Collagen may be familiar to some people. There are various types of skin care products on the market today, one of which is a cream or other topical dosage form that contains collagen. Skin care products containing collagen are believed to maintain the elasticity of the skin.
With age, number collagen in the body, also in the skin it decreases. Is it true that creams containing collagen can increase the amount of collagen in the skin? Here’s an explanation.
1. Collagen
Reported Medical News Today, collagen makes up about one-third of all proteins in the body. The body naturally produces a protein called collagen. Collagen is an important component of connective tissue and plays a role in uniting cells in the body.
According to WebMDThe strong collagen fibers work like glue to hold muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs and skin together. Collagen plays an important role in joint health. Additionally, collagen also works to make the skin supple.
2. Collagen production decreases with age
illustration of decreased collagen production (pexels.com/RODNAE Productions)As you age, your body produces less collagen. Although the amount of collagen cannot be measured, there are several symptoms that can be felt when there is a decrease in collagen production, such as joint pain or muscle weakness.
Cleveland Clinic explains that women experience a significant decrease in collagen production after menopause. In general, everyone experiences a decrease in collagen production after age 60.
Read also: 12 foods rich in collagen, have many benefits for the skin!
3. Lifestyle that can damage collagen
sun illustration (unsplash.com/Jackson David)In addition to the age factor, other factors that can influence the amount of collagen are sunlight, smoking habits and excessive sugar consumption. Exposure to too much ultraviolet light causes collagen fibers to break down faster, thus accelerating the appearance of wrinkles.
While the chemicals in cigarettes can also damage collagen, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and slowing the healing process of wounds. Excessive sugar consumption also causes the collagen fibers to become tangled and tangled so that the skin becomes less elastic.
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4. Is it true that creams containing collagen can increase the amount of collagen in the skin?
illustration of a cream containing collagen (unsplash.com/Jocelyn Morales)Medical News Today she explains, collagen helps skin cells renew and repair themselves. However, aging and various external factors can affect the skin so that its elasticity decreases.
Currently there are many skin care products in circulation, such as creams that contain collagen. According to the General Directorate of Health Services of the Ministry of Health, there is no cream capable of restoring the amount of collagen in the skin.
The same thing is also explained WebMD, that skin creams containing synthetic collagen may not be an effective means of increasing the amount of this protein in the body. The collagen in these products adds a barrier layer to protect the skin and prevent moisture loss. However, they cannot increase the amount of collagen in the skin.
5. Why can’t topical collagen increase the amount of collagen in the skin?
skin care product illustration (unsplash.com/Content Pixie)Creams and other topical preparations that contain collagen are often claimed to increase the amount of collagen so they can rejuvenate the skin. However, Medical News Today says research hasn’t shown that the skin is capable of absorbing collagen because its molecules can’t pass through the outermost layer of skin.
Place Harvard TH Chan, School of Public Health he also explained the same thing, that the effectiveness of topical collagen is questioned, even by dermatologists. This is because the collagen produced by the body is not found on the surface of the skin, but is found in the deeper layers of the skin. While collagen is too large to penetrate the layers of the skin.
6. How to slow down the degradation of collagen
illustration of sunscreen use (pexels.com/Anna Tarazevich)According to cleveland clinic, the way to slow down the breakdown of collagen is to use sunscreen or sunscreen everyday. Exposure to ultraviolet light can damage collagen. Using sunscreen SPF 30 or higher can protect your skin from the dangers of ultraviolet rays.
Additionally, changing your lifestyle to be healthier by consuming fruits and vegetables can also help slow down the breakdown of collagen due to their vitamin and antioxidant content. Avoiding smoking and processed foods can also help slow down the breakdown of collagen.
Creams containing synthetic collagen may not increase the amount collagen inside the skin. This is because the skin cannot absorb large collagen molecules. Even so, topical products that contain collagen can keep the skin moist.
Read also: 5 side effects of collagen for the body, not always good!
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