What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of the body’s protein content. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Collagen is a key component of the skin’s structure, providing support and strength; it also plays a role in wound healing.
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, and the collagen that is produced is often of lower quality. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. Collagen supplements are one way to counteract the effects of visible skin aging by boosting collagen production, team this with a potent skin serum and you are onto a winner!
This article will provide you with everything you need to know about collagen for skin, including its benefits, how to use it, and potential side effects and of course will let you into the secrets of keeping ahead in the antiaging game by revealing how REMY’s dual approach to skincare can replenish key components from the inside and out and keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant through different life-stages such as the hormonal changes of perimenopause.
Have Wrinkle Free Skin: Stop Smiling, Frowning and Talking!
The process of skin aging occurs much earlier than you may expect. In women, from the age of 25 to 30 years, the skin layer thickens, then around 30 the layers progressively become thinner, less elastic and more turgid due to biological aging. (1) (2)
When you reach 30, don't worry - people don't wake up with wrinkled faces, but it is the age bracket that is scientifically proven to see skin changes such as fine lines, sensitive skin, and increased dryness. As we grow older, we begin to notice that our skin is not as youthful as it used to be. Life’s stressors and environmental damage from the sun or smoke may have betrayed our skin with fine lines and wrinkles starting to appear as a result of living life to the fullest, late nights partying, or being up with children.
The reason for the typical signs of aging skin is that the natural aging process leads to the shape of our skin cells flattening, resulting in the dermis (all the layers of the skin) becoming thinner and more delicate. Hormonal changes, such as those taking place during perimenopause, result in the reduction in collagen production and concomitantly decreased elastin and hyaluronic acid leading to less elasticity loss of natural oils leading to dull skin and increased dryness. (2)
The decrease in your skin's elasticity can be tested by pulling up the skin and seeing the time taken to return to its original shape – this test has a non-imaginative scientific name of ‘The Skin Folding’ test or ‘bounce back’. For instance, a young person’s skin may return to its original shape almost immediately after being pinched, whereas more mature skin may take several seconds to return to its original shape. The loss of elasticity is particularly seen in areas of natural stress lines and where there is repeated mechanical muscle contraction around the eyes or mouth, for example – smiling or animatedly talking. (3)
If you want to stop wrinkles, just don't smile or talk - ever, and don't frown either. In fact, show zero emotions, and you will have a gorgeous wrinkle-free face...but then you can't interact with anyone, so it makes no sense to have a wrinkle-free face since no one sees it. Seeing as never interacting with folk again wouldn’t be fun, then the easier way is to nourish your skin from the inside and out to replenish and rebalance key antiaging components that your skin needs for it to be healthy and radiant through hormonal changes such as perimenopause.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Collagen To Improve Your Skin?
Collagen is one of the most important proteins found in our skin and its decline as we age can cause wrinkles, sagging skin and other signs of aging. Young and healthy skin contains more than 75% collagen - as we discussed, young is rudely defined as under 30 - but 40 is the new 30! (4) (5) (6) This means from around the age of 30 onwards we need to be looking at helping our skin replenish its collagen source and also the other components needed to support collagen production and function if we are to slow the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Although collagen begins to decline in our 30s there is a noticeable rapid decline in collagen, unfortunately, the decline in collagen doesn’t stop there but the decline is less rapid at least with collagen decline in the years after menopause falling at a steady rate of around 2% a year. Considering we now live longer, there are many years of living with collagen-depleted skin which is why many of us seek to replenish collagen in our body to help replace the collagen that has been lost due to natural aging or hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.
How we seek to increase collagen levels differs from person to person, we may consume a
collagen product, we may apply it to our skin. The best methods of replenishing key antiaging components depend where in the body they are originally produced. Our skin naturally receives its nutrition from inside our bodies, the layers of our skin all support each other and the nutrients and communication between them (yes, cells “talk” to each other) influence how our skin grows and appears on the outside.
Increasing collagen levels from within helps replenish the bioavailable supply to the fibroblast cells that feed epithelial cells both of which produce and secrete collagen into the extracellular matrix (ECM). This doesn’t mean that you should ditch your topical skincare products that contain other beneficial ingredients because it is beneficial to have a dual approach to tackling the visible signs of aging skin – replenish from the inside and soothe from the outside.
Collagen and the ECM
A component of our skin that is greatly underplayed and often omitted from advice and information is the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is a highly dynamic structure that is synthesized and organized by the cells it surrounds to provide support and shape to the tissue. The cocktail mixture of ECM components is replenished from available nutrients within the body and from cells secreting new elements that result in ECM remodelling.
Each tissue in our body is surrounded by its own unique cocktail of ECM. It doesn’t contain cells itself, but it is crucial for supporting the cells it surrounds in terms of providing structure, nutrients and communicating via chemical signals to influence cell behaviour of whether cells proliferate (cells making more cells – multiplying), differentiate (changing into different types of skin cells) or migrate (moving to areas where they are needed, for example, if there has been an injury) (7) (8).
