How to increase collagen production. 4 easy options that work
Introduction
The skin is the first defensive organ the body has against external unwanted substances. Aside from the defense it provides, the skin also prevents harmful viruses and bacteria that are toxic from entering the body, it also helps regulate the body’s temperature and also acts as a sensory receptor that allows us to feel pain.
The skin is made up of 3 layers; Epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous. The dermis is the middle layer and the thickest which makes up about 90% of the skin. Its primary role is to help regulate body temperature and supply other parts of the skin with nutrient-rich blood. This part of the skin also consists of collagen and elastin that are two proteins responsible for the structure and the elasticity of the skin.
Collagen is a strong protein that takes up about 75 to 80% of the skin. It is by far the most abundant protein in animals. Collagen is produced in the dermis by cells that are known as fibroblasts. The production of pure collagen in the body slows down as we age.
The reduction of collagen in the body can lead to wrinkling and sagging of the skin.
Benefits of collagen
As a key component of the skin, collagen provides the body with a lot of benefits.
- Pure Collagen supplements are good sources of amino acids and can be used by vegetarians or vegans because of the absence of meat in their diet
- Collagen helps with joint-related pain and it is considered as improvement agents in tendon or joint regeneration
- Ingestion of pure collagen has been linked to the reduction of pain for people suffering from osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
- Collagen ingestion can also help reduce signs of aging such as wrinkling and sagging of the skin
- Collagen also helps support healthy skin. It helps support skin hydration, elasticity, supports skin tone, radiance, and structure.
Ways to increase collagen production in the body
Products with collagen-stimulating properties need time to work and like most supplements, you tend to see the results after about 8 weeks of use.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that plays many roles in the body such as protein metabolism and helping with the production of collagen. Veins, heart valves, the cornea and the lens of the eye all require vitamin c to support collagen production in order to function properly.
It is also important for healing wounds and any deficiencies in Vitamin C affects how fast wounds heal. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps provide the body with adequate amounts of ascorbic acid that is needed for the production of collagen.
Some good food sources of Vitamin C which can also be described as collagen rich foods are fresh fruits and vegetables like citrus, berries, broccoli and tomatoes. Supplementing on Vitamin C or taking foods rich in vitamin c is an effective way to increase collagen production in your body
Zinc
Zinc aids in the production of collagen in the body. It is a cofactor of more than 50 different enzymes in the body and it is involved in carbohydrate, protein and energy metabolism. In a study that investigated zinc and collagen synthesis, it was reported that zinc has a stimulatory effect on collagen synthesis. Meat, bread and dairy foods are good examples of food sources for zinc and are collagen rich foods.
Copper
Copper is a trace metal that is found in all living cells. It is an important cofactor for many enzymes critical for cellular oxidation. It is also required by an enzyme known as lysyl oxidase which cross-links collagen and elastin. This is an essential process for ensuring that the skin remains strong and flexible. There is inconclusive evidence that suggests that copper peptide may be more effective in stimulating collagen production. Foods rich in copper such as nuts, oysters, mushrooms and leafy greens can increase collagen production in the body. Copper supplementation should only be taken under the advice of a medical expert as it may be toxic if you take more than the recommended daily allowance.
Collagen Supplements
Pure Collagen supplements may be an inexpensive option of ensuring that the body has adequate collagen supply to stay healthy. The ideal collagen supplement should be hydrolysed. The percentage of collagen that is actually absorbed into your body when ingested (bioavailability) is critical to the effectiveness of the supplement. Bioavailability largely determines how well any nutrient you ingest works.
The issue with collagen molecules is that they are enormous, so unless they’ve been hydrolysed, they are simply too big to be absorbed when ingested, and thus never reach the dermis. Hydrolysed collagen powder absorbs quickly into the body and is allowed to make its way to the areas it is needed most
To increase collagen production with supplements, it is advisable to use the product for two to three months before you tend to see results. You will not see any improvement in the skin after just a few days of use and it is important to be patient before moving to the next product. With the right collagen supplement, you can expect to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in about three months.
Conclusion
The collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically. To increase collagen production in the body, the right diet with the right collagen supplement is required to ensure the body has adequate collagen. Vitamin C, Vitamin A and collagen supplements can help increase collagen production in the body.
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DISCLAIMER: THIS SHOULD BE USED FOR INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PURPOSES. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO TREAT, DIAGNOSE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTH CARE DECISIONS BASED ON RESEARCH AND ADVICE FROM A QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL
References
Agin, B. and Perkins, S. (2008). Healthy aging for dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub.
Begoun, P. (2009). The original beauty bible. Renton, Wash.: Beginning Press.
Brandt, F. and Reynoso, P. (2002). Age-less. New York: Morrow.
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https://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4162/nrp.2010.4.5.356&vmode=FULL
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