Introduction
The use of collagen supplements to obtain a more beautiful skin has been widespread for several years now. In fact, collagen is a protein present in large quantities in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin), at the level of which it has an important supporting function together with elastic fibers and glycosaminoglycans.
In these cases, as will be seen in the course of the article, the use of collagen supplementation may be useful.
Skin Aging
Skin aging is a completely natural process that occurs in each individual. However, it can be accelerated by numerous factors, such as attacks by external agents (atmospheric or polluting), wrong behavior and harmful vices. In fact, it is well known as excessive exposure to the sun, to pollutants, to cigarette smoke and to unbalanced diets induces gradual and negative alterations of the skin and the annexed structures, on a histological, aesthetic and functional level.
The dreaded skin aging is at the base not only of a qualitative and aesthetic decay of the skin, but also of numerous associated pathologies.
In aged skin it is possible to observe:
- Changes in skin pH;
- Quantitative and qualitative changes in sebum;
- Loss of skin elasticity;
- Loss of hydration and skin tone;
- Appearance of skin spots;
- The appearance of furrows and wrinkles.
From the biological point of view, the aforementioned alterations are promoted by profound histological changes, above all on elastin, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid and collagen.
All these structural proteins are in fact subjected to the damaging action of reactive oxygen species and proteolytic enzymes secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli represented by the aforementioned conditions (excessive sun exposure, cigarette smoke, etc.).
These observations, both clinical and molecular, have led to the identification of remedies able to control the process of skin aging, preserving the structure and function of the skin.
Collagen Supplements
As mentioned, collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, where it is concentrated in different organs and systems, including the skin. In this district, collagen helps to maintain adequate skin firmness and preserve the proper state of hydration, thus optimizing its quality.
A reduction in the concentrations of cutaneous collagen, rather than an abnormal turn-over is therefore partly responsible for the changes observed with aging of the skin.
For this reason over the years it has been decided to use collagen-based supplements, to improve their synthesis, including skin, thus restoring the appropriate dermatological quality.
Currently the most used supplements in this area are those based on hydrolyzed collagen .
The hydrolyzed collagen, in fact, once taken by mouth, would be digested in small dipeptides, tripeptides and single amino acids, which can be absorbed intestinally.
From several pharmacokinetic studies it would be evident - following the ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen - the increase in plasma concentrations of direct collagen precursors, thus demonstrating the biological utility of this supplementation.
In experimental models, moreover, by radioactively marking the collagen taken on, a net distribution of the labeled amino acids would have been observed, directly in the skin, thus emphasizing the importance of this supplementation for the state of skin health.
Effectiveness and Benefits
Effectiveness and Benefits of Collagen Supplements for the Skin
The efficacy of the integration with hydrolyzed collagen, especially orally, is witnessed by numerous studies, both experimental and clinical.
Indeed, from a careful examination of the scientific literature, the appropriate use of collagen would have proved useful in:
- Reduce skin dryness, depth of cutaneous furrows and nasolabial wrinkles, increasing the skin density of this protein, in just 60 days of supplementation;
- Improve the degree of skin hydration in just 12 weeks of treatment;
- Reduce the local expression of proteolytic enzymes, such as metalloproteinases, whose expression is induced by inflammatory stimuli and whose activity is responsible for the appearance of wrinkles and skin furrows;
- Improve skin turgor and dermis quality in elderly patients with advanced skin aging;
- Increase the density of intradermal collagen, optimizing the normal protein turnover of the dermis and thus preserving the histological and functional characteristics of the dermis;
- Protect the skin from the damaging action of UVB rays, thus preventing the risk of epidermal cell hyperplasia and any pathological complications;
- Improve the functionality of the cutaneous microcirculation, thus optimizing the trophic aspect of the dermis and epidermis, at the same time removing potential toxic substances.
Adequate use of collagen-based supplements, therefore, would seem to contribute to maintaining a qualitatively valuable and healthy skin.
The use of these supplements should therefore be taken into serious consideration especially by those who, by profession or lifestyle, are in constant contact with potential skin-damaging factors, or those who abandon themselves, without criterion, to the pleasures of the table and to the use of voluptuous substances, such as alcohol and tobacco.
For the same reason, in order to optimize its effectiveness, the use of collagen supplements should take place in a broader context, characterized by an adequate lifestyle, a healthy and balanced diet, correct hydration and appropriate exposure to ultraviolet rays.
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