collagen

What is Collagen? Collagen is a protein your body makes. It is essential for healthy joints and skin elasticity. Collagen’s strong fibers work like glue to hold things together in your body: muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, organs, and skin. Different types There are many different types of collagen in your body and each perform a different function. Type I builds skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Type II helps to make cartilage, the flexible tissue between bones and in your ears and nose. Type III helps create muscles and blood vessels.   Collagen loss Collagen decreases with age and the fibers become thinner and weaker. The age we start to lose collagen is around 25. After the age of 40, you lose around 1% per year. By the age of 80, collagen production has decreased by 75%   Other factors also contribute such as: too much sun exposure (ultraviolet rays can cause collagen to break down in the skin) Smoking causes oxidative stress low levels of vitamin C, which can lead to scurvy. Genetic conditions such as Osteogenesis imperfecta which can can lead to weak bones. Do collagen supplements work? Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen can decrease joint pain, increase bone mineral density, reduce wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration. PMID: 18416885 PMID: 29337906 PMID: 33742704 Takeaways: • Anyone over the age of 25 can benefit from a collagen supplement. • Remember it should be hydrolyzed collagen containing type 1 and 3 • Topical skin care products containing collagen are ineffective. Topical collagen molecules are too large to penetrate and will remain on the surface of your skin. • protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing a sunscreen when in the sun. • Get a genetic test that gives you lifestyle, diet and supplement recommendation according to your genetics. Take the DNA Skin test which will let you know how well your body does in this regard.