The dermal ECM makes up the bulk of skin giving it strength and resilience. However, many beauty products never mention the ECM, just your keratinocytes which are the uppermost specialised epithelial skin cells; REMY does mention the ECM as it is this part of our skin structure that we aim to deliver nutrients to using our formulated food supplements. REMY aims to provide key nutrients to the ECM for your life-stage to deliver the necessary nutrition that may be lacking from your normal healthy diet to support your skin cells to be healthy and radiant from the inside and out. The ECM is important for healthy and radiant skin as the components it contains help the skin retain water and keep it smooth, firm, and strong, where each protein adds its own property to the cocktail mix.
The main components of dermal ECM include:
1. Fibrous proteins such as collagens and elastin.
2. Proteoglycans which are usually called glycosaminoglycans or GAG’s, these promote cell-ECM adhesion and have lubrication functions. A special type of GAG is hyaluronan (HA) which is found in many cosmetic products as that wonderful ingredient hyaluronic acid. It is necessary for skin as it plays a big role in skin hydration, it has an excellent ability to hold onto water molecules and fill spaces helping skin remain plump (9).
3. Adhesive glycoproteins such as fibronectins and laminins.
4. Other proteins such as growth factors, cytokines and proteolytic enzymes.
Replenishing collagen to benefit our skin is important because it is a main component of the ECM, it is a fibrous protein that the skin relies on the most to provide most of its structural integrity that is the shape and function of the skin cells (10).
The presence of collagen is also important because it assists the production of another fibrous protein - elastin which is responsible for returning the skin to its normal configuration after being stretched or deformed – its elasticity.
The 2 main fibrous proteins, collagen, and elastin work well together, collagen providing the rigidity and structure and elastin providing flexibility. In aging skin, the production of collagen decreases which is why most antiaging products target and aim to reverse this loss of collagen although other factors shouldn’t definitely not be overlooked as the ECM has a whole host of supporting components that feed and instruct epithelial skin cells to function and that all interact together to allow each other’s synthesis and operation (11) (12).
The whole ECM work synergistically together and finding skincare that also work synergistically to provide the key components to replenish and rebalance these should be a top priority.
How Do I Choose The Right Collagen Supplement For My Needs?
Collagen supplements come in many forms and variations. It can be hard to choose the right collagen supplement for your needs, but here are some tips on how to choose the right one.
1. Consider the type of collagen
There are several different types of collagens, and the type of supplement you choose should match your needs. Look for supplements that have predominantly type I collagen which is the most common type found in our skin.
2. Think about dosage and form
It is important to consider the dosage and form of the collagen supplement. Some supplements come as liquids, pills, and powders, and it's important to find one that is in a form that works for you. Some supplements come in capsules that can be opened so that you have the option of adding them as a powder to your meal or drink. Also, consider the dosage, as each type of collagen supplement has different recommendations for proper dosages.
3. Check the ingredients
Look at the ingredients in the supplement to make sure they are natural, non-GMO, and free of artificial ingredients. Make sure to also double-check the label to make sure it contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support your skin for the life stage you are at. The best supplements will contain a balance of ingredients that will work synergistically together. For example, having collagen alone is of little benefit if vitamin C isn’t present. If you really want to tackle declining collagen and fully support collagen production in your skin then choose supplements that include the optimal quantities of vitamin E, as well as Zinc which works concomitantly with collagen and Vitamin C. Even better make sure the active ingredients in your antiaging supplement is working together from the inside with the skincare product you are using topically.
4. Keep an eye on expiration dates
When choosing a collagen supplement, make sure to check the expiration date. Find one that is within its expiration date so that you know you're getting the best quality product.
By following these tips, you can make sure you are choosing the right collagen supplement for your needs.
How Do I Know If Collagen Is Working For My Skin?
When it comes to collagen supplements, one of the most common questions is “how will I know if it is working?” After all, you don’t want to waste your time or money on something that doesn’t truly benefit your skin. The best way to tell if collagen is working is to pay attention to your skin’s overall appearance.
Generally speaking, you can expect to see improvement when it comes to hydration levels, skin elasticity and firmness, and a diminished appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The best part of taking a nutrient supplement for your skin is that it doesn’t just act upon your face, so improvements to hands and neck can be seen too. You can keep an eye out for other skin changes such as improvement in overall skin tone as well as a more luminous and even complexion. If you stick to a regular skincare routine and start taking a collagen supplement, you should notice visible improvement in your skin’s appearance over time but do remember it’s unlikely to be an overnight process which is why many supplements are provided in 1- or 2-month supply formats.
Ok, I’m Convinced. How Do I Incorporate Collagen Into My Beauty Routine?
Once you’re convinced of the benefits of collagen, it’s time to figure out how to incorporate it into your beauty routine.
