Considering Collagen Supplements?

As we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases, causing our skin to sag and wrinkles to form. These are caused by the lack of collagen to keep the skin shape intact. As collagen is lost from the cartilage, it can no longer repair itself and will start to degenerate, leading to painful conditions such as arthritis.

Many people suffering from these effects are attempting to turn back time by taking collagen supplements to try to reverse these effects. Collagen can be taken either orally in liquid or pill form, as a cream to prevent or reverse wrinkles, or as an injection to smooth out wrinkles.

Oral collagen supplements can benefit other parts of the body, such as organs, bones, muscles, tendons and cartilage, and can help to reverse the effects of arthritis. However, there is some debate at how effective collagen supplements are at actually treating wrinkles. As the collagen molecule is too large for the skin to absorb, collagen creams do not actually provide the body with extra collagen. The only benefit may be the moisturizing effect they have on the skin.

Collagen injections do have a more noticeable effect, as they smooth out wrinkled skin. However, these effects are only temporary, usually lasting for around 12 weeks. Collagen injections can also cause adverse reactions in some people, or give the face a swollen, puffy appearance. Some people are allergic to the injections, so a test should always be undertaken beforehand to determine any sensitivity.

If you prefer natural skin care, eat foods rich in the omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish, leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds. These help the body convert a substance known as keratin into collagen, plus regulate the body’s production of growth hormones.