Setting the Record Straight on Collagen
Collagen is a term that gets thrown around quite a bit. But most people don’t know much about it, except that it’s used in cosmetic procedures. Here are the facts about collagen:
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein. In fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the human body, comprising about 30% of total body proteins. It’s made primarily of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon, and has a triple-helix structure made of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Collagen is often referred to as the body’s “glue” because it literally holds much of the body together. It’s found in various fibrous tissues throughout the body — skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, blood vessels, eyes and stomach — and its tensile strength is responsible for beefing up blood vessels and keeping skin elastic, as well as supporting cell structure.
There are many different types of collagen (over 28), and there have been many attempts throughout the years to harness collagen in various beauty and medical products. The most effective of these products are recent lines that use live collagen.
What Can Collagen Treatments Do?
Collagen benefits skin, and most people use collagen cream for face and body rejuvenation. Collagen creams are also used to minimize scars and tighten sagging skin around the eyes. Collagen skincare products are a good route because they use something that occurs naturally in the body, rather than a synthetic chemical or harsh cosmetic treatment, to create a more youthful appearance.
But natural collagen can also be used to help to reduce aches and pains in the joints. There are other medical applications on the horizon, and some scientists have even shown that collagen treatments have positive effects regarding heart disease.
Have you found that collagen benefits skin, using creams, serums or other treatments? Have you taken collagen supplements for your joints? Share your experience in the comments.