Every woman wants to stay young and attractive as long as possible. Unfortunately, the aging process is irreversible, and no matter how hard you try, wrinkles still make themselves felt. Why is this happening? And how does collagen affect this process? What is collagen? All these questions worry the ladies, because they really want to stop the withering of the skin.
Collagen: what is it?
Collagen is called a fibrillar (filamentous) protein, which is the basis for the connective tissue of organs. The skin contains about 70% collagen. It is also part of the ligaments, bones, muscles and joints.
Collagen and elastin are found in the third layer of the epidermis. These components work together to create the framework of the skin, its external and internal state. They determine the quality of the skin, firmness, elasticity, strength.
Your collagen in the body in the right amount is produced up to 30 years, in the future its production is reduced. The structure of collagen bonds is broken, their integrity and elasticity are lost.
Has a special unique composition of collagen. What is this substance, firsthandevery woman knows. The proline contained in it, with the participation of vitamin C, preserves the structure of the protein. Grants durability.
Education of the "protein of youth"
Collagen is obtained by combining connective tissue fibroblasts. Has large molecules. As a result of synthesis, single collagen filaments appear, from which chains consisting of thousands of amino acids are formed. Threads of three are intertwined in spirals, ensuring uninterrupted interaction of amino acids.
Collagen contains amino acids that are 33% glycine, 12% proline, 11% alanine and 8% glutamic acid.
First, preprocollagen is synthesized on the ribosomes inside the cell. As a result, procollagen arises, which affects the EPS of the fibroblast and oxidizes amino acid residues. Subsequently, the residual amino acids are transferred to procollagen, where the protein molecule is formed.
Extracellular functions include:
- The permeability of tropocollagen into the intercellular medium. Link release.
- Combination of endings by forming an insoluble molecule.
- Docking of insoluble molecules together and their transformation into long inextensible fibers.
Protein synthesis includes only eight stages. Of these, five pass in fibroblasts, and three - extracellularly. The process of association is influenced by adrenal hormones and vitamin C. All this forms collagen (which is described above).
Structure of collagen
Collagen is different fromother proteins with a special amino acid composition, the presence of polypeptide compounds and a unique electron-microscopic structure.
Protein is a third of glycerol, has a high content of proline and hydroxyproline. Its structure is divided into primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary.
The primary structure of a protein differs from the rest by the change of non-polar amino acid residues with polarity zones. Secondary and tertiary do not have individual characteristics. At the fourth, a collagen micromolecule appears.
Types of collagen
Collagen, which enters the body with food, is not enough at a respectable age. In this situation, it is recommended to drink dietary supplements or preparations enriched with collagen. Their sources are tendons, joints, cattle skin, as well as wheat and fish skin. The dermis should be nourished with cosmetics containing collagen. For example, use Collagen Libriderm cream.
All protein is divided into three main types:
- Animal. The most common and cheapest collagen. Used in inexpensive cosmetics. Obtained from the skins of cattle. Poorly penetrates into the dermis. May cause allergies. Has no useful properties.
- Marine. It is obtained from the skin of marine life. Approximate in structure to the human. Easily penetrates into the dermis. Stimulates the production of natural collagen. Sometimes causes allergies. Produced only at low temperatures.
- Vegetable. Produced from wheat. Does not contain collagen in its pure form, but only collagen-containing components,able to positively affect the condition of the skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals and other elements.
What slows down collagen production
Collagen is responsible for the firmness, elasticity and strength of the skin. It is located in the third layer of the dermis. After thirty years, its production slows down by 1-3%. This deficit is replenished by food and cosmetic products for skin care. For example, a collagen mask has a good effect on the epidermis.
The loss of the "protein of youth" is affected not only by age, but also by factors such as:
- too active facial expressions;
- bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- neuro-psychological disorders (depression, stress);
- unbalanced diet;
- prolonged skin exposure to direct sunlight;
- negative state of the environment;
These reasons not only slow down the production of natural collagen, but also do not reflect in the best way on its quality.
Functions performed by the "protein of youth"
Thanks to the collagen spirals, the tissues of the human body are in working order. They are strong and not easy to stretch. In addition, this protein has a number of functions, without which the vital activity of the dermis is difficult to imagine.
- Protective. Protects the dermis from mechanical damage.
- Regenerating. Restores structure inside cells.
- Reference. Glues together the structures of organ forms.
- Plastic. Doesthe skin is firm and elastic.
- Antineoplastic. Prevents the development of various neoplasms.
- Updating. Activates cell renewal processes.
Collagen is an ideal basis for the structure of the dermis, joints and ligaments. Therefore, you should use the "protein of youth" for skin and hair care.
