There are elements in our body that we don’t know of but are playing a significant role in making us look at what we do. Our skin and muscles look strengthened and radiant because of a prevailing protein that very few people know.
Collagen, a very rarely known protein by us, is present in our body in abundance. It is responsible for holding our skin together during our younger days and strengthening the muscles and tendons. Collagen is that protein, which is the sole accountable element for making our skin form in a certain way it appears to look.
There is a various role played by Collagen. Let’s understand what this protein does and how it has helped our skin and body since our lifetime.
Collagen: The Body Former
Collagen is believed to help clot blood and found in our bones, teeth, ligament, and various parts of the body, but the essential role is of holding all skin cells and tissues together. There are two kinds of Collagen; Natural and Synthetic. People have begun to prefer lotions and hair shampoo, which are rich in collagen supplements.
Endogenous Collagen is a natural Collagen released by the body, but Exogenous Collagen is the alternative synthetic supplements taken in place of the natural ones. Natural Collagens are essential to play various roles such as breakdown and depletion of our skin due to specific health problems that could be a sign of lessening collagen protein.
People generally move towards synthetic collagen, which is meant for cosmetic treatment and helps people retain their glow by pushing up the natural protein or body tissue repairing. A dermatologist or skin expert could probably use collagen for attracting new skin cells so that the wound gets healed completely.
When keeping the collagens under a microscopic lens and observed, they appear to be thin fibrils, where each molecule is together into a long line. The fibrils like structure make sure to keep our skin’s elasticity long-lasting till we grow old, and our skin loosens the grip it needs.
Experts have said that although there are 16 different types of Collagen, the main are divided into four classes;
- Type I: The most crucial kind and 90 percent of our body consist of this intensely packed fiber type. It gives a specific structure to our skin, bones, connective tissue, teeth, and fibrous cartilage.
- Type II: It is a less closely packed fiber than type I and is generally found in elastic cartilage that plays the role of cushion in our joints.
- Type III: This category of collagen helps in supporting the muscle, arteries, and other organs.
- Type IV: It could be found in the skin layers and is responsible for helping n filtration.
A complex network of macromolecules known as an extracellular matrix is where collagen proteins are found in a human body. The connective tissue in our body releases Collagens. These collagens are responsible for building fibroblasts, a fibrous network that forms new cells replacing the dead ones.
Expert’s observation says that collagen forms a protective layer outside any organ that enables them from any rupture or harm internally, such as Kidneys, which is relatively the most delicate organ. But as a person ages, their body begins to release less or low quality of collagens, especially in women after crossing their menopause phase.
The skin begins to shrink drastically, causing it to look wrinkly in appearance.
Medical and Cosmetic use division for Collagen
It has been understood that collagen could be easily broken down into a gel form and made to be easily absorbed by the skin, and that’s why it is dynamic and could be used for medical and cosmetic purposes.
Some of the uses include;
Skin Filling
Collagen could be used for skin filling to help reduce depression and fine lines on the face. A skin expert could do it with the help of Collagen injection. There are fillers available containing collagens that could help remove even wrinkles and sometimes scars of any acne or injury.
Collagen sources are obtained from either humans or cows, but a person must go for a skin test before implementing cow collagen on their skin. If someone wants to get extensive gaps in their skin to be filled, it is best done with silicon or fat because collagen could not cover up such deep cracks in the skin.
Treating Osteoarthritis
Although there hasn’t been concrete evidence to claim so except for a few studies, collagen is believed to help patients who have joint pains and osteoarthritis symptoms. When the collagen supplement absorbs in the skin, it accumulates in the cartilage found in the joins and helps rebuild the extracellular matrix.
To help in Revitalizing the Skin
Creams and Lotions, which claim to have collagen, are likely not proper because collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed directly. Those creams might work due to its moisturizing effect, but they do not work directly on the skin. They couldn’t be considered drugs; hence are not medically validated. So it is essential to be cautious of their use.
Tissue Regeneration
Sometimes for the growth of specific cells, collagen-based elements are used. They help in healing tissue, especially in oral surgeries; the fast-growing cells in our gums could be prevented by collagen from moving towards the wound in the tooth.
Looking into the reasons behind Collagen Loss
There are specific activities in our daily life which makes our skin lose collagen levels gradually, which includes;
- When we consume high sugar products, it increases the process where blood sugar attaches itself to proteins to form new molecules, and this process is known as glycation.
- Smoking could damage collagen in our skin, where Nicotine could shorten the blood vessels on the skin’s outer layers.
- UV rays from sunlight cause the collagen to break even more rapidly. Hence, damaging the skin more quickly.
- Autoimmune diseases make the antibodies target the collagen breaking them down and damaging the skin.
- The aging process is another factor leading to lessening collagen production in your body, causing your skin to look radiance and the stretched look.
What Could be Done to Prevent the Loss of Collagen?
Although laser therapy is in trend today, it could increase collagen in your body and maintain elasticity and melanin; there could be steps towards a healthy diet that could lead to stimulating the growth of Collagen,
- Consume more amounts of Proline, which is found in egg whites, meat, cheese, and cabbage.
- Consume more Vitamin C, which is found in strawberries, broccoli, and oranges
- Try to consume more water and other food items containing copper, such as red meat.
- Consume Vitamin A in more quantity, which could be derived from animal-based food.
All these and little help from your skin expert can be good to go, and do not forget to consult a physician in case you face any allergies to any preferred treatment.
