All the benefits of collagen

What is collagen? The skin-building protein called collagen is responsible for 75 percent of the dry weight of our skin. Specifically, collagen is found in the connective tissue of skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. Of the 28 types of collagen, Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V are the most important ones found in connective tissue.

Proteins and amino acids

Collagen is mainly made up of three protein strands, plus the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. As we age, our bodies start to produce less collagen. The result is skin that becomes vulnerable to age-related damage, and this isn’t something that just happens in our twilight years. The loss of this vital, skin-nourishing protein in the inner layers of our skin begins at the age of 30. 

Collagen helps the skin both retain and maintain moisture. Alleviating dryness can lead to fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Skin elasticity is what allows it to move, stretch, and stay plump. Amazingly, skin elasticity begins to decline in your early 20s!

Three areas of the skin are responsible for elasticity. These consist of the outer layer called the epidermis, the middle layer called the dermis, and the deeper layer called the subcutis. Of course, these areas are made up not only of elastin, but also collagen. In younger skin, these collagen fibers are pulled taut like springs and support the layers of skin. When the collagen fibers weaken, the skin begins to collapse. 

Collagen helps the body with wound healing

Collagen also helps speed up the healing process of bruises, cuts and wounds. The healing process in the skin starts with inflammation, which usually lasts a few days. Next is the proliferative stage, which uses collagen production for repair. Finally, the skin remodels itself as collagen continues to be produced. In the case of collagen deficiency, the healing process is prolonged or even stopped. 

Aging is not the only factor in collagen decline. Lifestyle can also lead to accelerated collagen loss. Such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, as well as consuming too much added sugar and processed foods. Although the sun is a wonderful source of vitamin D, UVB and UV rays can be harmful to collagen and our skin. 

Collagen in the diet

Consuming collagen can help strengthen collagen fibers, making the skin feel more supple and firm. This can help eliminate premature aging and sagging skin. 

Adding collagen to our diet through foods and supplements can help boost the look, feel, and overall health of our skin. In order for our bodies to produce collagen, amino acids from protein-rich foods (fish, chicken, beef, eggs, and dairy products) must be consumed. Bone broth is also a particularly rich source. 

Vitamin C is a building block of collagen, so plenty of berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, spinach and broccoli are also necessary. Finally, two more minerals must be added, zinc and copper. These are found in nuts, beans and whole grains. 

We at Aarja Health offer several different products.

Collagen supplements like Aarja Health's Premium Biocell® COLLAGEN with Pine Bark and Hyaluronic Acid contain 500 mg of Biocell collagen and 20 mg of pine bark extract. The collagen is hydrolyzed, which means that unlike food sources, it has already been broken down into smaller peptides. This allows our bodies to digest this valuable protein quickly and easily. 

Collagen supplements are best taken on an empty stomach. We suggest one capsule in the morning before breakfast, and one capsule before bed. Also consider adding Aarja Health's Vitamin C 500 as an extra boost to support collagen production. Collagen is an important protein for building healthy skin. Trying to maintain levels in our bodies makes sense.