COLLAGEN, THE POWER PROTEIN
Collagens are the most important fibre component and stabiliser of skin, bones, tendons, blood vessels, cartilage and teeth. Admittedly: Sounds a bit unappetising, but it is really effective! Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. "In addition to collagen, skin care products should provide antioxidants such as vitamin C and retinol, " explains Katharina Brüggemann, MD, from the Capital Aesthetics Clinic for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery.
"Both ingredients have been shown to help build the body's own collagen. Foods with a collagen boost include red fruits and vegetables such as beetroot, rosehip or tomato. Meat, fish and eggs also boost collagen production in the body." We want to know more about that! "Collagen is produced in the cell types of connective tissue called fibroblasts"says Katharina Brüggemann.
COMBINATION MIRACLE
The expert also knows that it's all in the mix. The interaction of vitamin C as a co-factor and collagen increases the production and protects the existing collagen. "Vitamin A stimulates the activity of fibroblasts and thus favours the synthesis of new collagen and elastin." And vitamin E protects the collagen structure from possible free radical damage.
VARIETY OF TYPES
Whether tablet, capsule, powder, drinking ampoule or cream - collagen is available in a wide variety of forms. The expert knows that there is a difference between oral and external application. "In fact, collagen applied by means of cosmetics is not absorbed by the skin and thus only serves the purpose of simple surface hydration. Complementary use of a vitamin-rich cream is recommended."
PLANTWISE GOOD
So-called natural collagen is invariably of animal origin, the expert knows. "When vegan collagen is mentioned, active ingredients from plant-based foods are meant. These are supposed to have a similar effect on the production of the body's own collagen as those of animal origin."
BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER
"A comparable effect to that of collagen can come from hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid penetrates deep into the skin and helps to store moisture in the connective tissue of the skin." Thanks to the moisturiser, the skin looks firmer and wrinkles are minimised.
JUNGBRUNNEN
Unfortunately true: from the age of 25, the natural ageing process begins.
But why? "The so-called collagen framework in our tissue loses structure due to less collagen being produced. Consequently, sagging skin, connective tissue and wrinkles can become visible." High time to support the skin!
SHOPPING TIME
One collagen of the finest, please! "To recognise a top quality collagen supplement as such, it should contain different ingredients." These include supportive vitamins, antioxidants and moisturising hyaluronic acid. In addition, high-quality collagen hydrolysate should not contain sugar or preservatives.
FISHERMAN'S FRIEND
As with almost any product, allergic reactions can occur,
the expert knows: "In very rare cases, sensitive people can experience side effects such as nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue and headaches, which are mostly triggered by additives." In this case, caution only applies to people allergic to fish: "Many of the common collagen and elastin preparations are in fact obtained from fish."
