Women generally check themselves in the mirror in average 4 times a day but only 1% of all are satisfied what they see. 70% of the 99% unsatisfied women are worried about seeing wrinkles and aging signs on their faces. That is because endogenous collagen decreases with the increasing age. A lot of people then do whatever it takes, eating, drinking, bathing or even injecting collagen to restore that young-looking skin they once had.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that gives strength and structure to the skin. It is composed of amino glycine and proline. The body can produce collagen when we are young but the production begins to deteriorate by 1.5%* yearly once we reach 30. Skin collagen will decrease by 30% during the first 5 years after menopause and will continue to drop approximately by 2% per year onward
Collagen supplement is not difficult to find nowadays. A lot of people believe that the more they intake the better which is not entirely true because collagen only contains 2 types of protein, amino glycine and proline. There are still other essential amino acids needed by the body and foregoing them can result in malnutrition.
Collagen alone is not enough for the skin. Collagen is being regenerated and destroyed all the time by the matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMPs), as triggered by free-radicals** from sunlight, pollutions, cigarettes, alcohol, trans fat and chronic stress. The skin thus needs antioxidants to prevent collagen damage from these free-radicals. Moreover, in order to produce collagen the body needs mineral and vitamin cofactors too. Therefore, a good collagen supplement should contain a combination of the following:
1. Hydrolized collagen peptide from marine fish which is rich in amino acids hydroxyproline and glycine that can be digested and absorbed through PEPT-1 receptors located in the intestines walls.
2. Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, selenium, grape seed extract, goji berry, French maritime pine bark extract and coenzyme Q10 can protect the collagen, elastin and capillaries from free-radical attack.
3. Collagen cofactors such as vitamin C, zinc, copper and magnesium.
4. Skin rejuvenating, repairing and anti-inflammatory substances such as zinc and lutein.
On top of reviving the skin, these substances will effectively protect skin collagen from free-radical bombardments. So, always pay attention to the active ingredients when choosing the right collagen supplement. A consistent intake of collagen and antioxidants for 2-3 months can reduce the degeneration of collagen. Skin collagen will become thicker in layer resulting in radiant and soft skin. More importantly, choose a supplement of a trustworthy source certified by the Food and Drug Administration.
Paisit Trakulkongsamut, M.D., Anti-Aging Specialist
Reference:
*Kurban RS & Bhawan J. Histologic changes of the skin. J Dermatol Surg Oncol, 16:10 October 1990
**Quan, T., Qin, Z., Xia, W., Shao, Y., Voorhees, J.J., Fisher, G.J. (2010). Matrix-degrading Mettaloproteinases in Photoaging. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc, 14(1), 20-24.
Lauer-Fileds, JL., Juska, D., & Fields, GB. (2002). Matrix metalloproteinases and collagen catabolism. Biopolymers. 66(1), pp. 19-32.
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