Everything You Need to Know About Collagen

cWe share everything that you need to know about collagen. We hope this helps you make better decisions to improve your skins collagen.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant  protein in your body. It is composed of 19 amino acids. Please find the list below.

Collagen is also very different from other proteins in that it has a unique amino acid composition.  Collagen has a high content of proline and glycine and no cysteine.

What does collagen do?

Collagen’s provides structure, strength and support throughout your body.

Collagen’s role in the body:

• Helps fibroblasts to form in your dermis (middle skin layer) this helps new skin cells to grow.
• This in turn replaces dead or damaged skin cells.
• Provides a protective covering for organs.
• Gives structure, strength and elasticity to your skin.
• Helps your blood to clot.

Are there different types of collagen?

There are 28 know types of collagen. They differ by how the molecules are assembled, the different cell components and where the collagen is used in your body.

In the Human body there are main five types of collagen.

• Type I.Makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I is densely packed and used to provide structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
• Type II.Is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
• Type III. Found in muscles, arteries and organs.
• Type IV.Found in the layers of your skin.
• Type V.Found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.

What happens to collagen as you age?

Your body produces less collagen as you age. And existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate. Also the  as we age the collagen we produce is lower in quality than when you were younger. Women experience a significant reduction in collagen production after menopause. It is normal for everyone – male & female to experience a decline in collagen production after age 60.

Can I tell if my body’s collagen is decreasing?

Collagen can’t be measured — in a blood test — but there are signs that your collagen level is decreasing.

• Skin appears looser, less toned or sagging.
• Hollowing in and around your eyes and face.
• Loss of muscle, weak muscles and muscle aches.
• Stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments.
• Joint pain or osteoarthritis due to worn cartilage.
• Loss of mobility due to joint damage or stiffness.
• Gastrointestinal problems due to thinning of the lining of your digestive tract.
• Problems with circulation.

What lifestyle habits damage collagen?

Smoking. Smoking decreases collagen production. It damages collagen and elastin – which is another protein that helps maintain muscle tone. This leads to wrinkles and slow wound healing. Nicotine alos constricts blood vessels near your skin’s surface, preventing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

Eating high volumes of sugar and refined carbs. Sugar binds to proteins to form advanced glycation end products. These molecules damage nearby proteins and cause collagen to become weak, dry and brittle.

Exposure to ultraviolet light. Too much sunlight reduces collagen production and makes existing collagen break down more rapidly. Ultraviolet sunlight causes wrinkles. Avoid excessive sun exposure and always wear sunscreen (SPF 30 and higher) when you’re outside.

Disease and other factors that damage collagen?

Autoimmune diseases (when your body’s immune system attacks its own tissue) can damage collagen. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, schlerocerma, are a few autoimmune diseases that are known to cause collagen damage.

Genetic mutations can also damage collagen. Collagen construction errors result in conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Collagen levels also decline naturally with age.

What can I do to improve skin collagen loss and to slow the signs of aging?

To slow the effects of skin aging, use sun protection. Exposure to ultraviolet light damages collagen. Use products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection and lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants while outside. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label for extra protection. Avoid tanning beds.

Use skin care products rich in amino acids and nutrients that help your body build high quality collagen.

Eat a well-balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, which is high in nutrient rich vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and fruits and moderate amounts of seafood. A plant based diet rich in plant amino acids and nutrients is also recommended as plant aminos are easier for humans to absorb than meats.

Does eating collagen-rich foods increase the collagen level in my body?

Collagen can’t be absorbed by your body in its whole form. Your body has to break down the collagen proteins you eat into amino acids. So eating collagen-rich foods doesn’t directly result in higher collagen levels in your body. Nor does taking collagen supplements result in higher collagen in your skin.

But many foods provide the raw ingredients that support collagen production. Eat these as part of a healthy diet. These foods contain amino acids, Vitamin C, zinc and copper. The body needs these vital nutrients to make collagen.

• Vitamin C. Found in oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes.
• Amino Acids.  Found in mushrooms, cabbage, asparagus, peanuts, wheat, fish, egg whites, turkey, chicken, peanuts and granola.
• Copper. Found in oysters, shiitake mushrooms, nuts and seeds, leafy greens, tofu and dark chocolate.
• Zinc. Found in oysters, beans, chickpeas, nuts, broccoli, green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

What are collagen peptides?

Collagen peptides are small pieces of animal or marine collagen. Your body cannot absorb collagen. It has to be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. Oral collagen supplements come in the form of pills and powders. These too cannot be absorbed by your gut and need to be broken down into amino acids before they are absorbed. Oral collagen is therefore not an effective way to rebuild collagen.

Does drinkable collagen work?

Your body cannot absorb collagen in the gut. Collagen has to be broken down into amino acids. Hence drinkable collagen is not an effective way to increase collagen in the body & skin.

What does the research say about the effectiveness of collagen supplements?

There’s a lack of randomized controlled trials of dietary supplements.

Can skincare products help rebuild collagen?

The skin cannot absorb collagen. Therefor Organic Apoteke Rejuvenating range of products provides your skin with the amino acids, vitamins, copper, & zinc that it requires to rebuild collagen – quickly and effectively. This is one of the fastest ways to improve collagen production in your skin.