Following the signs of time on our face with our finger when we are in the mirror is a natural gesture that puts us in touch with our body and the passing of the seasons. And if against the Time cannot be fought, the good news is that you can work on its signs by slowing down skin aging with excellent results.
As we will discuss in more detail later, wrinkles and sagging are caused by a collagen deficiency, substance that our body produces with increasing inefficiency and that can be reintegrated both at the physiological level topical both for oral intake.
Let's find out then what is collagen and what is it for, why is it so important, how to prevent its decrease and what to do when the damage caused by its absence becomes particularly evident.
Collagen: What is it?
The collagen It is a substance that we often hear about in relation to skin health. Before going into its characteristics, it is necessary to specify that it is a protein naturally present in the human body - and in that of most mammals - that we are able to synthesize and produce.
Collagen is very important since it is able to work at good construction of bone tissue, cartilage and skin, our largest organ exposed and receptive to external stimuli. It is precisely on the skin that the first effects of collagen deficiency, mainly caused by the fact that starting from 25 years old of age our body produces it in smaller quantities, exposing us to rather visible blemishes. On the contrary, a good collagen production keeps skin smooth, soft and youthful and is essential for preventing the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.
For this reason, it is recommended to integrate into your diet foods that are naturally rich in it, such as bone broth and chicken skin, egg whites and mushrooms, but also to make sure you have a significant contribution of vitamin C, which is also essential for good health collagen production.
And if these measures can positively influence the natural synthesis of collagen, are often not sufficient. A much more significant contribution can instead be given by a specific collagen supplement - even better if combined with hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals - designed to integrate their intake through administrations orally. Even more specific is the treatment favored by liquid collagen, a supplement that focuses on the supply of hydrolyzed collagen which promotes the brightness and elasticity of the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Skin supplements in general can be considered a valid adjuvant to increase the presence of collagen in our body, working positively on skin health.
Types of collagen
There are several types of collagen. In fact, some have been classified at least 28, named with increasing Roman numerals. However, what most attracts our attention is collagen type I, II and III, that is, the three types most present in the human body and most important for our health.
The type I collagen It is the one that is found in the most abundant form in our body and represents approximately 90% of the total collagen. Its function is of great importance since it gives connective tissue strength: we find significant doses in the skin, tendons, bones and cartilage. A lack of type I collagen can lead to the development of pathologies such as osteoporosis, arthritis and arthrosis, but it is also extremely visible on the skin which begins to appear less elastic and toned.
The type II collagen It is instead very present in cartilage and is important for their health. It promotes the resistance to rubbing and traction, preventing the main disorders related to its absence such as lesions and deterioration which may require, depending on the degree, treatments with hyaluronic acid injections or actual surgical interventions.
The type III collagen It is found in smaller quantities in our body, but it is essential for blood clotting since it is capable of promote platelet aggregation. In our body it is mainly found in blood vessels and the heart, but also in the intestine and uterus. A deficiency can lead to a lower flexibility of these organs, but above all to a lower clotting capacity.
Side Effects Related to Collagen
The collagen It is a protein substance naturally present in our body and its intake in the recommended doses (2.5 mg per day for a maximum of 24 weeks) generally does not cause any significant problems.
Oral collagen supplementation, to have visible effects, should be followed for at least 4 weeks consistently in the absence of different prescriptions from the attending physician. Collagen supplements can also be taken in case of low calorie diet since they do not provide any calories important. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, however, it is best to consult your doctor before taking these and other types of supplements since this is a delicate phase that requires maximum attention.
As regards the presence of gluten, those who are intolerant or follow a gluten-free diet can take supplements based on marine collagen which is naturally free of it. In general, however, unless otherwise specified, collagen supplements are not suitable for those following a vegan diet.
Sources
The Collagen Family, PubMed
Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, PubMed
Osteoporosis, Ministry of Health
Collagen Side Effects, WebMedical
Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging, WebMedical