Nobody likes aging as along with it comes to the wrinkled and dry skin. Skin is the largest organ that a human has, and it is vital keeping it healthy. There are numerous things that can affect skin health, and while most can be regulated through certain medications and a healthy lifestyle, some are caused by genetics and not that easy to treat.
img source: livfitbehappy.comAnyways, leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things to keep your skin healthy, enriching your diet with omega-3 fats, as well as foods that are Vitamin C, D, and E abundant. Now, one might ask well what is the thing that affects our skin the most? Well, in the past few years a lot of studies suggest that the protein called collagen has a major function in keeping your skin at place and non-wrinkled. And as you can see a lot of Instagram stars promote the healing power of collagen powder and shots. But, how does collagen actually affect your skin and are those supplements any good? Let’s take a look!
The Benefits Of Collagen
img source: pinterest.comFirst of all, let’s talk a bit about what collagen actually is. Collagen is a structural protein and is the most abundant in your body (1/3 of total) it is responsible for building and keeping your muscles, bones, and skin in place. There are exactly 28 types, but type 1, type 2, and type 3 are the most common and important. The power of it is in the amino acids it contains – glycine, hydroxyproline, and proline which are all boosting your body’s ability to make new collagen. But, what are the benefits of collagen for skin?
- As you age your body’s ability to produce collagen decreases, and thus wrinkles and lines appear. Collagen makes up for around 80% of your skin, thus it is clear why boosting one can be important to reduce the aging effects. It is a natural way to keep your skin moisturized and in place. Thus leading a healthy lifestyle, and even taking some of the collagen supplements can aid in reducing lines and wrinkles. img source: organicauthority.com
- Along with that, collagen can help to heal inflammatory skin conditions. Eczema or acne are pretty common, but as collagen contains amino acids such as proline and glycine, it can heal it from inside-out. Collagen aids the digestive system and keeps a healthy gut lining. And as you know, the health of your gut usually shows on your skin!
- Collagen reduces cellulite and marks. As it keeps your skin elastic, collagen can successfully remove stretch marks and cellulite.
- It can also aid in wound healing. Collagen contains arginine and thus no matter if it is a deeper wound or just a scratch it is much easier for your skin to heal.
- In the end, collagen promotes healthy hair and nails. With more protein such as collagen, your skin and hair are sure to be more thick, and shinier.
Where To Get Collagen
Supplements and powders that contain collagen are really popular at the market right now, but do these actually work?
- Studies suggest that while collagen powders can have some effect on boosting your collagen levels, it is said that it is not nearly as bioavailable as regular food. Your body’s ability to process collagen in this form is not as high, and you will be getting only 10-20% of what is listed.
- Along with that creams may allow the benefits of collagen for skin, but still not nearly as effective. The problem is that collagen molecule is too big, and your skin can’t absorb everything from the outside, thus these just stay lying on the surface. img source: researchgate.net
- In the end, we can say that the number one way of getting more collagen is food. Eat more fish, nuts, and oils rich in omega-3 fats. Along with that, lentils and quinoa contain a lot of protein as well, and while not animal based this still aids collagen production. In the end, apparently Vitamin C is the most responsible one for collagen levels in your body, so take more of it either through food or serums!
Summary
Along with the listed benefits of collagen for skin, it also helps your sleep schedule, joint and muscle structure, gut and brain health! Keeping a healthy diet will work like a charm for you and your healthy skin!
