After All, Does Taking Collagen Really Improve Skin?

In recent years a veritable industry of collagen products has been created: supplements, capsules, beverages. Now even certain foods have an addition of collagen. Sales are high and there are many advertisements about the benefits of collagen, but is it really effective for firmer skin?

Since we first published about collagen , there was already a question whether supplements really work. And it’s amazing how the topic generates discussions. To try and clear up this question, we have done a little research on collagen supplements. You also have to take into consideration that there are certain products that we usually use on a daily basis that contain too many chemicals that are harmful to our skin; such as bath gels, a product that we use practically every day to shower and that could unknowingly damage our skin. We can recommend a bath gel, free of sulfates and parabens, such as Dalire’s gel.; a brand that is specialized in making products of this type and with the greatest amount of natural ingredients.

Collagen and protein

Collagen is a protein that the body itself produces naturally . With age, the body produces less and less, this production begins to fall when we reach 30 years, and decreases about 1% each year that passes.Collagen is about 25% of the total protein in the body and has the function of supporting cells, keeping them together and firm. In addition, it is the main protein component of organs such as skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. To learn more, read about collagen .

Like any protein you eat, collagen is broken down into amino acids through digestion . Amino acids are the “building blocks” of protein. After it is digested, cleaved into amino acids, it recombines in the way the body needs it, be it muscle tissue, skin, nails, hair … or more collagen!

So it goes without saying: Supplements or foods with added collagen are just as efficient at increasing collagen in the body as any naturally high protein food. What matters is the quality of the protein, and how intact its amino acids are. Ultimately, protein is protein, whether it’s beans, egg, or industrial collagen.

Collagen is normally present in supplements extracted from the skin and bones of animals. It is an industrial by-product, very rarely extracted to the quality standard that would make this protein source of high quality. Unfortunately, powerful, high-temperature chemical solvents are often used.

So overall, the bottom line is: given the low nutritional quality of supplements, ingesting collagen does not mean that you will increase your skin’s collagen efficiently. It’s best to focus on a healthy and varied diet with many quality protein sources, including grains, meats, whey protein , eggs, seeds like chia and flaxseed , chestnuts, and even broccoli .

How to keep collagen in the skin, then?

Besides eating protein, there are some vitamins and minerals that nourish and keep our skin healthy. These vitamins and minerals help the body to continue the production of natural collagen:

• Zinc . Regenerates the skin and controls sebaceous secretion, something interesting for those who have acne or oily skin . It helps lighten the skin and is also essential for protective collagen and elastin. Learn more about zinc .
• Silicon. It acts in the formation of collagen, fibroblasts and elastin, thus regenerating and restructuring the skin. Silicon is the mineral that supports the skin. Without it, the skin literally disintegrates. Protects the skin against aging.
• Sulfur. It is called “mineral beauty” because it keeps the skin soft and young. Sulfur is necessary for collagen and keratin , proteins necessary for the health and maintenance of the skin, nails and hair. Sulfur may be the key to helping people with certain types of acne. Helps to smooth and beautify the skin and the healing process of acne marks.
• Vitamin A. The vitamin A renews the skin. Also called retinol, it helps in skin health, as it has antioxidant properties and helps restore injuries. This nutrient also balances the production of secretions by the sebaceous glands, making it difficult for pores to become clogged and inflamed.
• Vitamin B3. It is one of the greatest friends of the skin. Its benefits range from bleaching spots to protecting against dehydration and acne. Increases the production of ceramides and ensures the physiological hydration of the skin. Blemished skins can be lightened through an illuminating effect.
• Vitamin C. It is important for the proper formation of dermal collagen and blood vessel walls. The vitamin C is essential for the maintenance and healing skin .
• Vitamin E. One of the most powerful antioxidants available for the skin, both in capsules and in cosmetics. The vitamin E is able to eliminate one of the most dangerous types of free radicals, peroxyl radical call. Protects the skin from solar radiation, toxins from pollution and prevents premature aging.
• Omega 3. These fats are also very good for the skin, leaving it more beautiful and hydrated. An adequate amount of omega-3 plays a protective role for the skin, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids block skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers, which contributes to a more youthful appearance. Read more about omega-3s .

Going back to supplements …

As I said at the beginning of the post, this question continues to generate a lot of controversy. There are many reports of people using collagen supplements or products and swearing that the skin has improved. Others are more skeptical.

• COLLMAR Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Tablets with Magnesium, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C 180 tablets.
• Aquisana marine COLLAGEN, 300 capsules, hydrolyzed collagen and magnesium, calcium, silica, vitamin C and D.
• HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
• COLVITAE Hydrolyzed Natural Collagen.
• Collagen + Hyaluronic + Zinc + Vitamins C. Helps maintain joint flexibility, good for the skin, 60 capsules.
• Zentrum Marine Hydrolyzed Collagen – 300 Tablets.
• COLLAGEN WITH MAGNESIUM 450 capsules

And you? Have you used collagen products? What do you think? Share your experience in the comments!