Everything That You Need To Know About Collagen

It is hailed as one of the most powerful youth boosting ingredients that can transform skin almost instantly. There are shelves and shelves of anti-aging products that boast collagen as their main ingredient. Many are aware of the benefits this protein has to offer; but, many don't know the full facts or why it's effective. Here are some of need to know facts, how collagen works and ways to boost collagen production to achieve younger looking skin.

What is Collagen?

Unknown to most, skin is considered the largest organ in the body. This living, breathing organ is your body's first line of defense and is constantly at work. In fact, skin makes up about 15% of the average individual's body mass. This non-stop organ is constantly shedding and renews itself about once a month. This organ is comprised of a cocktail of proteins, one of the most popular being: collagen.

Role of Collagen

Known as on the main building blocks of the body, collagen is naturally produced within skin cells. This protein accounts for a large majority found within the dermal layers of the body. The chemical makeup of this protein contains amino acids that include: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and argine.

Collagen works as your body's glue that connects tissues to one another and holds everything together in place. Collagen is the protein that gives skin its taunt and firm appearance. Those younger in age have an abundant amount of collagen; but, with age collagen production slows down dramatically. These changes in collagen production are seen after the age of 40.

Types of Collagen

Not all collagen is alike; in fact there are 16 types of collagen that are used throughout the body. Despite the varieties of collagen produced; nearly 80-90% are composed of types: I, II and III. Types I and III provide support for skin, muscles and cartilage in bone matrices. These thick proteins synthesize essential functions and maintenance.

How Can I Preserve Collagen?

Furthermore, there is one factor that accounts for the bulk of collagen loss: aging. Now aging is an inevitable fact of life; however, there are steps that can reduce the signs of aging and boost collagen production. Here are some tips that can strength molecular bonds.

Boost Vitamin C

Not only is the go to vitamin when you get a cold, it is vital in brightening the appearance of skin. In fact, two of the main amino acids (glycine & proline) are largely composed of vitamin c. The easiest way to get vitamin c is to increase the intake of rich leafy greens or using topical treatments with citrus derived ingredients.

Cover Up

One of the biggest culprits of fine lines and wrinkles is the sun. Now there is no way to avoid exposure of sunlight; however, practicing sun safety is the most effective anti aging tool. The UV/UVB rays found in sunlight break down amino chains and weaken collagen fibers. The sun also breaks down the production of Vitamin A (another anti aging building block).

Puff, puff…No Thanks

Not only does smoking damage skin from within, the free radicals released when lit can cause premature aging. The physical act of physical leads to the formation of lines around the mouth aka know as laugh lines and oxygen loss from cells.

Lather Up

Aside from foods rich in vitamins A & C, lathering in products rich in these ingredients also help to stimulate the production of collagen. Look for products rich in retinols, argine and glycerine (found in lightweight gel based mositurizers). It is best to apply any Vitamin A based product at night because UV rays will deactivate the active ingredients.

Product Recommendations

There are a number of products formulated for all skin types and age ranges that can help: slow down collagen loss, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore vitality to skin.