAGEN PREMIUM (Meiji) WITH COQ10 AND HYALURONIC ACID

Low molecular weight drinking Amino Collagen (Amino Collagen) MEIJI (Japan)

Such supplements can be ordered through the international online store ebay. Once it was possible to try it, now it will cost quite a lot in my opinion. Like it or not, but now an online store iHerb remains the most profitable and affordable in terms of prices and delivery with a huge range of products that are not inferior to Japanese ones. But everyone has different possibilities, so look, try, choose. My job is to tell and show.

How to restore connective tissue

The restoration of connective tissue, first of all, consists in actions aimed at establishing the body's own processes for the synthesis of collagen fibers. There is no other way to restore and strengthen the connective tissue (whether it be ligaments, bones or skin of the face).

I am always for an integrated approach, for an offensive on several fronts at the same time, and I believe that this is the only way to achieve real health. Buy yourself a bunch of supplements, swallow them in packs, but lie on the couch and eat it all with chips, a waste of money. So nothing will come of it. This is especially true for joints. Only an integrated approach will lead to recovery and beauty, if you like. Let's take a look at each of these fronts.

  1. Movement. To obtain all the nutrients, the effective formation and renewal of tissues, energy and movement are needed. Please note: collagen is found most of all in tissues that perform mechanical functions (muscles, ligaments, cartilage). The more and more intense the movement, the more active the process of collagen formation. If you do not stretch the ligaments, do not train them, do not strengthen them, then nothing will work. Only through the load and movement the body determines where it is necessary to send nutrients, what needs to be restored and strengthened. Without movement, neither collagen, nor cartilage, nor ligaments will be effectively restored and strengthened.
  2. Nutrition. Everything in our life depends on food. If nutrition does not provide the body with all the necessary substances, then no processes of regeneration, renewal, restoration and birth are simply impossible. The body is able to produce a lot of things on its own, replace and synthesize for its own needs, but this mode of operation very soon leads to diseases, exhaustion and death. To live, we must eat. And let our food be varied, complete, nutritious and healthy. The main thing is to give the body what it needs, and it will figure everything out on its own: where to direct what, how to transform and what to use. For the effective formation of healthy and strong connective tissue, all existing amino acids, vitamins and minerals are needed. Some go to her education, others help it. The lack of one thing, and even more so the absence, will immediately disrupt these complex processes.
  3. Drinking regime. Do not forget that all processes in the body occur only in a liquid medium. A sufficient amount is the key to the effectiveness of the processes of formation of collagen and elastin. Enzymes that break down and help absorb substances for the formation of collagen will work effectively only with a sufficient amount of fluid. Dehydration is one of the main causes of fragility and failure of connective tissue, joints and ligaments. Try to drink enough good water.
  4. Enzymes. The consumption of enzymes on an empty stomach will accelerate the processes of destruction and renewal of weak and diseased connective tissue. In case of injuries, this method will help to effectively get rid of the damaged ones and will allow the formation of new healthy tissues faster. Enzyme preparations in this case are absorbed in the mouth on an empty stomach for faster entry into the blood. The function of enzymes is to dissolve and break down something, but when there is no food, they will take on diseased and dead cells. Which is what we need. For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver or pancreas, it is better to consult with your doctor. I do not consider taking enzymes necessary if everything is good with digestion. Enzymes can be taken at the initial stages of recovery of the body after injuries and operations.
  5. Collagen Supplements. With intensive sports, stress on the joints, with diseases of the joints, with problems with connective tissue (bones, skin, cartilage), it is advisable to drink collagen supplements in courses. These can be specialized supplements, or an additional intake of gelatin. Such additives will provide the body with those amino acids and substances that are necessary for its own synthesis in the right quantities and proportions.
  6. It is necessary to remember about the main substances that form collagen and elastin, which can be obtained from ingested collagen, gelatin or other food and pay close attention to them if you want to stimulate your own processes for the formation of collagen protein.

With a chronic lack of essential nutrients, problems will not be long in coming. We do not eat properly and do not get all the necessary substances with food. This is confirmed by the increase in the incidence of the musculoskeletal system and other organs throughout the world. Scoliosis, curvature, etc. begins to appear early.

