Are Collagen Creams And Capsules Effective Anti-ageing Treatment?

Collagen creams have been a mainstay of anti-ageing industry since a decade now. Every other brand in the skin care is coming out with some sort of cream with collagen in it. There is no shortage of expensive skin care products containing collagen as active ingredient that promise to reverse the clock by reducing wrinkles and fine lines. In fact, the claims are quite high with most claiming to restore elasticity, and reverse the ageing. But, do these treatments really work wonders for skin? If yes, then how?

What is collagen?

It is basically a type of naturally occurring protein that connects and supports body tissues such as skin, bone, tendon, muscle and cartilage. Main function of collagen is to provide a matrix to sustain tendons, skin and cartilage, while providing firmness and elasticity to their structures. Collagen makes up about 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. As collagen is responsible for skin elasticity its degradation leads to wrinkles, fine lines and other signs of ageing.

With ageing body's collagen production reduces, resulting in decreasing smoothness and softness of the skin. Collagen starts reducing from the age of 25 and levels drop by 1.5% a year, reaching a 30% loss by the age of 45. But, if total body collagen level is increased, these signs of ageing can be treated. Although there are 29 types of collagen, type I and II are the best types for use in a skin supplement.

Do putting collagen in creams repair skin?

Unfortunately, no! Putting collagen in creams and lotions won’t help replace your skin’s natural collagen. Any molecule to penetrate the skin surface needs to be very small. Collagen extracts that are used in creams are way bigger than the size that can be absorbed in the skin. Although, there are few smart companies in the industry that market their products saying contains �smaller collagen’, truth is that applying any size of collagen tropically can’t provide anti-ageing benefits.

So, how to boost collagen?

Since collagen cannot be absorbed through the skin, taking it in a form of supplement can help. Oral supplement is digested in the body and collagen easily reaches where it is needed. Proto-col Collagen Capsules are daily nutritional supplement that stimulate skin's natural production of collagen. If taken regularly they boost skin elasticity and significantly reduce fine line and wrinkles. These capsules are basically a fusion of Type 1 and Type 2 collagen, which benefits skin condition.

Apart from that, it also strengthens nails and hair, and aids muscles strength. Unlike other supplements, these capsules only contain 1200mg of pure collagen hydrosate from bovine hide. The collagen in capsule works to release essential amino acids and proteins for rebuilding skin cells. Depending on the absorption levels to individuals it might take 3 to 12 weeks for the capsules to work. Taking 3 capsules a day with glass full of water can help maintain your skin. The treatment can be taken for over three months to see long-term results.

Is there any way to boost collagen naturally?

Yes, there are two ways to induce collagen naturally in the body:

1) Prevent collagen damage: Constant exposure to free radicals found in pollution, stress, and processed food damages collagen. To protect collage anti-oxidants like co-enzyme Q, Vitamin E and Vitamin C can be effective. You can add mackerel fish, chicken, egg, citrus fruits, germ oil and vegetables in your diet.

2) Amino acids stimulate production of collagen: Amino acids like L-glutamine, L-proline, cystine and glutamic acid are essential for production of collagen. Eggs, dried beans, kale, and soybean are rich source of these amino acids.