Collagen is increasingly becoming a hyped ingredient in anti-aging care, but can collagen really do anything against wrinkles, tighten skin or prevent skin aging? We took a closer look at the beauty trend and revealed what’s behind the miracle protein and what it can really do.
What is collagen?
Collagen is not an additive in cosmetic products or a dietary supplement, but primarily a protein in our body. And even the most common protein, because 30 percent of our proteins are collagen proteins. Different forms of the structural protein collagen give strength not only to the skin, but also to bones, cartilage and connective tissue. Collagen is significantly involved in the structure of the skin and, together with ceramides, the natural moisturizing factors “NMF” for short, and hyaluronic acid, forms the basis of the skin.
The structural protein collagen stretches over the skin like a framework and gives it strength. However, the older we get, the more the collagen effect and collagen production decrease, so that the framework becomes less stable, the connective tissue slackens and wrinkles appear. Free radicals, for example from cigarette smoke or alcohol, additionally attack the collagen structure and promote skin aging.
Not only the skin, but also organs such as the lungs and heart, blood vessels, cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments and joints are held together by collagen. There are different types of collagen that differ in their structure and are each responsible for different biological functions. Collagen types I, II, III and V support the skin, skeletal muscles, bones, tendons, cartilage and connective tissue. There are a total of 28 different types of collagen, and ten other proteins have collagen-like structures. Thanks to the protein’s versatility, collagen is important not only for our skin, but also for the maintenance of joints, ligaments and cartilage. It therefore plays an important role for people who do sports, but also for older people who suffer from muscle loss.
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Does collagen help against wrinkles?
When it comes to firm skin and firm facial features, the word collagen usually comes up. Collagen creams are intended to reduce wrinkles and tighten tissue, and nutritional supplements with collagen are also intended to give elasticity and strength to ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones. Does collagen really work against wrinkles and how does it work? Do collagen powders, capsules etc. help against premature skin aging? We have put together all the information about the anti-aging booster for you.
Collagen for the skin: What can collagen creams do?
Collagen in cosmetic products has moisturizing and binding effects, but does not work like the body’s own collagen and does not stimulate collagen production. The molecules of collagen are too large to penetrate the top layer of skin and reach the connective tissue, where the body’s own collagen lies. However, it can moisturize dry skin, making the skin plumper, dents disappear and the collagen cream has a smoothing effect, at least temporarily. Incidentally, cosmetic products that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and retinol in addition to collagen are particularly suitable. This protects the skin from free radicals and promotes the formation of new skin cells.
Collagen as a dietary supplement
Dietary supplements in the form of collagen capsules, tablets, powder or drinking ampoules are flooding the market, but they are not really promising. So that the collagen can be better absorbed by the body, hydrolyzed collagen is used, which has been made water-soluble through a specific process. It usually comes from animals, such as chicken bones, fish skin or beef and pork products; synthetic collagen is used less frequently. The preparations are broken down into the required components in the stomach or intestines, but it has not yet been proven that complex collagens are actually produced from them, placed in the right places and results are visible. Unfortunately, it is not the case that the collagen from the stomach goes directly into the skin and irons out the wrinkles. With a healthy lifestyle that stimulates your body’s collagen production, you’ll likely achieve much better results.
These foods support collagen formation
To form collagen, you need foods with certain amino acids or antioxidants. The amino acids proline, hydroproxyline and glycine are primarily responsible for collagen production, while antioxidants ensure that free radicals are rendered harmless and thus support the formation of collagen. Therefore, include plenty of soy, peas, lentils, beef, salmon, oatmeal, nuts, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet so that you will be supplied with all the important amino acids and antioxidants. If you cannot manage to consume these important ingredients in sufficient quantities, dietary supplements can be an alternative. By taking antioxidants such as vitamin C or amino acids, you can stimulate the body’s own collagen production.
However, make sure that your lifestyle does not counteract collagen production: smoking, little sleep, stress and alcohol put a strain on the skin and lead to an increased formation of free radicals. On the other hand, you create a good basis for collagen production for your body with enough sleep, a healthy diet and lifestyle, and daily exercise in the fresh air.
What else helps against wrinkles besides collagen?
Collagen: what are the side effects?
Collagen side effects primarily relate to taking collagen orally. But when using collagen in creams or serums on the skin, as with any other care product, skin irritation can occur; sensitive skin can react with redness, pimples or itching. Allergic reactions can occur when taking collagen products, especially if the collagen was made from fish skins and you have a fish allergy. If the product also contains nicotinamide, facial redness and hot flashes may occur
Is there vegan collagen?
Collagen is a protein in the human or animal body and is not found in the plant world – so it cannot be included in the range of vegan cosmetics. New and rarely used in cosmetics is a type of collagen that is produced by microorganisms. Corn, soy or wheat, for example, serve as the basis for a vegan collagen alternative. Plant-based products that have a positive influence on the body’s own production of collagen are often referred to as vegan collagen. It is used in cosmetic products, but also in collagen capsules, tablets or oral powder.