Why some people eat and drink collagen (and how true it makes you look younger)

At one time they were very fashionable Collagen injections to fill lips and smooth facial wrinkles.

Later, the cosmetic industry discovered a less painful way to supply this substance.

Collagen powder, energy bars, chocolates, and in drinkable or chewable capsules are some of the products that claim to increase the levels of collagen in your body to prevent the symptoms of aging from manifesting on your skin.

But what is collagen? And is it true that eating it or drinking it will make your skin look younger for longer?

Collagen in coffee

Collagen is a kind of "glue" that holds your body together.

We have many types of collagen, but the majority is Type-I, what is la la Main structural protein of the skin.

This type of collagen is what gives shape and tension to the skin. However, around age 25, type-I collagen begins to break down faster than our body can replace it.

At approximately this age, the skin begins to lose its thickness and tensionat a rate of 1.5% per year, dermatologist Anjali Mahto, the author of the book "The Skin Care Bible," explains to the BBC.

Collagen has long been a popular ingredient in skin creams, but the question is whether this protein can really penetrate the outer layer of the skin.

Collagen injections, so fashionable in the past, are no longer as popular because their effects do not last as long as other alternative products, and because they have been linked to complications such as allergic reactions.

An increasing number of edible products containing collagen have begun to appear in shop windows.

These usually also contain flavorings and sweeteners to make them more palatable.

But you can also get collagen powder no flavor to add in juices, smoothies, soups and even in coffee.

Varieties

There are two types of collagen that are used in edible products: the integral and hydrolyzate.

The integral breaks down into peptides (amino acids, the blocks from which we build proteins) during digestion "like any other protein," explains nutritionist Sophie Medlin.

It is believed that these peptides reach the dermis (the inner layer of the skin, which contains blood vessels, nerves and hair follicles), and replace or complete collagen levels.

Hydrolyzed collagen is already broken down into peptides before consumption.

One of the theories is that this deceives your brain and makes you think that your collagen has been damaged and therefore stimulates the body to produce more.

Collagen is found (and therefore derived from there) in animals such as Cows, pigs, fish and shellfish.

Collagen-containing products are not vegetarian and therefore not suitable for people who follow that type of diet.

Does it really work?

Some studies indicate that eating hydrolyzed collagen is effective in improving the symptoms of skin aging, stimulating the production of collagen, improving skin elasticity and increasing hydration and density of collagen in the skin.

Some people who have consumed collagen, however, say it is Hard to say if it really works.

There are also doubts about whether collagen can survive digestion process

"These arguments have to be taken with tweezers," says Matho.

"The evidence on the effectiveness of eating collagen in human skin outside laboratory conditions is scarce, and there is little solid evidence that it survives digestion, reaches the bloodstream and then skin."

"Most studies with humans have been carried out by people who sell these products, so they can be biased."

While there is research that indicates that collagen supplements may be beneficial for the skin, they are needed more studies to reach a definitive answer.

Matho does not believe that these collagen supplements can be harmful, especially in the available doses.

Some nutritionists, however, believe in the skin benefits that collagen supplements can bring.

“Normally, as a nutritionist, I would recommend foods first rather than supplements, but the collagen is an exception because most studies that talk about its benefits have been done with supplements and not with food, ”says nutritionist Fiona Hunter.

The supplements, he adds, can "provide collagen in a way that is easier for the body to absorb."

While a healthy lifestyle cannot prevent the loss of collagen, the Unhealthy practices are proven factors of premature skin aging.

Matho recommends following a varied and balanced diet, with a limited amount of sugar, which has been linked to premature skin aging.

Also recommends Exercise regularly, use sunscreen and do not smoke.

"There is something like a superfood for the skin, aging is a process that lasts a lifetime and your efforts to be healthy, inside and out, should also be," he says.

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