What is collagen?
Collagen is the most important protein in the body, at the same time the “builder” of all body cells and the “glue” that connects them together. Due to its ability to stretch, the skin has such a quality as elasticity (model of collagen molecule in the picture above).
What happens to collagen as we age?
In youth, the body successfully synthesizes collagen, but over time this process begins to slow down: collagen fibers thicken and become less elastic. In addition, the sun further provokes their destruction. And now dry, but illustrative figures: from about 25 years old every year the body begins to lose 1.5% of natural collagen, so that by the age of 45 the body already lacks about 30%.
How does this manifest itself externally?
After 35 years, non-chemical wrinkles, dryness, flabbiness begin to appear. By the way, experts also associate the manifestation of cellulite with a lack of this protein.
What to do?
Replenish collagen deficiency. We usually apply it externally in creams, serums and masks. The bad news is that the cosmetic products in the composition only act on the top layer of the skin - the epidermis. The size of the collagen molecules simply does not allow collagen to penetrate deeper into the dermis.
To drink or not to drink?
Scientists claim that drinking collagen, or, in other words, low molecular weight collagen of marine origin, extracted from the scales, skin and bones of salmonids, when ingested, can have a positive effect on the structure of human skin. In addition, in a similar way, it acts on all the connective tissues of the body: bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
Who disagrees?
There is still no unequivocal opinion about the benefits of taking collagen orally. Opponents of this claim that collagen, like any protein, will simply be digested in the stomach, like a piece of fish. You can just as well buy gelatin in a store, which is similar in structure to collagen, and eat it in the form of jellied meat.
Let's read the reviews?
Most people who have taken and are taking drinking collagen still notice positive changes, however, it is recommended to drink it constantly and wait for noticeable results no earlier than three months later.
Whom to trust?
Text: Tatiana Koroleva Photo: Asya Zabavskaya
