Collagen is a must! It builds the skin and keeps it in shape. Together with elastin, it provides support to human skin. It’s worthwhile to get some basic info since we lose around 1% of collagen per year… At the age of 35, the loss of 15% of collagen might be strikingly visible, especially on the forehead and under the eyes. That is why we should deliver this priceless substance by applying proper cosmetics. Do you know how to keep your skin youthful?
What is collagen exactly?
A genius of youthfulness! Similarly to elastin, it is produced by the cells of the dermis known as fibroblasts. However, collagen is even more powerful and important since it also forms, among others, cartilages and joints. There are as many as nine types of collagen in the body. There are two key ones: type I collagen and type III collagen. It is made out of thousands of amino acids and thus has a high molecular weight. It is a cool wrinkle filler!
What functions does collagen fulfil?
Collagen plays a key role in the skin, making it beautiful, resilient, smooth and soft. In other words, collagen is like a guard of our youthful appearance.
What causes dropping level of collagen?
Apart from the aging process, there are other factors that destroy our collagen resources:
- exposure to UV radiation,
- environmental pollution,
- cigarette smoke,
- a poor diet (too little protein, too many carbohydrates),
- disturbed hormonal balance.
What type of collagen is used in skin care?
Natural animal-derived collagen is a basic, commonly used form of collagen. Very high tolerance and safe usage make it a very popular choice, plus it has moisturizing and film-forming properties. As a consequence, it creates an occlusive layer on the skin surface, locking in water and increasing hydration in the epidermis.
Native collagen, aka marine collagen, is isolated from the fish skin. It is the state-of-the-art, biologically active form of collagen. It includes smaller molecules than the previous one and effortlessly penetrates deep skin layers. It has a moisturizing and firming effect as well.
Micro-collagen is made out of tiny molecules which are almost identical and imitate natural collagen. It stimulates fibroblasts which speed up wound healing. The example is oligopeptides, often combined with peptides and macromolecular collagen.
Collagen-infused skin care products. Which ones I swear by?
- Original Skin Energy Collagen 100 Facial Serum
- It’s Skin Collagen Nutrition Emulsion with Marine Collagen
- Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Deep Cream
- Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion
Do you use collagen-rich skin products on a daily basis? Or maybe you take collagen supplements? What are your antiaging tricks and treatments? Share your comments and ideas please! 🙂
