Maintaining collagen levels later in life

What is Collagen Good For?

Not many people know that collagen is responsible for preventing age lines and wrinkles. This is the main reason why people are so interested in it, especially as they get older. Almost every person in the world is not happy when he or she ages, and that is why these people will do anything that can be done in order to delay old age.

Wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin are some of the things that show that people are becoming old, and it is exactly these things that people want to prevent from being visible and apparent. The main reason the skin becomes sagging and people get wrinkles is that the collagen and elastin levels deplete with age. This is why people are looking for ways to increase the levels of collagen as they grow older.

The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study was to investigate the effects of the drinkable nutraceutical ELASTEN® (QUIRIS Healthcare, Gütersloh, Germany) on skin aging and skin health. Drinking ampoules provides a blend of 2.5 g of collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, and a native vitamin E complex. This controlled interventional trial was performed on 72 healthy women aged 35 years or older. They received either the food supplement (n = 36) or a placebo (n = 36) for twelve weeks.

A skin assessment was carried out and based on objective validated methods, including corneometry (skin hydration), cutometry (elasticity), the use of silicon skin replicas with optical 3D phase-shift rapid in-vivo measurements (PRIMOS) (roughness), and skin sonography (density).
The verum group was followed for an additional four weeks (without intake of the test product) to evaluate the sustainability of the changes induced by the intake of the test product. The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Eleven studies with a total of 805 patients suggest that administration of collagen peptides can positively impact various skin conditions and skin aging Collagen supplementation was safe with no reported adverse effects. Asserin et al. demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial that the intake of 10 g of collagen hydrolysate over at least 56 days leads to an increase in skin moisture and collagen density compared to placebo. Collagen dipeptides that were taken over 56 days in a study by Inoue et al. also resulted in significantly more improvement in skin moisture, elasticity, wrinkles, and roughness for the subjects that received 10 mg per day in comparison to study participants who received 0.5 mg per day or placebo.
Compared to placebo, a significant reduction in eye wrinkle volume along with an increase of procollagen type I and elastin was reported by Proksch et al. after the intake of 2.5 g collagen per day over 56 days. In addition, it was shown by Schunck et al. the intake of 2.5 g collagen peptides over a period of 180 days led to a statistically significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and a reduced skin waviness on thighs.
The supplement tested here provides a drinkable blend of collagen peptides and acerola fruit extract with endogenous antioxidants, such as vitamin C, zinc, biotin, and a native vitamin E complex. Studies suggest that an age-related reduction in collagen synthesis can be addressed by the administration of oral collagen peptides together with other specific skin nutrients.

This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial confirmed that skin aging could be addressed using nutrients that are able to restore skin hydration, elasticity, and density. Objective dermatological measurements, such as cutometry and corneometry, have proven that oral collagen peptides together with other dermonutrients significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density after three months of intake. These tests thus verify the results obtained in previous trials. Moreover, and in line with the objective measurements, the study participants, in their subjective assessments, concluded that their skin appearance had significantly improved.

✓ Fact confirmed: A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study Liane Bolke, Gerrit Schlippe, Joachim Gerß, and Werner Voss; 2019 Oct 17.

People should know that there are many ways to increase collagen levels, but it is best to do it naturally.

How to Increase Collagen Production – Natural Means

Not many people know that collagen is a kind of protein that provides good-looking skin, nails, and hair, along with keratin. A person with high levels of collagen will have elastic and smooth skin, and the lines will not be visible.

Reduce external effects

This is one way a person can naturally increase collagen production. First, people need to protect the skin and reserves of collagen that are already present in the body. The sun and its harmful effects are one of the main reasons why collagen levels reduce.

This is why people need to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. When they do, it is important to protect the skin. Following a skincare routine is also important in order for the health of the skin to be maintained.

Eat the right kind of foods

A person can increase collagen levels by consuming the right foods. Some of the best foods for this purpose are those rich in vitamins C and K. Foods that contain certain nutrients like genistein and hyaluronic should be included in the diet more. That means that people should eat more green leafy vegetables, soy products, beans, and citrus fruits.