Rabu, 10 Agustus 2011

What is Collagen?

Collagen is one of the most popular terms in skincare and anti-aging products. Nowadays, you can find different types of collagen products (skincare products and diet supplements) available in the market. But, should we use these products? Is collagen so important that we need to take supplements?

Collagen is actually a kind of protein. Majority of proteins that required by human bodies are produced by our bodies. Only a minority has to be absorbed from daily diet. There is not only one type of collagen produced by our bodies but many. Collagen is also one of the big groups of proteins in our bodies. The most abundant collagen found in human bodies is named as Type I Collagen. You may find plenty amount of Type I Collagen in scar tissue, tendons and the organic part of bone.

Around 70 to 80 percent of our bodies are water. Some areas, organs or tissues are with less moisture content, and those are the good places for find collagen. A significant portion (up to 86 percent) of muscles, ligament, cartilage and bones are composed of collagen. In addition, it is also the main component of skin's dermis layer.

Collagen is the foundation of skin, skeleton, internal organs and cells generation. Collagen intake from food and supplements increases the moisture content and elasticity of skin cells and hairs. It also strengthens your nails and increases the density of bones. These collagen functions are not rumors but are experimentally proven.

During the 24 hours of a day, there are certain best times for collagen intake. Collagen absorption is higher for empty stomach. Therefore, it is better to have collagen supplements before meals. Besides, you are also advised to take collagen supplements before going to bed as the whole body is under regeneration during sleep.

Actually, human body is able to produce collagen. But with the increase in ages and decrease in metabolic rate, the production of collagen slows down as well. Therefore, we may need to take collagen supplements. Collagen production starts to slow down when you reach your 25. Such production keeps slowing down gradually and there is only about 30 percent left when you are 60 years old.

The main cause of decreased collagen production is UVA. UVA is a type of radiation emitted from the sun. If you pay attention of beauty knowledge, you will know that UVA is the main cause for human aging. When our skin and body are exposed under the sun every day, the accumulated effect of UVA significantly slows down the production of collagen. Therefore, applying sun care product is not only for beauty purpose, it is for the good of our whole body. But, when you choose your sun care product, make sure you read about the UV protection carefully to see if it protects your against UVA!

Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar