Where ageing is concerned, it’s one of the first factors we use to judge how old someone is before we even ask the question, “how old they are you”? We look at how their skin looks, whether they have smooth, plump skin or wrinkly dry skin. The skin may be the one organ that gives us an indication of how old we think someone is… Skin texture, density and elasticity can, therefore, be said to be one of the first signs we look for to determine someone’s age. So, the question stands, is collagen an anti-ageing miracle?
Texture, elasticity and density; however, all have to do with the collagen in the skin. That brings us to the conclusion that lack of collagen is the same thing as having aged skin and therefore looking old. We could argue the case then that excess collagen could be an anti-aging, but is collagen an anti-ageing miracle?
There are a myriad of collagen supplements out there, but one thing everyone is trying to determine is if they work, and, if they do can collagen be replaced or maintained by ingesting it? Collagen occurs abundantly throughout the body and is found mainly in the skin, bones and connective tissues. Though certain types of collagen are said to be stronger than steel, its’ production is known to decline with age and exposure to factors such as smoking, age and UV light.
Collagen molecules are rather large, and though cosmetic products claim to increase collagen in the skin, this is almost impossible as collagen molecules cannot permeate the skin barrier easily as they are too big.
What is collagen?
Collagen can be endogenous (synthesized by the body in its natural form) or exogenous (from an outside source) in the form of supplements to help repair body tissues. Depletion of collagen in the body can sometimes cause a myriad of health problems.
Collagen is a hard, insoluble fibrous protein that makes up roughly one-third of the protein molecules in the human body. It is tightly packed together in long thin fibrils that act as a supporting structure and help anchor other cells to each other. This strength and elasticity give youthful skin its flawless and almost dewy look.
Most collagen in the body belongs to the types 1, 2 and 3. There are over sixteen kinds of collagen throughout the body, and each different type has different structures and functions, for example. Type 1 collagen is said to be stronger than steel.
What does collagen do?
Collagen secreted by various cells, but mainly by connective tissue cells. The extracellular matrix, an intricate network of macromolecules (a molecule containing a large number of atoms, that determine the physical properties of body tissues) is made up mostly of collagen.
Skin – Collagen constitutes 70% of the skin’s dry mass content.
Bones – Representing around 90% of organic bone mass, collagen provides the structural framework on which calcium and other minerals are anchored.
Joint Cartilage – made up of cellular building blocks that produce an extracellular matrix, consisting of collagen and proteoglycans. So, is collagen an anti-ageing miracle?
With age, collagen weakens, leading to wrinkles and cartilage problems.
In the dermis or the middle layer of skin, collagen helps form a fibrous network of cells called fibroblasts, upon which new cells can grow. It also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells. Some collagens act as protective coverings for delicate organs in the body, such as the kidneys. We produce less trusted sources of collagen, leading to the depletion of collagen and resulting in a decline in the structural integrity of the skin. Wrinkles may form, and joint cartilage will also get weaker with this depletion.
Collagen tends to deplete very fast in women over the age of 60 and can lead to other complications. Luckily collagen is absorbable, which means it can be absorbed back into the body through supplements. It is also has a diverse range of functions and also manufactured into solids or gels for medical treatment. Collagen for medical use comes from humans cows, pigs or sheep.
Collagen can also be injected in the skin as a filler, used in wound dressings, vascular prosthetics, skin revitalization and guided tissue regeneration.
Preventing collagen loss can be challenging, but a healthy diet goes a long way in helping prevent collagen loss. You should also support collagen formation by making sure you are getting Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Copper from your foods as well as Proline, found in meat, soy, cheese, and egg -whites. Anthocyanidins also found in berries are great for collagen maintenance.
Collagen is damaged by smoking, high sugar consumption, Sunlight( UV Rays), Autoimmune disorders, Genetic changes and general age-related degeneration. Avoiding some of these things can probably keep the skin healthier for longer.
With all these facts know we could, therefore, conclude that collagen is an antiaging miracle could we not. In a market with so many choices, how do we identify the best brand, with high-quality ingredients, that can help us maintain that plump, youthful skin, while at the same time helping us turn back the hands of time?
Below are a few collagen brands I have tried and tested, and I am sure will give you outstanding results.
GOLD COLLAGEN
Gold Collagen https://www.gold-collagen.com/us/pure-gold-collagen
Liquid food supplement with collagen, borage oil, hyaluronic acid, N-acetylglucosamine, sweeteners, piper nigrum, vitamins and minerals.
PURE GOLD COLLAGEN® is a unique formula that specifically offers a unique combination of collagen and supplements.
Apart from collagen, it also contains the minerals, vitamins and trace elements listed below; a UK study carried out on 108 volunteers taking PURE GOLD COLLAGEN® showed: *skin hydration increased by 12% after three weeks *the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles decreased by 15% and 27%, -_respectively after six weeks *skin elasticity increased by 20% after nine weeks.
Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and helps support healthy hair. Zinc contributes to the preservation of normal nails.
Vitamin C contributes to healthy collagen formation for the normal function of skin and cartilage.
Copper contributes to healthy skin and hair pigmentation. Copper contributes to the maintenance of healthy connective tissues.
Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cell constituents from oxidative damage.
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin and hair.
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
SKINADE
Skinade delivers essential micronutrients in liquid form and aims to rebuild the collagen matrix in your skin. Skinade aims to combat the signs of ageing by reducing oxidative stress, preventing cross-linking of collagen fibres, increasing moisture and hydration, increasing natural hyaluronic acid production within the dermal layer of the skin. As a result, Skinade aims to restore your skin’s youthful appearance, improve tone, texture, hydration, smooths furrow lines and promote better skin suppleness.
Hydrolyzed Marine collagen peptides High-grade hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, sourced from fresh-water fish, low in sodium and avoiding mercury contamination – 70000mg in each bottle.
Vitamin C is essential for natural collagen formation and maintaining the collagen matrix. It also provides vital protection for the skin by boosting the immune system and reducing free-radical damage.
MSM – Naturally occurring form of organic sulphur found in all living organisms. It helps collagen and keratin formation, improves skin elasticity and inhibits cross-linking of collagen cells, a significant cause of skin ageing.
Vitamin B Complex – Riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3) and biotin contribute to the maintenance of normal skin health. Vitamin B2 also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Folic acid and vitamin B12 play a role in the process of cell division. The vitamin-B complex promotes more uniform, clearer, glowing and radiant skin.
Omegas 3 & 6 Sourced exclusively from organic flaxseed oil, play an essential role in balancing dry and oily skin.
L-lysine – An essential amino acid that is key to rebuilding the collagen matrix at cellular level.
Miko Beauty https://mikobeauty.com
This formulation increases collagen production in the whole body by up to 29% and plumps out facial skin helping achieve a smooth and youthful complexion.
Marine collagen builds bone strength, reduces inflammation and helps with joint pain. Improving wound healing and reducing scars.
Formulated by Beverly Hills award-winning Plastic Surgeon and National Institute of Health “NIH” awarded Scientist. Free of solvents or preservatives, non-genetically modified products. Contains Vitamin A, C & E.
This particular collagen supplement offers a unique delivery system through the process of creating a higher concentration of collagen and elevating the peptide concentration in the bloodstream. There are ten bottles per box.