What is collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein composed of a chain of amino acids. Its main role is to ensure the maintenance and cohesion of tissues.
This is why it is nicknamed the “body’s cement”. It is naturally present in bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and the skin.
Indeed, in addition to forming the body’s architecture, it provides the skin with flexibility and elasticity.
Located in the dermis (inner layer), type 1 collagen is also essential for hydration, tissue regeneration, and wound healing.
Type 2 collagen is present in the joints, but it is not the focus of this article.
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Unfortunately, its production decreases over the years. The skin loses its firmness, slackens, and the signs of aging become more visible. Consuming foods rich in collagen or taking dietary supplements may therefore be necessary to compensate for this loss.
Its benefits for the skin
It ensures flexibility, firmness, and elasticity
Collagen is made up of fibers and filaments that bind and stack on top of each other. Very elastic and resilient, this network forms the skin’s structure. It guarantees flexibility, firmness, tonicity, and elasticity.
A key ingredient in cosmetic products and anti-aging treatments, it is known for firming and reshaping the face’s oval, plumping the skin, and filling in wrinkles.
As shown in this study, oral supplementation can also reduce wrinkles and slow down the natural skin aging process.
It maintains hydration
It also plays a major role in skin hydration. On one hand, its fibers have the ability to attract and retain water in the tissues. On the other hand, it forms a film on the skin’s surface.
This film slows the evaporation of water contained in the skin’s layers, a process called “Transepidermal Water Loss” (TEWL). Thus, collagen prevents dehydration and skin dryness.
During this study, collagen intake significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and density.
It protects the skin
Collagen supports and strengthens the protective barrier, the skin’s natural “shield”. Thus, it protects against pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi…) as well as external aggressions (cold, wind, pollution…).
This protective effect is enhanced when collagen is combined with vitamin C (in dietary supplements or cosmetics). Indeed, the latter stimulates its synthesis as highlighted in this article.
Furthermore, it protects the skin from free radicals that accelerate skin aging.
It promotes wound healing
Collagen is involved in the wound healing process (injuries, burns, etc.). It promotes tissue regeneration and remodeling. During healing, collagen production is locally activated.
In this study, researchers discovered that collagen fibers can reform structures on their own.
Furthermore, collagen is capable of regulating and/or blocking the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). These enzymes can degrade many proteins, including collagen and elastin, which are essential for healing.
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