May 16, 2022

Collagen For Skin Health-How to Achieve a Youthful, Vital and Glowing Complexion

As we age, our skin quality declines. The three biggest issues that make you look older are sagging skin, wrinkles and loss of skin radiance. Your body’s ability to produce collagen naturally slows down and decreases further before, during and after menopause.

Collagen is your skins primary support system and is what keeps your skin firm, taut and lifted. Without it, your skin would literally be unable to hold itself up and would be lacking in structure.

Replenishing your supply of collagen internally every day through supplementation is one guaranteed way to help give your skin a much-needed boost from within and prevent aging. It’s something you can do at home in less than a minute without knives and needles and will assist your skin to look firmer, tighter and less droopy with visible results in just a few weeks.

Type I collagen makes up over 70% of our skin and is the most abundant collagen in the body. Its positive benefits range from reversing the aging process and decreasing the prominence of wrinkles and cellulite, to enhancing skin hydration and firmness.

Marine collagen is the most researched form of collagen in relation to skin aging. It’s rich in amino acids glycine and proline which are the primary components of collagen and fuel the production of new collagen throughout the body. Glycine is foundational to DNA and RNA strand creation, while proline is foundational to the human body’s ability to naturally produce its own collagen. Glycine has many significant functions for the body, including blocking endotoxin and transporting nutrients for cells to utilize as energy. While prolines main function is to ensure collagen synthesis, also acting as an antioxidant by protecting cells from free radical damage.

Sustainably sourced marine-sourced collagen is derived from the by-product of fish skin and scales and is extremely rich in Type I collagen. So, if your goal is to enhance your beauty and slow down skin aging, then marine collagen is the best choice.

BENEFITS OF MARINE COLLAGEN

MAINTAINING YOUTHFUL SKIN

Collagen in our skin begins to break down as early as our mid-twenties. Replenishing collagen is vital to maintaining youthful skin. As we age, we lose more of our own collagen and our ability to replace collagen is impaired. The most significant decrease in collagen occurs during and after menopause. Other lifestyle factors that cause collagen levels to become depleted include smoking, sun exposure, unhealthy diet, stress and lack of sleep.

DECREASE CELLULITE

Marine collagen has been shown to decrease wrinkles and the appearance of cellulite. It may also help improve skin firmness, hydration, smoothness, suppleness and elasticity.

SUPPORT GUT HEALTH

Collagen is an important contributor in the maintenance of the gut lining and can assist with nutrient absorption, elimination, general digestive health and immune function.

SUPPORT HEALTHY HAIR & NAILS

Amino acids found in collagen specifically proline and glycine, support hair and nail growth. Several in vitro studies have shown that collagen enhances the cells responsible for creating connective tissue and replenishing cells in the dermis and in turn encourages hair growth and nail strength.

SCAR REDUCTION

As Type I collagen is a major component in the dermal matrix of skin, it also determines the rate of wound healing. Marine collagen may alleviate scars and increase the speed of wound healing due to its ability to promote protein synthesis and cell proliferation supporting skin tissue strength by regenerating the extracellular matrix. From scratches, burns to scars, marine collagen is your new best friend.

STABILIZATION OF BLOOD SUGAR

Glycine has been studied for its numerous benefits including stabilization of blood sugar. Researchers have recently found evidence that low levels of glycine in the body may lead to insulin resistance and diabetes. Supplementing with marine collagen increases glycine in the body.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND FIGHT BACTERIA

Hydrolyzed marine collagen consists of bioactive peptides that have antioxidant properties. These properties can help in the reduction of reactive oxygen species - unstable molecules containing oxygen that cause the aging of tissues. Increasing antioxidants may assist with boosting immunity and reducing inflammatory responses.

MARINE COLLAGEN VS BOVINE COLLAGEN

The primary difference aside from the type and source of collagen, is the molecular size. When marine collagen is hydrolyzed, it is smaller and more readily absorbed. Marine collagen primarily consists of Type I collagen whist bovine collagen is Type I and III. Type I helps in the formation of skin, bones and other tissues and is the most effective for wound healing and rebuilding the body.

12 WAYS YOU CAN BOOST COLLAGEN

There are many ways to boost collagen through diet and supplementation, which will help add volume to your skin while supporting optimal health.

Consuming a balanced diet that contains protein in the form of fatty fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A (which has an anti-inflammatory effect) and contains antioxidants, both of which scavenge free radicals and prevent loss or degradation of collagen.
For the non-vegans, regular consumption of Marine Collagen is considered to have nutritional and healing benefits. This can also help with inflammation and improving your skin. Bone broth is also recommended to increase lost collagen supplies and assist with overall health.
Limit or cut the caffeine – studies have revealed that caffeine may have an adverse effect on skin aging and the wound healing process of human skin.³ A popular practice of adding collagen to your morning cup of coffee may be counterintuitive and minimize the damage caused by caffeine. So if collagen and skin health is at the top of your list of concerns then it may be best to avoid altogether.
Hyaluronic acid – is an important compound for collagen in the skin. It’s found in foods that are rich in amino acids like root vegetables, beans and soy. It can also be found as a supplement.
Vitamin C – is a super skin vitamin as it promotes the formation of collagen and protects the skin.⁴ Its added to creams and serums for a good reason. Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, papaya, strawberries, broccoli and green, leafy vegetables.
Aloe vera – we know that aloe vera has soothing and calming properties for the skin when applied topically. Recent studies have revealed that extracted aloe sterols taken as a supplement doubled the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body and skin.
Antioxidants – protect against free radical damage. Certain antioxidants enhance the effectiveness of collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. Include green tea, blueberries, licorice extract, mulberry extract, Yerba mate, pomegranate extract, astragalus, cinnamon, essential oils of basil, oregano and thyme.
Ginseng – A 2012 study posted in the Journal of Ginseng Research found that ginseng increases the amount of collagen found in the bloodstream.⁵ It also contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties and may have the potential to stop the aging of skin cells. It can be found in the form of tea, tinctures and supplements.
Nutrients that may support collagen formation include:
• Anthocyanins – found in blackberries, blueberries, raspberries and cherries.
• Proline – found in egg whites, cheese, soy, cabbage and meat.
• Vitamin A – found in plants as beta-carotene and animal derived foods.
• Copper – found in shellfish, red meat, nuts and some drinking water.
Retinol (vitamin A derivative) - is another antioxidant that can boost collagen levels by increasing the lifespan and blocking certain enzymes that destroy collagen. This makes it a great addition to products that contain vitamin A. Use at night only. Avoid use in conjunction with sunlight and if you are pregnant.
Red light laser therapy – can stimulate and increase the growth of collagen in the skin. It’s a low-level or (LLLT) laser that is non-invasive, safe and can improve skin elasticity and wrinkles.⁶
A regular exercise regime – can help reduce visible aging whilst protecting collagen and keeping your skin collagen levels, bones, muscles and joints healthier for longer.