Collagen is present abundantly in the bones, skin, muscles, and tendons of humans as the most prevalent protein in the human body. It's the glue that effectively holds the human body together. Collagen provides strength and structure by forming a scaffold.

The natural Collagen that the body produces is known as endogenous Collagen. Exogenous Collagen is a type of Collagen that is synthesized. It's derived from a third-party source, such as supplements.

Endogenous Collagen serves a variety of purposes. A variety of health issues are associated with breakdown and depletion.

Exogenous Collagen is used for a variety of medicinal and cosmetic applications, including tissue repair.

What exactly is Collagen?

Collagen is defined as a fibrous, rigid, insoluble protein that accounts for one-third of all protein in the human body. The molecules in most collagens are tightly packed together to create long, thin fibrils. These fibrils serve as both supporting structures and cell anchors.

They offer skin suppleness and strength.

There are around 16 different forms of Collagen, but types 1, 2, and 3 accounts for 80 to 90 percent of them. The structures and functions of these many categories vary. Collagen fibrils pertaining to type 1 are more prone to stretching as they are stronger than steel gram for gram.

Roles: What is the function of Collagen?

Collagen is produced by a variety of cells, the majority of which are connective tissue cells. It's present outside of cells in the extracellular matrix. The physical characteristics of human tissues are determined by an extensive network of macromolecules. A macromolecule is a molecule with a lot of atoms in it. It primarily aids in the restoration and replacement of dead skin cells. Hence, they play a vital role in skincare.

The Connection between Collagen and Aging

Collagen production decreases with age. The skin's structural integrity deteriorates. Wrinkles develop, and joint cartilage deteriorates. Collagen synthesis in women decreases dramatically after menopause. It’s production often declines significantly after the age of 60.

Medical and cosmetic applications of Collagen

Collagen is a resorbable protein. It can be broken down, transformed, and absorbed back into the body in this manner. It can also be made into compressed solids or gels with a lattice-like structure.

Its wide range of functions, as well as the fact that it occurs naturally, make it therapeutically adaptable and ideal for a variety of medicinal applications.

Fillers for the skin

• Collagen helps smooth out wrinkles and fill up depressions in the skin. Collagen-based fillers can be used to erase lines and wrinkles from the face cosmetically. It can also help with scars if they don't have a sharp edge. Collagen has the ability to fill relatively small spaces. Fat, silicone, or implants are commonly used to bridge larger gaps.

Dressing for wounds

Collagen can aid wound healing by recruiting new skin cells to the area. It aids in the healing process and offers a foundation for future tissue formation. In fact, persistent wounds that don't respond to other treatments can be helped with collagen dressings.

Other medical benefits

Collagen-based membranes have been utilized to encourage the proliferation of specific types of cells in periodontal and implant therapy. Collagen-based membranes can help with healing in these circumstances, and because they are resorbable, they don't need to be surgically removed following the main procedure. Collagen supplements and formulations may be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Revitalizing the skin with Collagen

Many collagen-based treatments, including lotions and powders, promise to rejuvenate the skin by raising collagen levels in the body. Any benefit is most likely due to these items' hydrating properties. They don't directly boost collagen levels.

Because such treatments are not recognized as medications, any claims about their efficacy do not need to be supported by scientific evidence. When utilizing these products, use caution.

Managing collagen loss prevention

Stretch marks can be treated using treatments that stimulate the formation of Collagen, elastin, and melanin.

Collagen production can be aided by a nutritious diet.

Collagen production may be aided by the following nutrients:

• Proline is found in egg whites, pork, cheese, soy, and cabbage, among other things.
• Blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries contain anthocyanidins. Oranges, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli are all high in vitamin C.
• Copper is found in shellfish, nuts, red meat, and various water sources.
• Vitamin A, also known as beta-carotene, is found in animal and plant sources.

What causes collagen formation to deteriorate?

Collagen levels are depleted by a variety of events.

• Sugar consumption is high: Glycation, a process in which blood sugars bond to proteins to produce new molecules accelerated by a high-sugar diet (AGEs). This might result in Collagen becoming dry, brittle, and weak as a result of AGEs damaging neighboring proteins.
• Tobacco: Smoke habits can worsen the situation as they have many compounds that harm both elastin and Collagen in the skin. Nicotine constricts blood vessels in the skin's outer layers, reducing the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
• Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun causes Collagen to break down more quickly, causing collagen fibers to be damaged and aberrant elastin to form up. Sunlight damages the dermis collagen, causing the skin to repair improperly, resulting in wrinkles.
• Autoimmune illnesses: Antibodies against Collagen are produced in some autoimmune disorders.
• Aging: Collagen levels naturally diminish over time as a natural aging process. And, there isn't much that can be done about it.

What needs to be done?

Avoiding tobacco and excessive sun exposure, as well as maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine, can assist in preventing visible aging and protect Collagen, allowing the skin, bones, muscles, and joints to remain healthy for longer. So, always nourish your skin and eat healthy to maintain your collagen production levels green.

Collagen is immensely important for your skin's health. Let us help you in your journey to protect them.

Contact us at info@spoorthireddy.com to know-how!