The Importance of Collagen for Skin Health and Overall Well-being
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As the seasons change and temperature variations become more pronounced, the signs of aging can be felt more intensely throughout the body. It is during these times that we should pay closer attention to the role of collagen. Collagen, a key component of our skin’s dermis, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, accounts for 90%, 75%, and 80% of these respective structures. However, as we age, the production of collagen decreases. By the mid-40s, collagen levels drop to half of what they were in our 20s, and after menopause, a 30% decline can occur within just five years. This emphasizes the importance of continuous collagen management for maintaining optimal health.
A deficiency in collagen can have various effects on the body, from saggy skin to urinary incontinence. Collagen plays a vital role not only in the skin but also in blood vessels, joints, gums, and the bladder. It constitutes one-third of the body’s protein and its deficiency can lead to issues such as skin sagging, high blood pressure, joint pain, gingivitis, and urinary incontinence.
When it comes to skin health, collagen depletion is a major concern. Factors such as excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, extreme temperature fluctuations, and dry environments contribute to collagen deficiency. This leads to a loss of skin elasticity and faster aging, resulting in wrinkles and dryness.
Collagen also plays a crucial role in maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. As collagen levels decline, blood vessels become rigid and thick, leading to increased blood pressure. Conversely, sufficient collagen supplementation can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with decreased vessel elasticity. Studies have shown that collagen supplementation resulted in a decrease in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels compared to HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Age-related degenerative arthritis is closely linked to collagen deficiency. The deterioration of cartilage, which constitutes 75% of cartilage mass, can be attributed to the decrease in collagen levels. However, research has shown that collagen peptides can alleviate joint pain and improve physical activity in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, collagen constitutes 18% of dentin (the main component of teeth) and 60% of gum tissue. Insufficient collagen can weaken the gums, leading to tooth gaps and increased bacterial multiplication. Gum disease has even been associated with a twofold increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The bladder and sphincter muscle also rely heavily on collagen, accounting for over 80% of their composition. Aging-related collagen depletion or clumping can reduce bladder elasticity and impair one’s ability to control urinary functions, resulting in urinary incontinence.
To replenish lost collagen due to aging, it is recommended to choose low molecular weight collagen peptides in the form of tripeptides for better absorption. These peptides, with a structure similar to human cells, can be absorbed within 24 hours and stimulate the production of collagen. Studies have shown that fibroblast levels increased by approximately 10% and the cross-sectional diameter of collagen in the dermis significantly thickened after consuming low molecular weight collagen peptides. Additionally, incorporating biotin, a nutrient that enhances collagen synthesis, can further promote the benefits of collagen supplementation.
When considering collagen products, it is essential to look for those with a tripeptide structure, recognized as health functional food by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and containing biotin. It is also recommended to check for application test results on humans to ensure the product’s effectiveness.
During the change of seasons, when the daily temperature difference increases, the signs of aging are felt more significantly throughout the body. At this stage, you should think of ‘collagen’. Collagen is the main ingredient that makes up 90% of the skin’s dermis, 75% of cartilage, and 80% of ligaments and tendons. Starting in the mid-20s, it drops by 1% each year, and by the time you reach your mid-40s, it drops to half that in your 20s. After menopause, it decreases by 30% within 5 years, so continuous management is necessary.
◇ Less collagen, causing saggy skin and urinary incontinence
Collagen, which is known to be good for the skin, makes up not only the skin but also blood vessels, joints, gums, and the bladder. It is a major element that accounts for one third of the body’s protein. Therefore, if there is a lack of collagen, abnormalities can occur throughout the body, such as sagging skin, high blood pressure, joint pain, gingivitis, and urinary incontinence.
First of all, collagen makes up 90% of the skin’s dermis. Continuous exposure to strong ultraviolet rays, high daily temperature range, and dry environments lead to collagen deficiency. Soon, the elasticity of the skin decreases and the aging process accelerates. Ultimately, red flags arise for overall skin health, such as wrinkles and dryness.
Collagen also maintains the elasticity of blood vessels. When the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, blood vessels become hard and thick. Because it cannot absorb blood pressure, blood pressure rises, which can lead to high blood pressure. On the contrary, if collagen is well supplemented, the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by a decrease in the elasticity of blood vessels is reduced. When 30 adults were fed collagen for 6 months, the amount of ‘bad cholesterol’, LDL (low density lipoprotein), decreased compared to ‘good cholesterol’, HDL (high density lipoprotein), and the risk of arteriosclerosis , which causes myocardial infarction. and stroke, there are also research results.
Degenerative arthritis caused by aging is particularly linked to collagen. Collagen, which makes up 75% of cartilage excluding water, decreases with age. According to a research paper published in the academic journal ‘Agro Food Industry Hi Tech’, when 100 women in their 40s to 70s with knee osteoarthritis took collagen peptides, joint pain decreased and physical activity ability improved. In addition, 18% of dentin, the main component of teeth, and 60% of gum tissue is collagen. If there is a lack of collagen, the gums become weak, causing gaps between teeth, and it is easy for bacteria to multiply. According to a foreign paper published in 2016, it was confirmed that the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke is twice as high if you have gum disease. In another foreign study that investigated 53 patients with gum disease, gum collagen density decreased almost twofold compared to the control group.
Collagen also makes up more than 80% of the bladder and sphincter muscle. When collagen in the bladder decreases or clumps to one side due to aging, the elasticity of the bladder decreases and the ability to store urine and control urination decreases. This leads to urinary incontinence. A domestic study examining 44 patients with urinary incontinence also found a significant lack of collagen compared to normal people.
◇ Choose collagen with a high absorption rate in the body, it is better to take it with biotin.
Collagen synthesis declines rapidly after the age of 40. This is because as aging progresses, the number and activity of the fibroblasts that produce collagen in the body decreases. As the amount of body composition decreases, it will inevitably be exposed to external stimulation.
When replenishing collagen lost due to aging, it is best to choose low molecular weight collagen peptides in the form of tripeptides, which have a high absorption rate. Low molecular weight collagen peptides, which have the same structure as human cells, are absorbed into the skin, blood vessels and cartilage within 24 hours of ingestion. It also stimulates fibroblasts to activate collagen production in the body. In fact, the results of an animal experiment where low molecular weight collagen peptides were consumed for two months showed that fibroblasts increased by about 10% and the cross-sectional diameter of collagen in the dermis became much thicker.
It is best to take ingredients that help collagen synthesis together. Animal test results also show that collagen synthesis is more than twice as good in biotin administered to mice. When choosing a collagen product on the market, you must carefully check the following: ▲ Collagen with a tripeptide structure ▲ Health functional food recognized for its functionality by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety ▲ Does it contain biotin ▲ Application test results human, etc.
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