Collagen and how does it keep your skin healthy?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein found in our bodies and our skin. It’s literally the glue that holds us together. It acts as the foundation for your bones, teeth, muscles, skin, and pretty much all other connective tissues. Collagen makes up more than one-third of your total protein and works to firm your skin and strengthen your bones.

Collagen is rich in the amino acids or building blocks otherwise known as - glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline - that help your body to make new collagen. There are at least 28 different types of collagen but types I, II, and III form around 80-90% of the collagen found in your body. 

Types I and III - provide structure to your skin, muscles and ligaments.
Type II - is found in cartilage and the eyes. 

The type of collagen that keeps you looking youthful is found in the middle layer (dermis) and makes up nearly 80% of your skin. It works together with elastin to strengthen the skin and help it snap back into place when stretched. Think of it like a tightly coiled spring mattress that gets saggy with age and use.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen for Your Body?

The protein has a big job in the body. “Collagen gives body tissues structure, toughness, rigidity, and texture. In the skin, it’s akin to a layer of leather. And when it intermingles with elastic fibers, it gives skin strength and resilience.

When collagen begins to degrade in the skin and levels of it drop in the body, you may notice wrinkles, stiffer tendons and ligaments, weaker muscles, joint pain, and even GI problems, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

 It’s clear that collagen is vital for the health of every system in your body. Within the skin, taking up to 10 grams (g) of collagen peptides per day can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen density.

What’s more, a review in the journal Antioxidants in February 2020 notes that taking hydrolyzed collagen also can protect against UV-induced melasma, a skin problem marked by patches of discoloration on the face, potentially thanks to its antioxidant effects.

Nutrients that increase collagen production

·         All collagen starts off as procollagen.

·         Your body makes procollagen by combining two amino acids — glycine and proline. This process uses vitamin C.

·         You may be able to help your body produce this important protein by making sure you get plenty of the following nutrients:

·         Vitamin C. Large amounts are found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries .

·         Proline. Large amounts are found in egg whites, wheat germ, dairy products, cabbage, asparagus, and mushrooms .

·         Glycine. Large amounts are found in pork skin, chicken skin, and gelatin, but glycine is also found in various protein-containing foods .

·         Copper. Large amounts are found in organ meats, sesame seeds, cocoa powder, cashews, and lentils .

In addition, your body needs high quality protein that contains the amino acids needed to make new proteins. Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, legumes, and tofu are all excellent sources of amino acids.

For any skin and hair care related query or know more about Collagen you may contact to KEMPS skin clinic, Vaishali, Ghaziabad. It is the most advance skin care clinic in Ghaziabad.