Collagen is a protein in our body to which we can, among other things, be thankful for the youthful freshness of our skin. Our body produces collagen on its own, but after the age of 20 the process of its creation in the body slows down. So if you have a critical level of collagen, maybe you should start thinking about stimulating its production.

Collagen comes from the Greek word “kólla”, which means glue, and the suffix “gene”, which means to create. Collagen represents as much as 30% of all proteins in the body and is therefore the most abundant protein in the human body. There are more than 28 different types of collagen in our body.

Collagen fibers are the main building blocks of the intercellular space of connective tissues and thus give cells support and ensure tissue stability. Collagen is present in the skin, cartilage, bones, muscles and tendons, and in all connective tissues.

The human body synthesizes collagen on its own. As it ages, its rate of renewal decreases, so after the age of 25, the body loses collagen at a rate of 1.5 percent per year. Collagen loss is, among other things, a consequence of permanent physical overload such as sports or autoimmune diseases.

A drop in collagen levels is first noticed on the skin which becomes dry and without tone, wrinkles appear, nails become brittle and fragile, and hair becomes thinner. The drop in collagen levels in the body is also reflected in difficulty in movement as the amount of collagen in the articular cartilage and tendons decreases, as well as in muscle fibers that become less and less flexible and muscle mass begins to decline.

Coupling with vitamin C

Collagen deficiency affects the disorders of the musculoskeletal system (stiffness, arthritis, muscle injuries) and disorders of the immune system. Vitamin C contributes to the formation of collagen for normal function of cartilage and bones. Of all the proteins in our body, collagen is the most abundant. It is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system and tendons. Together with keratin, it keeps the skin firm and elastic and replaces dead skin cells. Because it builds connective tissue, it keeps the body together.

A friend to the joints

Knowledge of collagen and its role has found its application in the field of medicine and aesthetics. In medicine, for example, it plays an important role in delaying further degeneration or deterioration of cartilage and is used for this purpose in appropriate treatments.

On the other hand, let us mention collagen also in the context of beauty.

This important protein has anti-age properties and affects the appearance in several ways:

• helps prevent skin relaxation
• it is used to rejuvenate and maintain the youthful appearance and natural glow of the skin
• serves to tighten and reduce wrinkles on the face, décolleté and arms
• regenerates, strengthens and nourishes the scalp in case of hair loss
• is used for cosmetic treatment of scars and to increase the effectiveness of other cosmetic treatments

How do you know you are missing collagen?

If wrinkles as a result of laughter appear on your face, it does not mean that the collagen level is critical. However, if you recognize yourself in at least three points from what is mention below, we advise you to start thinking about stimulating the creation of your own collagen. Obvious signs of collagen deficiency can be:

• appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin tone,
• the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks,
• brittle nails and bad hair,
• pains in the joints and bones,
• age-related farsightedness,
• slowed acquisition of muscle tone and poor endurance
  despite physical activity.

If we start consuming collagen early enough, we will notice changes after about a month. The younger we are, the less part of our own collagen is lost and our body needs less stimulation “from outside”. However, if we start consuming collagen when the wrinkles on our skin are already pronounced, we will have to persevere for at least two or three months for the first results.

Hydrolyzed collagen

Studies on the effectiveness of hydrolyzed collagen have shown that hydrolyzed collagen particles are excellently absorbed, pass largely undamaged through the intestinal wall, and pass from the intestine into the blood. Collagen molecules travel through the bloodstream and are deposited where the body’s need for collagen is greatest.

When we stop consuming collagen the body will continue its natural process of aging and collagen loss. Because we previously added hydrolyzed collagen to it, the initial amount of collagen will be higher than in a person of the same age who did not consume collagen. So even when you lose collagen, the difference between your appearance and the appearance of someone who has not consumed collagen will still be obvious. In addition, you can start taking collagen again at any time.

How to maintain a daily routine?

Collagen is a dietary supplement of natural origin, so it should be consumed for a long time. Since by consuming collagen we return to the body what nature takes away from it over time, we can consume it continuously for many years. The first effects of collagen appear after a month of regular consumption of the recommended daily amount. This base must then be maintained for at least the next two months. Namely, your body needs a routine. You can quickly mix collagen into water or you can play with your imagination and include it in your meals and other activities.