Skin health has been a trending topic over the years. Healthy skin helps to enhance the general countenance of a person. It is important to take care of your skin, and that is the reason we are writing this article.
Collagen is one of the supplements that promote healthy skin. But what is collagen and how does it help the skin? Above all, should you use the collagen supplements? We will be discussing that in this article.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein that is the most abundant in the human body. It is found in muscles, tendons, skin, and bones. Generally, collagen is the substance that holds the body together. Since collagen is a hard, insoluble protein, it means that the molecule will be packed to form supporting structures anchor cells. Furthermore, they will offer strength and elasticity to the skin.
How Is it Helpful to the Skin? How does it Work?
Collagen located in the dermis (middle layer of the skin) will form a fibrous network of cells that are called fibroblasts. This network allows new skin cells to grow. Furthermore, it plays a huge role in replacing and restoring the dead skin cells too.
As you age, the collagen content in your body will reduce. In turn, the structural integrity of the skin will decline. As a result, wrinkles will form the joint cartilage weakens. Most of the women experience a significant reduction in the collagen synthesis after they reach menopause.
The Solution
Now that the collagen content in the body reduces with age, what should be done? Can it be solved? Yes, there is a solution to this. To tackle this, you will need to supplement the collagen content in your body.
Collagen supplements and skincare products come from animals. They can either be bovine (from cows), fish/marine collagen, chicken collagen, or porcine (from pigs).
The collagens from pigs, chickens, and cows are extracted from their tendons, cartilage, and skin. These are classified under the Type II collagen that is meant for boosting the tendons and joints strength in our bodies.
On the other hand, porcine, chicken collagen, and bovine are cheaper than fish/marine collagen.
Nevertheless, fish/marine collagen is the most suitable type of collagen that promotes skin health.
Fish collagen is also considered a Type I collagen and it is the best in terms of bioavailability and absorption. This is because it has the smallest particle size and the lowest molecular weight compared to other types of collagen.
So yes, marine/fish collagen is the best choice if you need one for skin health. It also helps to strengthen the bones. Fish collagen is rich in proline and glycine, which is why it is the best type of collagen to improve the health and look of the skin.
When looking for the best fish collagen supplement out there, always ensure that you go for a supplement that has the necessary ingredients.
Fish Collagen: The Skin Solution
Fish hydrolyzed collagen is made up of small peptides that are easily digested, absorbed, and distributed throughout the body. When you consume this type of collagen, it will get into the bloodstream via the small intestines and be distributed to the dermis. This collagen can then remain in the dermis for a maximum of 14 days. While in the dermis, the fish hydrolyzed collagen will trigger the multiplication and motility of fibroblasts as it stimulates the production of human-based collagen.
Furthermore, this fish collagen will increase the production of hyaluronic acid, fiber diameter, and density, as well as stimulate the protection against UVA radiation. This type of collagen also differs from other collages since it contains high levels of amino acids.
- Supporting skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration
Fish collagen helps to promote the production of collagen in the body, which is known to be the structural basis for healthy and young-looking skin. This will then helps to support and replenish the natural collagen of the body.
- Lessening and eliminating lines and wrinkles
Fish collagen peptides help to renew the skin’s ability to retain suppleness and moisture. On the other hand, it helps to protect itself from damaging the skin cells further. In turn, this will prevent the loss of firmness and elasticity. The more the peptides prevent the skin from losing its elasticity and firmness, the more it lessens the possibility of developing lines and wrinkles. It will help to maintain the firmness of the skin.
- It can reduce cellulite in the skin
Collagen also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite in the skin besides promoting healthy and glowing skin. Cellulite occurs when the skin pushes up against the connective tissue. As a result, it will form a lumpy or dimpled appearance on the skin. Cellulite is common and shouldn’t be much of a concern. It doesn’t have any risks or health hazards. Plus, it is more common among women. Since people want to have good looking skin, they try hard to eliminate cellulite.
You should keep in mind that it is not guaranteed that collagen will eliminate the cellulite in the skin.
Choosing a fish collagen supplement for your skin
When you are looking for the right fish collagen for your skin, you need to be extra careful. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind before buying any collagen supplement out there;
- Choose one with simple ingredients. Avoid using collagen supplements with too complicated ingredients. Instead, go for a collagen protein powder that is simply collagen protein isolate, which is also called hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolysate, or collagen peptides.
- Avoid buying the flavored versions. Flavored collagen supplements tend to have added sugars that might cause some serious harm to your GI tract. They can also add some calories to your body. Instead, go for the plain supplements, where you can add sweeteners if needed.
- Ensure that it has a third-party certification. Any dietary supplement you choose must be tested for safety by credible groups like USP, UL, or NSF. This will assure you consuming healthy content that will not ruin your health.
All in all, do your homework and be sure to pick a collagen supplement that will be effective to your skin without putting your health to any danger.
Above all, ensure you follow the necessary tips for healthy skin. Don’t only depend on the collagen supplements.