With age, the level of silicon in the body decreases, respectively, this affects the decrease in the formation of collagen. One clings to the other. It is believed that the lack of silicon is another reason for the rapid aging of the body. Silicon is considered the element of youth, probably not in vain.

Magnesium. Magnesium is part of the enzymes and thus participates in the formation of collagen. The assimilation of food and its splitting is possible only with an abundance of enzymes responsible for the breakdown of proteins, fats, carbohydrates. Enzymes will not be able to break down your favorite jellied meat, it will leave "in a straight line."

Copper. Copper is an element that is incorporated into collagen peptides and thus increases and promotes effective synthesis of collagen and elastin, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is involved in the process of replacing damaged collagen fibers with new ones, which is especially important when recovering from injuries and surgeries. Copper is involved in the formation of important enzymes.

Vitamin A. participates in the synthesis of collagen, regulates and increases its level.

Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant, protects cells from free radicals, participates in the process of collagen synthesis and many others, helps to retain moisture in cells, is necessary for blood circulation, relieves joint pain.

Amino acids needed for collagen production

Consider the amino acids involved in the formation of collagen.

Glycine. It is the main and every third amino acid in the structure of collagen. Glycine is a non-essential amino acid, that is, the body is able to synthesize it on its own in case of deficiency, but everything has limits and it must also be made from something. The content of glycine in human tissues reaches 35%. Glycine also regulates the activity of the central nervous system and metabolism. Glycine is very important for many processes in the body, therefore, if it is deficient, it will be removed primarily from collagen, which obviously will not benefit it.


Lysine (L-lysine). An essential amino acid. Must be taken with food. Lysine, together with vitamin C, is essential for building collagen fibers. With their lack of collagen formation is disturbed. Lysine is very important for the growth and development of cartilage tissue, bone tissue, for the quality and elasticity of the skin. Participates in the restoration and regeneration of connective tissue and in the formation of hormones and enzymes.


Proline. An amino acid that, with the help of vitamin C, contributes to the creation of a stable collagen structure, which gives strength to collagen fibers.


Alanine, Valine, Arginine and other amino acids are already present in collagen in small quantities, can be synthesized in the body independently and are involved in many processes, including the formation of collagen.

These amino acids are part of and are essential in the formation of collagen by the body. In diseases of the spine, curvature (improper lifestyle + weakness of the connective tissue) and other problems, these amino acids should be supplied to the body in increased quantities.

As an additive, you can try this complex of essential and non-essential amino acids. People who are actively involved in sports, especially bodybuilding, know the importance and necessity of an additional amount of amino acids for the body.

Any sports nutrition company produces such supplements (often signed with the abbreviation BCAA ( branched-chain amino acids) - Amino acids with branched side chains). This includes complexes of essential, only obtained from food, amino acids.

Additive Now Foods, Sports, Amino Complete contains a whole balanced complex of essential and non-essential amino acids and is suitable for everyone, especially those who lead an active sports lifestyle. Let's just say: it will sometimes not be superfluous to enrich the diet.

But supplements are supplements, and no one has canceled good nutrition. And then I advise supplements and I'm afraid that you forgot about the main food. Collagen must, like everything in our body, be constantly updated. And this is possible only with proper nutrition, having in the food consumed all the necessary elements for its formation.

That is why such a statement as "health of the spine through proper nutrition" has a basis. So I strongly advise you to deal with the issues of proper nutrition, first of all, having these important amino acids, or trust the analysis and methods of other people. But it's really important to know.

This little free book talks very briefly about the main nutrients that you need to know about when buying food. These are the basics that you cannot do without, especially if a person comes to the idea of ​​starting to monitor his diet. Test your knowledge.

Does collagen help and should I take supplements?

First of all, any supplements are part of the nutrients that the body in modern conditions is difficult to obtain from food in sufficient quantities. Additives are aimed at filling this shortcoming. They allow the body to effectively carry out the processes of nutrition, renewal and recovery. No more, but no less.

