Is Collagen The Secret To Reverse Ageing Naturally?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and is the main structural protein that forms the connective tissues – from skin to bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
There are at least 28 different types of collagen. However, the main types I, II, and III, are responsible for 90% of what is available in the body. Types I and III help support the health of skin, hair, nails, bones and muscles and type II supports the health of cartilage and joints.
Collagen declines with age
Collagen is vital when it comes to helping the skin look more youthful and keeping the body functioning optimally.
As we age, collagen production in the body naturally starts to decline and over time it is not able to replace the collagen it is losing as quickly as it is breaking down.
Research has shown that we lose around 1% of our collagen every year from our 20’s onwards and this decline speeds up over the age of 35! This results in the sign of ageing, including sagging skin, fine lines, lifeless hair, and brittle nails.
Can collagen supplementation help?
The answer: yes of course!
If your body’s natural production of collagen is slowing down, it makes sense that supplementing with a source of bioavailable hydrolysed collagen will help to reverse some of the effects of ageing…
Firmer, plumper, more youthful skin
Collagen is known as the ‘youth protein’ because it is responsible for the plumpness and firmness of the skin. So, when collagen levels begin to decline, the skin gradually loses its structure and becomes less firm and taut. This leads to visible effects of ageing, including sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin.
There have been several studies that have shown collagen peptides (from collagen supplementation) can help to stimulate fibroblasts (the collagen producers) in the skin to trigger the collagen into becoming more active. Also, collagen supplementation may help to promote the production of elastin and fibrillin that provide structure to the skin.
*A randomised controlled study in 2014 showed that women who took a collagen supplement for 8 weeks experienced a significant increase in skin moisture and elasticity compared to women who did not take a supplement.
This means that taking a collagen supplement can help you achieve more youthful looking skin.
Thicker, healthier hair
Free radicals are compounds that develop in your body as a result of environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and air pollutants. Too many free radicals in the body are harmful to the cells, DNA, and proteins, including the hair follicles.
The body's defence against free radicals declines with age, making us more susceptible to hair damage. This results in hair that looks increasingly dry, damaged, and unruly over time.
Collagen has been shown to have an antioxidant effect, which can help to neutralise the effects of free radicals. It appears that collagen can also provide the amino acid proline, one of the main building blocks of keratin, the protein that promotes thick, healthy hair.
Stronger, healthier nails
Collagen is one of the main proteins found in the nail beds. Collagen peptides from collagen supplements contain the amino acid, arginine, which carries nitric oxide into the nail bed, improving the delivery of nutrients to the nail roots. This results in stronger, healthier nails.
**A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that collagen supplementation over 4 weeks resulted in a 12% increase in rate of nail growth and a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails.
Renew – Anti-ageing Formula by Fortress Health
Contains a powerful combination of Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E, to help you fight the signs of ageing naturally.
Click the link below to find out more:
https://shop.fortresshealth.co/collections/supplements-1/products/renew-anti-ageing-formula
References:
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23949208/
** https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28786550/