Collagen – What is its impact on skin, hair, and joints?

Date: Wednesday, 3 July 2024

In recent years, collagen has become a hot topic on skincare and supplement forums and groups. Some confirm its beneficial properties, while others question its effectiveness. Does using collagen make sense, and does it really help reduce wrinkles, improve hair condition, and support joints? Let’s take a closer look at this ingredient and uncover the phenomenon behind its growing popularity

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In recent years, collagen has become a hot topic on skincare and supplement forums and groups. Some confirm its beneficial properties, while others question its effectiveness. Does using collagen make sense, and does it really help reduce wrinkles, improve hair condition, and support joints? Let’s take a closer look at this ingredient and uncover the phenomenon behind its growing popularity

Table of Contents:

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that makes up about 25% of the total protein mass in our bodies. It is found in connective tissues, such as skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Collagen can be compared to glue that holds our body together, providing it with structure, elasticity, and strength.

There are at least 28 types of collagen, with types I, II, and III being the most important for humans. Type I is primarily found in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, contributing to their strength. Type II is crucial for cartilage, enabling it to cushion joints. Type III coexists with type I and supports the structure of muscles, internal organs, and blood vessels.

Collagen performs several important biological functions:

  • structural – it is the main component of the extracellular matrix, providing mechanical support to tissues.
  • regenerative – it aids wound healing by forming new connective tissue.
  • cushioning – in joint cartilage, type II collagen provides elasticity and the ability to absorb loads.
  • protective – in basement membranes, type IV collagen forms filtration barriers, protecting tissues from damage.
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Causes of collagen deficiency

One of the primary reasons for the decline in collagen levels in the body is the natural aging process. Starting at around age 25, collagen production gradually decreases, and by the age of 60, fibroblasts completely stop producing it. As a result, the skin loses its elasticity, wrinkles appear, and joints become less flexible. Consequently, collagen has become a popular ingredient in anti-aging supplements and cosmetics.

To synthesize collagen, amino acids derived from dietary protein are essential. Therefore, meals poor in vitamin C or minerals (copper, zinc) reduce the body’s ability to produce collagen. Additionally, smoking, excessive sun exposure, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances, such as menopause, also negatively impact collagen production.

Collagen for wrinkles

As you now know, with age, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin decrease their activity, making the skin thinner and more prone to damage. Consequently, the skin gradually loses its ability to retain water in the epidermis, leading to dryness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen is often referred to as the protein of youth because products containing it have the potential to mitigate signs of aging. Although collagen creams cannot penetrate deeply into the skin, they act on the surface, creating a smoothing film that further protects the face and body from excessive moisture loss. Incorporating collagen into your daily skincare routine will not only make you look more vibrant and radiant but also reduce the unevenness caused by cellulite.

An alternative for deeper and more effective rejuvenating action is supplements based on hydrolyzed collagen, which is easily absorbed by the body. Oral supplements usually come in the form of powders, capsules, or liquids, and their regular use improves skin quality from within.

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How does collagen work on joints?

Collagen is a primary component of joint cartilage, which covers the ends of bones in joints, acting as a natural shock absorber and reducing friction during movement. This makes our joints more resistant to mechanical damage, which is especially important during physical activity.

Research suggests that regular collagen supplementation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals suffering from degenerative joint diseases. Therefore, ensuring an adequate supply of collagen is crucial to maintaining joint health and mobility for many years.

Collagen and healthy hair

Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hair by influencing its growth, structure, and overall condition. It provides essential amino acids needed for the production of keratin, the primary building block of hair.

Consuming collagen through diet or applying it in cosmetic forms stimulates hair follicles, promoting hair growth and increasing hair thickness. It also has regenerative effects, resulting in reduced breakage and split ends. Additionally, collagen makes hair more elastic, making it more resistant to damage from styling or brushing. Maintaining proper moisture levels in the scalp prevents hair from becoming dull, keeping it shiny and soft to the touch.

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Collagen creams

Due to its large molecular weight, collagen does not exhibit penetrating properties, meaning cosmetics containing this rejuvenating ingredient only act on the skin’s surface layer. Therefore, when choosing a specific product, it’s essential to consider the environment in which the collagen is present.

Collagen creams from Studio Figura, in addition to containing a 3% concentration of native marine collagen, include a comprehensive set of moisturising and lubricating ingredients, together creating an ideal environment for the skin. The polyphenols present in Go Collagen Natural Day + Night Pro protect the skin from free radicals, preventing premature signs of aging, while vitamins from groups B, K, and PP enhance the skin’s repair processes.

Our collagen creams are designed to work around the clock. The day cream protects the skin from harmful environmental factors, while the night cream supports cell regeneration and repair during sleep. As a result, the skin remains well-hydrated and nourished at all times.

Collagen drinks – dietary supplement by Studio Figura

The form in which we take collagen—whether in capsules, dissolvable powder, or drink—does not affect its effectiveness. What matters is the source of the collagen. The market offers dietary supplements with pork or beef collagen, but fish collagen, such as that found in our Go Collagen Liquid Pro, is the closest to human collagen and, therefore, the best absorbed by the body. This makes it an excellent option for vegetarians who want to supplement collagen deficiencies due to avoiding animal products rich in this protein.

Studio Figura’s supplement is additionally enriched with vitamin C, which acts as an enzymatic cofactor, supporting collagen production and contributing to its stabilization in the body. By consuming 50 ml of Go Collagen Liquid Pro daily, you can be assured that your skin will become firmer, your hair shinier, and your joints rebuilt.

Collagen is not just a trendy ingredient in cosmetics or supplements but a fundamental building block of our body. Its role in maintaining healthy skin, strong bones, and efficient joints is invaluable, making it essential to maintain high collagen levels both externally and internally. If we want to enjoy a youthful appearance and optimal health, we should adopt a comprehensive approach—a balanced diet, high-quality supplementation, and proper skincare.

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