We are all made up of connective tissue, a living tissue whose cells are constantly being renewed (born, living and dying). Everything in our body is renewed. Every day, millions of cells die and just as many are born. Just the bone tissue is renewed within a few years (this also applies to the joints), and, for example, liver cells within a month or less.

For all these renewal processes, a daily intake of a sufficient amount of various substances is necessary. If, having become ill, a person does not change anything in his life, then cell renewal does not change either. Diseased cells are replaced by the same diseased cells, lacking substances and hunger, the disease continues to develop further.

With a lack of collagen, its problems in the body, with injuries or after operations, when the connective tissue needs to be restored and nourished intensively, the role of supplements increases. It is possible to overeat, hoping to get everything you need from the standard set of foods, but it seems to me that this is more difficult and often impossible for most of us. And it is even better to eat fully and enrich the food with the necessary elements, not hoping for a chance.

In any case, it is necessary to increase the intake of amino acids and other elements necessary for the synthesis of collagen in the body. Otherwise, the recovery may not only be delayed, but also go wrong, cause additional problems. A hungry organism will form hungry, defective and diseased tissues. It is almost impossible to get the amino acids necessary for the formation of collagen fibers in the right amount from ordinary food. Most of them are replaceable, but also necessary - this means that the body, with their lack, must produce them on its own, while taking them from other organs and excluding them from other processes. Several amino acids are essential and can only be obtained from food, which complicates matters. All these processes depend on our life, nutritional opportunities, stress, existing diseases and, what can I say, are seriously limited by this.

So that the body can cope with modern loads, stresses, and also has the strength to play sports, develop and recover effectively, take supplements and specifically collagen supplements, even in the form of gelatin or aspic, it is very desirable.

If you're doing nothing, eating well, and having no problems, then you probably don't need supplements. If you are taking care of yourself, exposing yourself to stress, doing your favorite sport, want to be active for a long time, and even more so if you have injuries and need to recover, then make sure that you eat enough and that your daily diet has enough nutrients. Pay special attention to those amino acids and supplements that will promote the production of your own collagen. Most importantly, think about your body, and it will reciprocate.

I strongly advise you to read the article from the heading "Health Recipes" -. I will give recipes for the preparation of healthy gelatin drinks and jelly, which can, if not replace the intake of collagen supplements, then diversify the diet and get a lot of benefits for the joints, cartilage and appearance.

All the best to you. Do not be ill!

Nutrient content data from the website Food Plus.info

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You may also be interested

Collagen is one of the most widely used ingredients in our beauty jars. It is especially popular in anti-age cosmetics.

Many are convinced that if you use a cream with collagen, then wrinkles will miraculously smooth out, the skin will become elastic and young, and in general, aging does not seem to threaten. But before "believing everything they say", let's dig a little deeper and figure out how collagen actually works in cosmetics, what it can and what it doesn't.

In this post, we will talk about what collagen is, how it happens and how it changes with age, why it is added to cosmetics, and how it affects the skin.

What is collagen

In a series of posts about the structure of the skin, we described in detail that its middle layer (dermis) is similar to a water-spring mattress, the “springs” of which are protein fibers collagen and elastin. Moreover, 80% of the dermis is made up of collagen fibers.

In addition to the dermis, collagen is found in muscles, organs, blood vessels, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones, hair, and nails.

Functions

Provides skin strength.

Structure

The collagen molecule consists of 19 amino acids. Amino acids, like beads, are connected in chains. These chains are closely interconnected and form 3 strands. And the threads, twisting like twine, form a spiral, similar to a spring.

It is this structure that gives collagen fibers special strength and resistance to stretching.

The fiber is only 1 mm thick and can withstand a load of up to 10 kg.

The collagen fibers in the skin form a "mesh". Unlike elastin, the collagen mesh does not stretch, but can flex.

collagen family

From which of the 19 amino acids "took hands" and how they formed a chain, it depends on what type of collagen will be. There are 28 types in total. Types I and III are mainly present in the skin.

  • I type. The most important, makes up 85% of all collagen in the skin. The most durable and elastic when stretched.

1 g of type I collagen is stronger than 1 g of steel.

