The process of globalization and advances in technology have brought us a wealth of information about our health and well-being. Thus, there is a growing concern to achieve a longer life and a healthy appearance.
In this context, we know that as the years go by, our bodies stop producing some essential substances, which, in turn, affects our appearance. Among these is collagen protein, which is abundant in our body structure and fundamental to our largest organ: the skin.
And, if the pursuit of health is a constant in today’s world, when it comes to the skin, it seems like we step into another dimension where we all, naturally, want to delay the effects of aging.
All of this explains the huge interest in cosmetics, foods, and supplements that can help us in this endeavor. In fact, if we can age with a better appearance, why not give our bodies a little extra help? Here, we offer a brief guide on collagen and how we can support it in our daily lives.
- What is collagen?
- Types of collagen
- Collagen presentation forms on the market
- Collagen and aging
- How to support collagen in the skin
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about 25 to 30% of all the protein in our body. It is located in the dermis, the second layer of the skin, and while it serves its natural function in our bodies, it contributes to the structural integrity of the tissues where it is present.
- Collagen fiber
- Dermis
- Collagen molecule
The dermis, as the intermediate layer of the skin, is made up of collagen fibers, elastin (a structural protein found in elastic fibers, tendons, and ligaments), and colloidal gel (a gelatinous liquid that stores water for the rest of the body in case of emergency). This combination is responsible for providing tone, elasticity, and balance to the skin.
And in this story it’s important to know: collagen is the main character. That’s because this fibrous protein, found widely in the animal kingdom, is the most important compound of connective tissue, which makes up the dermis.
As the dermis undergoes changes over the years, the skin becomes less firm, gradually loses its ability to retain water, and as a result, wrinkles appear.
Wrinkles are commonly divided into two types, superficial (those that disappear when we stretch the skin) and deep and permanent (which do not disappear when the skin is stretched), including furrows.
Among other reasons, this happens because our hero, collagen, starts to become scarce. That’s when the need arises for us to help our own physiology by supporting its replacement and that of other substances that our bodies can no longer produce and that contribute to this.
Types of collagen
When we talk about collagen these days, we are referring to a family of at least 27 similar types of proteins found in connective tissues in our body, such as bones, tendons, cartilage, veins, skin, teeth, and muscles.
- The most common type of collagen in our bodies is Type I (native collagen or tropocollagen). It is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.
It is from this type of collagen that we get those products found in pharmacies, like hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin.
- Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage. In the body, this kind of collagen works like a spring: it lets us bear weight or even create leverage, which is why it’s present, for example, in the knees.
- Type III collagen is found especially in larger blood vessels, such as arteries. It can also be found in so-called “smooth muscles,” such as the intestines and uterus, and in organs like the kidneys and liver—which is quite interesting because this specific type of collagen brings elasticity designed to serve as a natural shock absorber, supporting and protecting our organs.
Collagen presentation forms on the market
When we talk about its industrial production, collagen can be obtained from several animal species. In Brazil, due to its large export production, most collagen comes from the beef industry. Sold as is, collagen has become a functional food and, as such, has therapeutic properties.
In its original form, collagen is insoluble in water, due to the high concentration of amino acids, and therefore needs to go through a chemical process to be converted into the proper form.
In this process, collagen undergoes so-called hydrolysis (from the Greek hydro – water, and lysis – separation). In practice, this means the collagen molecules are broken down by water, so the product can be more easily absorbed by the intestines. That’s where the term “hydrolyzed” comes from.
Hydrolyzed collagen is rich in amino acids (the components of proteins), providing a high level of glycine and proline—two amino acids that are very helpful in stabilizing and regenerating cartilage.
In recent years, a new version of collagen has appeared for consumers, called verisol, which has a patented formula. The difference between it and hydrolyzed collagen, according to the manufacturer, is a greater ability to reach body regions most in need, being more effectively used by the body.
Gelatin, on the other hand, is not the best option as a source of nutritious fiber, mainly due to its high content of chemical additives.
With this, we can see the use of both gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen and verisol—the latter usually found in powder form, but also often available as gummies and capsules.
Gelatin is generally used in the food, photographic, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, mainly because of its gelling properties (that is, for the production of gels).
Collagen and aging
During the first years of life up to puberty, collagen deficiencies or changes are not very visible and hardly show in the body, but as we reach maturity, collagen loss becomes increasingly obvious—even in our appearance.
The network of dermal collagen fibers, over time, starts to deform gradually. The fibers become more fragmented, shorter and thicker, and less organized, building up damaged collagen. This appears as thin skin, often wrinkled, dry, and occasionally flaky in some areas.
Thus, several changes occur in the structure and function of the dermis, such as a reduction in volume and thickness, as well as a decrease in the ability to retain moisture.
The thickness of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) varies. Areas subject to more friction, for example, like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, have a thicker layer—between 1 and 5 mm thick. On the face, the thickness goes from 0.05 mm (in the eye region) to 0.1 mm—much thinner and more sensitive.
It should be noted, however, that skin aging is regulated by several factors—not only genetic, but also environmental, mainly excessive sun exposure—and that nutritional deficiencies also accelerate this process.
How to support collagen in the skin
To support collagen in the skin, you can eat foods rich in this substance, such as red meat, chicken, and fish, as well as foods rich in vitamin C (like selenium, zinc, and silicon). When combined, they produce an optimized effect.
These nutrients help in collagen production, resulting in better health and aesthetic treatment outcomes. Another alternative would be the use of a supplement.
On another line in the “fight against aging,” there are cosmetics. Applying certain substances to the skin stimulates collagen production, but not all have verified effectiveness. Two substances, however, have scientifically proven results: vitamin C and organic silicon (also known as silanols).
Vitamin C is very well known in skincare routines. On the skin, it triggers a chemical reaction capable of basically organizing collagen molecules, and also increasing its production. Organic silicon, although not very famous, is being used more and more. Silicon is a structural constituent of elastin, collagen, and other elements that form the support structures of the skin.
Silicon and vitamin C, by the way, have a lot in common: both are more effective when applied directly to the skin than when ingested; they have a reducing effect on free radicals, helping protect the skin; both are present in the body, but their levels decrease with age; and together, they also help improve skin hydration.
Research shows that silicon levels vary inversely with age, especially in artery walls and the skin. Young arteries, for instance, have more silicon than older ones.
In addition to these ways of boosting collagen in the body, there are other methods on the market, including injectable biostimulators, which are substances that stimulate collagen production and, when injected into specific layers of the skin, can be used to replace volume and reduce sagging.
One of the most well-known biostimulators in this field is called “sculptra,” which is injected directly into the dermis (the second skin layer).
We know, however, that the quality of aging is related to the quality of life a person has, and in this context, many factors play a role.
It’s no coincidence that skin is the mirror of the body: when we’re tired, poorly nourished, or physically and emotionally stressed, it is written all over our face—the skin reacts negatively.
However, certainly, a healthy routine, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and appropriate skin care will go a long way to maintaining and preserving skin structure throughout the aging process.
