What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body that exists outside the cell. Collagen protein is seen as collagen filaments. Collagen fibers are found in all types of connective tissue, but to varying degrees. Collagen is found in the skin, tendons, muscles, bones, blood vessels and digestive system.
The benefits of collagen are many and in relation to the skin, it can be said that this protein helps the firmness and elasticity of the skin, while it also replaces dead skin cells.
Applications of collagen
Collagen is a molecule that can be reabsorbed by the body, which means that these proteins can be broken down, altered and reabsorbed by the body. That is why collagens are used in various fields of medicine and beauty care.
Collagen reducing agents in the body
The first and most effective factor in reducing collagen levels in the body is aging. For this reason, with age, wrinkles on the skin increase and the skin gradually gets older. Other factors such as stress, poor diet, smoking, unprotected sun exposure and sunscreen are other factors that are involved in collagen depletion.
What causes collagen degradation?
Avoiding the factors that cause the breakdown of this important protein may be more important than anything else. Which include:
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates: Sugar impair collagen’s self-healing ability. Reduce your intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates as much as possible.
- Excessive sunlight: Ultraviolet light reduces collagen production. Do not expose yourself to too much sunlight.
- Smoking: Smoking also reduces collagen production. This affects the healing process of wounds and leads to wrinkles.
- Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, also destroy this protein.
There are at least 16 types of collagens in the body, of which types 1, 2, 3, and 4 are the main types. The role of these collagens is:
- Type 1: Makes up 90% of the body’s collagen, is made up of highly compressed fibrous tissue, and makes up skin, bone, tendon, fibrous cartilage, teeth, and connective tissue.
- Type 2: Made of less compact fibrous tissue and is found in the elastic cartilage that surrounds the joints.
- Type 3: Forms the tissue of muscles, limbs and arteries.
- Type 4: Helps with the cleansing process and is found in the layers of the skin.
With age and aging, the amount of collagen production in the body as well as its quality decreases. The obvious sign of this change appears in the skin with a decrease in its consistency and flexibility. Cartilage also becomes weaker with age.
Foods that increase collagen in the body
All collagens are made from collagen or procollagen precursors. The body makes procollagen by combining the two amino acids proline and glycine. Eating certain foods can help your body produce more collagen. Here are some of these foods:
Anthocyanins These antioxidants are abundant in blackberries, blueberries, cherries and raspberries.
Vitamin A is found in foods containing animal meat and in plant foods as beta-carotene.
Vitamin C is found in large amounts in citrus fruits, peppers and strawberries.
Proline Large amounts of this amino acid have been found in egg whites, wheat germ, dairy products, cabbage, asparagus and mushrooms.
Glycine Large amounts of this amino acid are found in chicken skin and gelatin, but the amino acid glycine is also found in a variety of protein-rich foods.
Copper Large amounts of this mineral are found in meat, argan oil, sesame seeds, cocoa powder, cheese and lentils.
In addition to the above, the body needs high quality proteins and various amino acids to produce collagen, which can be obtained from meat, seafood, legumes, dairy and soy.
8 ways to produce more collagen
Whenever you come across the word rejuvenation, know that the most correct interpretation of it is to increase collagen by stimulating collagen production in the skin. Today, many measures have been taken to achieve this important goal, some of which we will list. For more information on these methods, refer to the links created in each line.
1- Fractional RF: Fractional RF, as the best method of skin rejuvenation, will have very good results in making more collagen and eliminating the effects and signs of skin aging that are caused by reducing the level of collagen in the skin.
- PRP: Enrichment of platelets or PRP that is taken from the body and is injected to the required points is also a way to increase collagen production in the skin.
3- Mesotherapy: In mesotherapy, by injecting substances into the position of the skin by stimulating collagen production, tissues are repaired and improved.
4- Microneedling: This method is suitable for increasing collagen production and treating wounds caused by pimples, wrinkles or signs of scratches.
Dermapen: This pen-like device increases collagen production by inserting tiny needles into the skin.
6- Fractional laser: Fractional laser targets the epidermis and dermis of the skin and the result of this operation is a reaction that causes the reconstruction and production of new collagen.
7 – Injection of hyaluronic acid gels: Injection of hyaluronic acid gels, especially the dermis, can stimulate collagen production at the injection site and help rejuvenate the skin and better shape and volume, even after complete absorption of the gel.
8- Carboxytherapy: Carboxytherapy means Injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas is said to cause changes in the skin that will lead to the production of collagen.
