The beauty industry continues to give a special importance to anti-aging products and procedures to help people across the globe achieve a more youthful glow. Now, thanks to science, everyone can afford that glow without breaking the bank. How? Let’s go back to basics and give a major credit to the component that already exists in our body – collagen.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a long-chain amino acid and it is the most abundant protein found in our bodies. It is present in our muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system, and tendons. We have 6 types of collagen and these come from different sources and serve different functions in our body.  When we age, our collagen level depletes, causing the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint discomforts. Our age is not the only reason for its depletion, unhealthy lifestyle, like smoking, overexposure to the sun, and over-consumption of sugary foods are also factors for it.

Collagen and Our Skin

The skin is made up of three layers, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The second layer of the skin (dermis) is where the protein collagen is found. Collagen molecules are bundled together throughout the dermis.

Ever wonder why babies have smooth skin and shiny hair? That is because when we are young, we have an abundance of collagen in our body. That is also the reason why the age comes with wrinkles. Low level of collagen also increases our chance of having pronounced stretch marks. Collagen treatment helps us age gracefully without the use of Botox and other medical procedures.

Collagen in Skin Products

Anti-aging creams and topicals containing collagen are always a drugstore favorite, especially for women who want to achieve that youthful glow. It is indeed true that collagen helps us maintain that wrinkle-free skin, but what most people don’t know is that collagen should come from the inside. In short, creams, lotions, soaps, and other products used externally are not really effective. Since collagen is a large molecule, it does not penetrate the skin but stays idly on top of it, washing it off during your next shower. Collagen creams is a good moisturizer though, but why not buy a regular moisturizer instead of paying money for a ‘collagen’ cream that does not even work.

Holistic Care

Collagen capsules – capsules are usually in gel type so our body breaks the collagen down easier into amino acids

Collagen powder – usually dissolved in water or mixed in oats and smoothies. There might be a pungent smell in collagen powders since it comes from animals. Sweetened and flavored powders are also available for people who can’t stomach the smell.

Collagen Benefits

Aside from the wonders, it does to our skin, collagen has also many health benefits. Here are some of them:

[otw_shortcode_unordered_list items=”8″ style=”with-icon list-style-1″ item_1_name=”Reduces joint pains and degeneration” item_2_name=”Improves health of skin and hair” item_3_name=”Promotes hormone balance” item_4_name=”Aids in digestion and increase metabolism” item_5_name=”Improves liver health” item_6_name=”Improves cardiovascular health” item_7_name=”Strengthens nails, hair, and teeth” item_8_name=”Supports weight loss”][/otw_shortcode_unordered_list]

Natural Sources of Collagen

[otw_shortcode_unordered_list items=”10″ style=”with-icon list-style-2″ item_1_name=”Soy products like milk and cheese” item_2_name=”Dark green vegetables” item_3_name=”Beans” item_4_name=”Red fruits and vegetables” item_5_name=”Vitamin C rich fruits and vegetable” item_6_name=”Prunes” item_7_name=”Flaxseed” item_8_name=”Chocolate” item_9_name=”Avocado Oil” item_10_name=”Blueberries, Eggs, Mango and White Tea”][/otw_shortcode_unordered_list]

It is important to note that even if these foods are taken on a daily basis, collagen production will not increase if there is not enough consumption of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential in nearly every step of the collagen formation process and it is one of the best anti-oxidant for protecting collagen from damage. Now, due to its many wonderful benefits, products ranging from topicals to capsules that promote collagen increase are always a hit. Some of it is effective, while some are just pure marketing strategy banking on people who want instant results.