1. You can start by taking a high-quality collagen supplement each day – as mentioned above, seeking a supplement that has supporting vitamins and minerals can really boost collagen and elastin production.
2. Next, make sure that you’re drinking plenty of water to help your body absorb the collagen supplement.
3. Move on to reevaluating your skincare routine. Make sure to include products that also have collagen-boosting ingredients. These could be substances like hyaluronic acid, peptides and retinol – make sure that the supplement and other skincare products work together.
4. It’s also important to make sure that your products are free of harsh chemicals, natural skincare products will benefit mature skin the most as synthetic ingredients can strip the skin of beneficial oils and reduce collagen production.
You may even consider fragrance-free products as some artificial fragrances can also irritate your skin.
By following these steps and incorporating collagen into your beauty routine, you should start to see visible improvements in your skin health and be on your way to healthy, radiant skin from the inside and out!
Are There Any Side Effects That I Should Be Aware Of?
You should know that there are potential risks associated with taking collagen supplements related to allergies, cholesterol, and inflammation. As with any supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor before using collagen. When it comes to allergies, it’s important to pay attention to any potential reactions you may have to the product. Most collagens for skincare are derived from marine sources and so fish allergies need to be considered and others use ingredients derived from cows, which could cause adverse reactions if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant.
Another potential issue is an increase in cholesterol. Supplements that contain hydrolyzed collagen proteins may increase the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body, which is something to be aware of. Finally, people with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis should also consult with their doctor before taking collagen as some studies have suggested that it may not be recommended in these cases. Therefore, be sure to discuss taking collagen supplements with your doctor and always read the ingredients carefully before taking them.
And that’s Everything You Need To Know About Taking Collagen For Skin!
Collagen for skin is in high demand as an antiaging food supplement, beauty product, and as an ingredient in dermatology treatments. It can help remedy increased dryness, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and assist in firmin up sagging skin by improving your skin's elasticity. Collagen is a protein found naturally in the skin which helps to form connective tissue, like cartilage and bones. When taken as a supplement, it can help to improve the skin’s structure and reduce wrinkles and even better if it works synergistically with your other skincare products. Before taking a collagen supplement, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure it’s right for you and rule out any potential side effects. Also, be sure to read the list of ingredients to make sure it’s vegan/vegetarian friendly and free of dairy. There are also other ingredients to look for such as Vitamin C for its additional skin-boosting benefits and even better if it contains vitamins E, vitamin A and zinc too! That's everything you need to know about taking collagen for skin! It’s important to do your research and understand what you’re putting into your body so that you can make an informed decision about taking collagen for skin. Be sure to check out more of REMY’s blogs to guide you through the task of selecting the optimum collagen supplement for your skin. Coming Soon: Understanding the Sources of Collagen and How They Help Rejuvenate Your Skin
References
1. Cryptic Peptides from Collagen: A Critical Review. . Banerjee P., Shanthi C. 2016.
2. Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Kim D.U., Chung H.C., Choi J., Sakai Y., Lee B.Y.. Vol. 2018.
3. The Skin Aging Exposome. Krutmann J., Bouloc A., Sore G., Bernard B.A., Passeron T. 2017.
4. The Presence of Food-Derived Collagen Peptides in Human Body-Structure and Biological Activity. K., Sato. 2017.
5. Extracellular Matrix Regulation of Fibroblast Function: Redefining Our Perspective on Skin Aging. Cole M.A., Quan T., Voorhees J.J., Fisher G.J. 2018.
6. From Structure to Phenotype: Impact of Collagen Alterations on Human Health. Arseni L., Lombardi A., Orioli D. 2018.
7. A guide to the composition and functions of the extracellular matrix. Karamanos NK, Theocharis AD, Piperigkou Z, Manou D, Passi A, Skandalis SS, Vynios DH, Orian-Rousseau V, Ricard-Blum S, Schmelzer CEH, Duca L, Durbeej M, Afratis NA, Troeberg L, Franchi M, Masola V, Onisto M. 2021.
8. Extracellular matrix structure. Theocharis AD, Skandalis SS, Gialeli C, Karamanos NK. 2016.
9. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals. Anca Maria Juncan, Dana Georgiana Moisă, Antonello Santini, Claudiu Morgovan, Luca-Liviu Rus, Andreea Loredana Vonica-Țincu, Felicia Loghin. 2021.
10. Alterations in extracellular matrix composition during aging and photoaging of the skin. Maxwell C. McCabe, Ryan C. Hill, Kenneth Calderone, Yilei Cui, Yan Yan, Taihao Quan, Gary J. Fisher, Kirk C. Hansen. 2020.
11. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: Roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. Varani J., Dame M.K., Rittie L., Fligiel S.E., Kang S., Fisher G.J., Voorhees J.J. 2016.
12. Matrix-degrading metalloproteinases in photoaging. . Quan T., Qin Z., Xia W., Shao Y., Voorhees J.J., Fisher G.J. 2009.
