What does collagen do to your skin?

The word collagen is derived from the Greek word Kolla meaning glue. Collagen is a protein of our body contributing to about one third of the body`s protein composition. It gives structural strength and toughness and prevents the skin from tearing.It is one of the primary component of skin,bones,muscles and ligaments.In skin, collagen is found in the dermis and accounts for 70-80% of dry weight of the dermis. Collagen works as an essential robust support network that provides strength, elasticity and firmness to our skin. It helps our skin in production of new cells and replacing old dead cells. It basically keeps the skin young and supple and prevents its from sagging. The natural collagen of our body begins to deplete by 1% every year starting from early twenties.

At a younger age, the collagen production is higher than the breakdown but with time the process is reversed and the breakdown of collagen is more than the production. Dr. Madhuri Agarwal-Founder & Medical Director- Yavana Skin & Hair Clinic elaborates more on what is collagen and how important it is for us.

Factors which effect collagen

Various factors accelerate the collagen depletion. Intrinsic aging due to the biological aging process. Genetics wherein certain people due to their hereditary lineage, age slower than others.

External factors like smoking, stress, excessive sun exposure, diet high in carbohydrates, sugar and similar inflammatory foods. These trigger factors cause an inflammatory response leading to activation of the immune system, DNA damage and generation of free radicals that can eventually precipitate the collagen depletion.

The collagen hardens and fragments on consumption of high sugar diet. Collagen loss in skin can lead to loss of elasticity and firmness,leading to signs of aging such as rough ,coarse,dry skin,increase in open pores,fine lines and deep wrinkles,sagging of skin with time.

What do collagen supplements do?

Collagen supplements are propagated for benefits in overall skin health. Collagen supplements improve skin moisture, increase the skin suppleness and elasticity. They also are said to help with stronger nails, better joint mobility and gut health. Topical collagen is derived from bovine or marine (animal sources). So the animal source collagen is made from pigskin, bovine and bone, marine scales and bones. At times certain topical collagen is made from seaweed or wheat sources.The common forms of collagen in topical preparations are collagen hydrolysate and protein hydrolysate from above sources.

Topical collagen creams do not work as collagen structurally is located deep in the skin and collagen creams do not penetrate to that layer as collagen is a heavy molecule. that would stimulate collagen. There are better, time tested and proven ingredients such as retinol, Vit C and peptides that help boost collagen. Collagen powder and liquids are favoured over pills as they are usually tasteless and can be easily added to your everyday food.

The powder formulations are simple to use and more variety is available. The pills have limited approved options and 6-8 pills have to be taken at a time. While there is lot of hype about collagen,there is no substantial data or FDA approval recommending collagen for any particular skin need. At times most collagen products have many other nutritional additives which maybe contributing to the skin results. Most formulations of collagen work at the same level.

The actual preference or best way to take collagen is based on individual convenience. Collagen supplement of bovine variant is claimed to have better results as compared to other sources of collagen sources.

It is advisable to check the product details and website to see whether they are using free range, cage free and antibiotic free animal sources and the ingredients are devoid of heavy metals. This will aid in minimising the risk of side effects.

Choose a collagen supplement that is colourless as a safer option. Check the scientific study supporting the specific collagen supplement you plan to use to be assured of the benefits. The products that quote generic collagen published data should be considered carefully before opting for them. The supplements will require time to show results and need to be taken on regular basis for sustained results.

Dietary collagen sources

There are good natural dietary options that can be used safely at home for collagen supplementation. Homemade broth with chicken or fish is a good collagen aid. Bone broth is a rich gelatin,amino acids and collagen source. Foods that help with antiaging such as salmon, avocado, sweet potatoes, bell peppers and citrus fruits should be added in diet. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A,C ,E and omega 3 that promote collagen production.