Collagen makes up a third of protein composition in our body. Present in skin, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and even bone, think of it as the glue that holds the body together. There are 4 main types of collagen, and as we age, our body produces less and lower-quality collagen. In the skin, this translates to signs of aging such as thinning, sagging, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles!
So have you wondered, what are the ways to get more collagen into our body to delay the dreaded signs of aging?
EAT IT
Most of us eat collagen almost daily without even knowing it! Edible collagen is found in animal bones, cartilage, chicken and fish skin. But is it effective? Apparently, not really. Eating whole collagen is usually accompanied with unwanted doses of fat and cholesterol, and it is not clear what the digestion process does to the protein anyway. Still, hydrolyzed collagen in the form of supplements may be useful, but get ready for a long relationship with these.
RUB IT INTO SKIN
Unfortunately, collagen is produced deep in the dermis, so it is very unlikely for topical collagen creams to make it there.
INJECT IT
Unlike the usual dermal fillers, there are collagen stimulators that can be injected into the skin to stimulate the body’s ability to produce collagen, restoring lost volume and remodeling the skin. Collagen stimulators which also act as temporary fillers include Radiesse and Ellanse, and even Dream Sculpture. But beware, these should not be injected in/around the lips or under the eyes. Using these inappropriately can result in lumps and bumps. And the above fillers cannot be dissolved, unlike hyaluronic acid fillers once they are injected.
Profhilo is the latest filler on the block that has taken the beauty world by the storm. Made of synthetic hyaluronic acid, this is the first injectable filler that is capable of remodeling skin but stimulating skin cells to produce collagen and elastin.