Every woman wants to stay as young and attractive 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 bother the ladies, because they so want to stop the withering of the skin.
Collagen: what is it?
Collagen is called fibrillar (filiform) protein, which is the basis for connective tissue of organs. About 70% of collagen is in the skin. It is also part of the ligaments, bones, muscles and joints.
Collagen and elastin are in the third layer of the epidermis. These components work together to create a skeleton of the skin, its external and internal state. They determine the quality of the skin, firmness, elasticity, strength.
The necessary amount of collagen in the body 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.
It has a special unique composition of collagen. What is this substance, every woman knows firsthand. The proline in it, with the participation of vitamin C, preserves the structure of the protein. It gives strength.
Education "youth protein"
Collagen is obtained by combining connective tissue fibroplasts. It has large molecules. As a result of synthesis, single collagenic threads arise, from which chains consisting of thousands of amino acids are formed. Three filaments are intertwined in spirals, ensuring uninterrupted interaction of amino acids.
Collagen contains amino acids, which are 33% glycine, 12% proline, 11% alanine and 8% glutamic acid.
First, the synthesis of preprocollagen on the ribosomes takes place inside the cell. As a result of this, procollagen occurs, which affects the EPS of the fibroplast and oxidizes amino acid residues. Subsequently, residual amino acids are transferred to procollagen, where a protein molecule is formed.
Extracellular functions include:
- Permeability of tropocollagen to the intercellular environment. Uncoupling links.
- Combination of endings by the formation of an insoluble molecule.
- The docking of insoluble molecules with each other and their transformation into long inextensible fibers.
Protein synthesis involves a total of eight steps. Of these, five are in fibroplasts, and three are extracellular. The process of combining is affected by hormones of the adrenal glands and vitamin C. All this forms collagen (what is described above).
Collagen structure
Collagen differs from other proteins in its special amino acid composition, the presence of polypeptide compounds and a unique electron microscopic structure.
Protein is one 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 the protein differs from the rest in the change of nonpolar amino acid residues with polarity zones. Secondary and tertiary do not have individual characteristics. On the fourth, a collagen micromolecule appears.
Types of collagen
Collagen, ingested with food, is not enough at a considerable age. In this situation, it is recommended to drink dietary supplements or collagen-rich preparations. Their sources are tendons, joints, cattle skin, as well as wheat and fish skin. Derma should be nourished with cosmetics containing collagen. For example, use the cream "Collagen Libriderm."
All protein is divided into three main types:
- Animal. The most common and cheapest collagen. It is used in inexpensive cosmetics. Extracted from cattle skins. It penetrates poorly into the dermis. May cause an allergy. It has no useful properties.
- Nautical. It is extracted from the peel of marine inhabitants. Structurally similar to human. It easily penetrates the dermis. Stimulates the production of natural collagen. Sometimes it causes an allergy. It is made only at low temperatures.
- Vegetable. It is extracted from wheat. It does not contain pure collagen, but only collagen-containing components that can positively affect the condition of the skin. It is rich in vitamins, minerals and other elements.
What slows down collagen production
Collagen is responsible for the firmness, elasticity and strength of the skin. Located in the third layer of the dermis. After thirty years, its production slows down by 1-3%. This deficit is replenished with food and cosmetics for skin care. For example, a mask with collagen works well on the epidermis.
The loss of “youth protein” is affected not only by age, but also by factors such as:
- too active facial expressions;
- bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
- neuropsychological disorders (depression, stress);
- unbalanced diet;
- prolonged exposure to the skin in direct sunlight;
- negative state of the environment;
These reasons not only slow down the production of natural collagen, but also not in the best way affect its quality.
Functions performed by the "youth protein"
Thanks to the collagen spirals, the tissues of the human body are in working condition. They are durable 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 the structure inside the cells.
- Supporting. Glues together the structures of the forms of organs.
- Plastic. Makes the skin supple and supple.
- Antitumor. Prevents the development of various neoplasms.
- Refreshing. Activates cell renewal processes.
Collagen is an ideal base for the structure of the dermis, joints and ligaments. Therefore, you should use the "youth protein" to care for the skin and hair.
The value of protein for the dermis
Collagen helps the skin return to its previous state, restores damaged cells, and renews them. It maintains its efficiency, participates in all metabolic processes.
The production of natural collagen slows down with age, which leads to:
- the process of cell fading;
- decrease in elasticity;
- wrinkles;
- predispositions to various diseases;
- fatigue;
- muscle pain;
- thinning and fragility of blood vessels;
- mental imbalance;
- decreased activity;
- fragility of bones;
- latirism.
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 fill microcracks and have a surface effect. Collagen creates an impermeable film that seals fluid in the pores.
In the fillers for injection, contour plastics or mesotherapy add human collagen or bovine in combination with hyaluronic acid. These drugs trigger the production of natural protein. They have a moisturizing effect, which manifests itself immediately and lasts for 6-12 months.
Collagen is added to dietary supplements, available 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 youth of the skin. They successfully fight wrinkles. Creams with hyaluronic acid moisturize the skin well, retaining moisture deep in the cells. They can be used from thirty years old. At this age, the skin still produces its own collagen and elastin, and their production just stimulates hyaluron. In addition, this acid strengthens the dermis, smoothes wrinkles. It makes the skin smooth and supple. Increases tone. Stimulates tissue regeneration.
Preparations with the addition of hyaluronic acid are easy anti-aging products, while cosmetics with collagen are considered more thorough and recommended for use after 45 years.
The introduction of hyaluron 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 is deep enough. Protein is absorbed worse by the body than hyaluronic acid. The reason lies in its composition alien to the human body, since bovine collagen, which can cause allergies, is often used in a cosmetic environment.
To make up 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
Cosmetics with a “youth protein” in the composition will help prevent skin aging. It can be Collagen Libriderm cream and any other anti-aging agent.
Three types of collagen are used in cosmetics: animal, marine, and vegetable. The first has lost popularity due to allergy and inefficiency, as it gives only a temporary result. The latter two are constantly struggling with age-related changes, are well absorbed by the dermis, maintain water-lipid metabolism, regenerate and restore cells. Beauticians advise to purchase cosmetics with vegetable and marine protein, since the first works on the surface layer, and the second - in the deep layers of the epidermis.
Do not rush using such tools. Masks with collagen should be used from 25-30 years old, and creams (such as cream "Collagen Libriderm", reviews of which say that after using it, the skin looks moisturized and elastic) and more concentrated preparations (serum) - not earlier than 35 years.
How to restore the production of natural collagen
With age, the production of natural collagen by the skin slows down, so many women stimulate this process by external exposure to the body, this:
- hardware cosmetology ;
- contour plastic and mesotherapy;
- micronidling;
- dietary supplements with collagen;
- food 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 healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, properly selected cosmetics and the necessary salon procedures will help prolong and preserve the youth of the skin, improve the appearance, make it supple and elastic.
Collagen: reviews
Whatever women do to get 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 administration, the skin is smoothed not only on the face, but on the whole body. Flabbiness, wrinkles, dull complexion go away. The skin becomes fresh, supple, smooth and supple.
Cosmetics with a “youth protein” help in the care of aging skin. For example, the Collagen Libriderm cream (reviews speak of its light structure, which is quickly absorbed by the skin), has proven itself only from the best side. Ladies consider him an indispensable assistant. It tightens the skin well, smoothes fine wrinkles, moisturizes. Refreshes complexion. It improves not only problem areas, but also the general condition of the skin.
Collagen is the most important protein in the human body. His deficiency should be taken seriously and try to prevent it in time with proper nutrition and special skin care.