  • III type. Most of all in young and children's skin. It is thanks to this collagen that young skin is so tender and soft. There is a lot of it in healing wounds in the early stages, gradually being replaced by type I. If you do not allow the wound to heal normally, for example, crushing acne (our favorite pastime) and thereby supporting the inflammatory process, type III collagen synthesis will continue longer than expected and can lead to noticeable scars that remain even after the skin has completely healed.

Collagen in the skin is continuously synthesized by fibroblast cells. With age, their activity decreases significantly, which means that the amount of collagen in the skin becomes less.

Fibroblast cells are bonded and dependent on hormones. The older we get, the less estrogen is produced in the body. Less estrogen means less collagen production.

When there are fewer collagen fibers, they are no longer enough to maintain the correct structure of the skin.

The work of fibroblasts gradually slows down - by about 1% every year already from the age of 20. And after 40 this process accelerates.

In addition, with age, collagen fibers lose their elasticity, become thicker and rougher. They crumple, “holes” form, and an even, strong “net” does not work. The "mesh" is bent, the skin is "breaking" and - hello, wrinkles. ☹

To top it off (as if we don’t have enough already), in addition to synthesis, the process of collagen destruction is always going on in the skin. Thus, the skin is constantly updated. However, with age, the process of destruction is gaining momentum. Collagen is destroyed under the influence of certain enzymes (collagenases). Enzymes break down collagen fibers into small fragments, disrupting their structure. The skin bends, sags and - the result is the same - wrinkles appear. ☹

What else destroys collagen

In addition to age, collagen fibers have more enemies.

  • Sun.
  • Prolongation of action of other components.

Prolongs the action of extracts and oils when used together with collagen. Allows you to use fewer active substances and maintain the desired result.

  • Hair care.

Protects hair by creating a breathable film on its surface. Glues the hair scales. Gives shine.

Collagen and anti-age products

Collagen in anti-aging products is a good and useful ingredient. But not a panacea.

If you want to improve skin texture and fight wrinkles, the best option is to first remove the old damaged collagen fibers (for example, with median peels), and then stimulate the synthesis of new collagen.

This can be done with the help of long-wavelength laser therapy and proper nutrition, which contains the nutrients necessary for collagen synthesis. Pay attention to the following products:

  • cheese, eggs, fish, milk, poultry- good sources of protein, contain amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis;
  • blackberry, blueberry, cherry, raspberry- contain anthocyanides;
  • citruses, strawberries, peppers, broccoli- contain a lot of vitamin C;
  • nuts, seafood, buckwheat, oatmeal- contain copper.

Plus, use external cosmetics that provide intensive hydration and lifting (including those with collagen in the composition).

Summarize

Collagen is the foundation of our skin. It provides its strength and structure.

In the skin there is a continuous process of synthesis and destruction of collagen fibers. Thus, the skin is constantly updated. As we age, collagen breaks down faster and rebuilds more slowly. In addition, collagen fibers suffer from excessive UV radiation, smoking and sugar abuse.

Cosmetics use animal, marine and human collagen. Each of them can be native, hydrolyzed and soluble.

Regular (native) collagen cannot penetrate the skin and only works on the surface. Hydrolyzed and soluble - they can, but they are not complete collagen. These are just individual amino acids and their chains (peptides). They do not have the properties of collagen.

To answer the question of whether collagen works in cosmetics, you need to understand what exactly we expect from it. Moisturizing, lifting, regeneration of collagen from a jar will provide us. But, alas, he cannot turn back time.

Despite the fact that collagen is one of the main components of anti-wrinkle products, it is not a rejuvenating apple. Collagen provides good hydration and lifting, so fine wrinkles are smoothed out and become less noticeable. But cosmetic collagen (even as part of fillers that penetrate the dermis) cannot in any way affect the synthesis of the skin's own collagen. The body can fully use only the collagen that is synthesized inside its own cells.

To effectively fight the signs of aging, you must first remove the old damaged collagen fibers. Then stimulate the synthesis of new collagen. And be sure to use competent anti-age care - including products with collagen in the composition.

Do you have any questions? Ask in the comments.

Pump up cosmetic literacy and be beautiful.

See you on the air of LaraBarBlog. ♫