Almost every list of tips for hair, skin, and nail care inevitably mentions the word collagen. Due to such frequent usage, most of us feel like we know what this word means and why collagen is important for our health and appearance.
But, let’s admit, it’s not quite like that. Therefore, in this post, we reveal what lies behind the term whose name comes from the Greek word “kólla” meaning glue.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body – almost one-third of the total protein in the body is collagen. Its fibre-like structure is used to create connective tissue and is the main component of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and cartilage.
Additionally, it is an integral part of numerous organs, blood vessels, and the intestinal lining. The primary role of collagen is to provide structure, strength, and support to the entire body, highlighting the numerous benefits of collagen for overall health.
Now that we know that this protein is extremely important for the normal functioning of our body, let’s look at some of its specific roles.
Collagen for Joints
Collagen plays a significant role in our joints’ ability to move. While some types of collagen appear in the skin, bones, and organs, one specific type is found in the cartilage between joints.
Type II collagen is present in joint cartilage – the tissue that extends over the ends of bones and is located in the middle of joints. This cartilage allows the joints to glide, bend, and move smoothly. Collagen helps keep the cartilage and joints flexible, absorb shocks, and generally be well-supported.
However, as we age, joint cartilage depletes. Years of joints rubbing against the cartilage cause wear, tear, and lead to pain. Additionally, aging leads to collagen loss. When the amount of collagen decreases, the joints can suffer. Low collagen levels can lead to loose cartilage and tendons, which can increase the likelihood of injuries.
It is believed that when we increase our collagen intake, the additional protein accumulates in the cartilage between the joints. It may also stimulate our body to naturally produce more collagen. The result? Less pain, reduced inflammation, and better mobility.
Collagen for the Skin
This essential protein is necessary for reducing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven skin tone. Here are just a few benefits you can gain from additional collagen intake:
- Reduction of Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Sun exposure, pollution, poor habits, and aging can lead to decreased collagen levels in the skin. When collagen levels drop, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear around your mouth and eyes. Collagen products and supplements can help prevent these signs of aging and keep your skin supple and smooth for longer.
- Improving Complexion: The amino acids found in collagen help your skin look smooth, even, and healthy. To improve uneven skin tone and help your face glow, incorporate collagen into your beauty routine.
- Reduction of Scars: Collagen amino acids can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots and scars from acne or other skin issues. Collagen supplements are found to promote the formation of healthy tissue, accelerating the healing process so your skin can naturally recover.
- Hydration: Loss of collagen due to aging or exposure to harmful environmental factors can make your skin extremely dry, even flaky. By adding collagen back to your skin, you’ll give it the hydration it needs to maintain a smooth, soft, and radiant appearance.
- Firm and Toned Skin: While creams and other skincare products containing collagen help improve the outer layer of the skin, collagen supplements will increase collagen at a deeper level (in the dermis). The dermis is responsible for keeping the skin tight and firm, so the more collagen reaches this level, the better your skin will look.
Collagen for Hair
The benefits of collagen don’t stop with the skin; adding collagen to your hair care routine can also be extremely beneficial:
- Hair Loss – Collagen supplements increase hair-building proteins, which can lead to longer and fuller hair.
- Gray Hair – Collagen may help reduce gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of hair follicles (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced); when collagen creams or gels are applied directly to the scalp, gray hair may appear darker and less dry.
- Split Ends – Collagen is very effective in treating dry, brittle hair; collagen supplements and hair care products with collagen can repair split ends and maintain a healthy level of hydration.
What Else Can Collagen Do for Your Health?
In addition to reducing pain, increasing joint mobility, and enhancing skin and hair, collagen positively affects the body by:
- Preserving muscle mass.
- Reducing bone loss when taken with vitamin D and calcium supplements.
- Improving cardiovascular health,increasing artery elasticity and raising good cholesterol.
- Speeding up nail growth and increasing their strength.
- Accelerating wound healing.
- Helping to reduce cellulite in combination with exercise.
- Positively affecting gut flora.
- Moreover, if you replace dinner with a collagen-rich drink, you’ll reduce calorie intake, slow down the breakdown of your own proteins, and promote weight loss if you are currently on a diet.
How to Prevent Collagen Loss and Promote Its Production?
Collagen in the body continuously regenerates,it dies and is simultaneously produced by the cells that nourish it.
However, with aging, this exchange slows down, and its deficiency is further exacerbated by sun exposure, smoking, and a diet rich in simple sugars. Because of collagen deficiency, skin ages rapidly, bone and connective tissue lose elasticity, and injuries occur more easily.
To prevent this, make changes to your daily habits (more hydration, mandatory use of SPF creams, less sugar, nicotine, and caffeine) and increase collagen intake through food or supplements.
If you want to put more collagen on your plate, choose foods rich in protein, as well as vitamin C and zinc,chicken, fish, beans, eggs, whole grains, peppers, citrus fruits, and green vegetables. Want to try supplements instead? Here’s our recommendation:
- Collagen Powder: can easily be blended into any drink or food, and comes in a variety of flavors. In addition, it offers flexible dosing and quick absorption because of its hydrolyzed form.
- Collagen Gummies: a delicious and easy way to take collagen, especially for people who dislike pills or powders.
- Collagen Pills: simple to use as they require no preparation. Provide precise dosing and are convenient and portable.
- Collagen Shots: provide a stronger dose of liquid collagen with higher quantities of the protein in small servings.
- Collagen Creams and Topical Products: target the skin directly to improve hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. Bue even though they enhance the skin’s appearance, they don’t affect overall body collagen levels like oral supplements do.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right collagen supplement, here’s some useful information. For joint health, type II collagen supplements are the best choice, while type I collagen is recommended for the beauty of hair, skin, and nails.
Check out the products we’ve recommended (available at apotekamo.rs with always low prices and free delivery regardless of the order amount/weight) and choose the one that best suits your current needs. Be persistent,results won’t happen overnight, but within a few weeks, you’ll notice the desired changes, and your body will thank you!