The value of protein for the dermis
Collagen helps the skin to return to its previous state, restores damaged cells, renews them. Maintains its efficiency, participates in all metabolic processes.
Natural collagen production slows down with age, resulting in:
- cell aging process;
- reduce elasticity;
- wrinkle;
- susceptibility to various diseases;
- frequent fatigue;
- pain in the muscles;
- thinning and fragility of blood vessels;
- mental imbalance;
- decrease in activity;
- brittle bones;
- latyrism.
Collagen in cosmetology
Due to the unique properties of collagen, it is widely used in cosmetology. Here, as part of products such as Collagen Libriderm cosmetics, it activates the production of its own protein. Collagen is found in anti-aging gels, creams, masks. If animal protein is used, then large molecules of such collagen do not penetrate the epidermis, but only temporarily fillmicrocracks, have a surface effect. Collagen creates an impenetrable film that seals fluid in the pores.
Fillers for injections, contouring or mesotherapy add human or bovine collagen in combination with hyaluronic acid. These drugs trigger the production of natural protein. They have a moisturizing effect that appears immediately and lasts for 6-12 months.
Collagen is added to dietary supplements produced in the form of capsules, powders, tablets, etc.
What to choose: hyaluronic acid or collagen?
Hyaluronic acid and collagen are used in cosmetology to maintain the beauty and youthfulness of the skin. They successfully fight wrinkles. Creams with hyaluronic acid moisturize the skin well, retaining moisture in the depths of the cells. They can be used from the age of thirty. At this age, the skin still produces its own collagen and elastin, and hyaluron stimulates their production. In addition, this acid strengthens the dermis, smoothes wrinkles. Leaves skin smooth & supple. Increases tone. Stimulates tissue regeneration.
Hyaluronic acid products are light anti-aging products, while collagen cosmetics are considered more thorough and are recommended for use after 45 years.
The introduction of hyaluronic acid into the inner layers of the skin does not require much effort, and this process can be carried out using a laser or ultrasound. Collagen is injected into the skin and deep enough. Protein is worse absorbed by the body than hyaluronic acid. Causelies in its composition, which is alien to the human body, since bovine collagen is often used in the cosmetic environment, which can cause allergies.
To compensate for the lack of collagen, a course of several injections is carried out every 6-9 months. The procedure leaves behind a lot of microtraumas, which is also not good for the skin.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen are often used in combination in cosmetics for skin care. They complement each other and more effectively affect the rejuvenation process.
Collagen care products
To prevent skin fading will help cosmetics with "youth protein" in the composition. It can be Collagen Libriderm cream or any other anti-aging product.
In cosmetics, three types of collagen are used: animal, marine and vegetable. The first has lost popularity due to allergy and inefficiency, as it gives only a temporary result. The last two are constantly fighting age-related changes, are well absorbed by the dermis, support water-lipid metabolism, regenerate and restore cells. Cosmetologists advise purchasing cosmetics with vegetable and marine protein, as the first works on the surface layer, and the second works in the deep layers of the epidermis.
Don't rush to use such funds. Collagen masks should be used from the age of 25-30, and creams (such as the Collagen Libriderm cream, reviews of which say that after its use the skin looks moisturized and supple) and moreconcentrated preparations (serums) - not earlier than 35 years.
How to restore natural collagen production
With age, the production of natural collagen by the skin slows down, so many women stimulate this process with external influences on the body, these are:
- hardware cosmetology;
- contouring and mesotherapy;
- microneedling;
- collagen dietary supplements;
- nutrition enriched with foods rich in amino acids, vitamin and mineral elements (especially vitamin C), omega-3;
- taking plant hormones, but only after consulting a specialist.
A he althy lifestyle, a balanced diet, properly selected cosmetics and the necessary salon procedures will help prolong and maintain youthful skin, improve its appearance, make it supple and elastic.
Collagen reviews
Whatever women do to look younger! Protein actively helps them in this. Many of those who want to rejuvenate drink dietary supplements containing collagen. Reviews about them are mostly positive. They say that after a course of taking, the skin is smoothed not only on the face, but also on the whole body. Flabbiness, wrinkles, dull complexion go away. The skin becomes fresh, supple, smooth and firm.
Help in the care of aging skin cosmetic products with "youth protein". For example, Collagen Libriderm cream (reviews speak of its light structure, which is quickly absorbedskin), has proven itself only from the best side. Ladies consider him an indispensable assistant. Well tightens the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles, moisturizes. Refreshes the complexion. Improves not only problem areas, but also the general condition of the skin.
Collagen is the most important protein in the human body. Its deficiency should be taken seriously and try to prevent it in a timely manner with proper nutrition and special skin care.