Skin beautification and nourishment are among the most satisfying things an individual can accomplish. If we talk about skin regimens that enhance our outside appearance, there are hundreds on our list! However, treatments that can equally benefit you from inside can only be counted on one hand. It is rare, but you found the right blog if you are looking for these treatments. We are introducing collagen supplements that efficiently work!
What is collagen?
Collagen is a vital part of the body because it is the primary protein in our body found in our tendons, ligaments, skin, and other connective tissues. If you carefully observe, several skin procedures promote increased collagen production because it is beneficial to our health and, most importantly, our skin. There are twenty-eight types of collagen where types I, II, and III are the most commonly found in the body.
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, so why is there a need for collagen supplements and treatments? As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which causes reduced skin elasticity and, unfortunately, more wrinkle formations. According to studies, collagen supplements and treatments can improve joint pain and skin appearance while strengthening nails and hair has not been recently studied. However, there can still be benefits.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Since collagen is a vital part of the body, it is not necessarily excellent for the skin only but also in several body aspects like the joints, bones, heart health, and hair. But before we discuss these exciting benefits, you must initially know where to get collagen.
For collagen production to occur, your body needs the following:
- Glycine: This vitamin is found in pork and chicken skin and protein-rich foods like gelatin.
- Zinc: Zinc is found in pork, beef, lamb, shellfish, beans, milk, chickpeas, nuts, lentils, cheese, and seeds.
- Proline: These are found in dairy, mushrooms, asparagus, egg whites, and cabbage.
- Copper: Copper is found in cocoa powder, sesame seeds, cashews, and organ meats.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is found in bell peppers and citrus fruits.
Firstly, collagen production maintains skin elasticity, preventing wrinkles and other skin issues from appearing. For joints, collagen avoids and lessens joint pain. Adding collagen stimulation is also helpful in curing common degenerative disorders like osteoarthritis. For bones, collagen is beneficial in increasing bone mineral density. A study suggests that collagen in the treatment and prevention of heart disease for heart health. And lastly, for hair, collagen maintains healthy hair growth and avoids hair loss. However, there is a need for more study on this aspect. Nevertheless, there is still an existential benefit.
What are two types of collagen regimens you can try?
You can opt for two types of collagen regimens if one does not work for you, and these regimens are collagen treatments and collagen supplements.
Collagen treatments:
One of the most effective collagen treatments is microneedling and photo rejuvenation using a Clear Lift laser. Generally, there is no downtime for both procedures as it only protects the outer layer of the skin, clears hyperpigmentation and dark spots, evens out skin texture and tone, and smooths out fine lines and scarring. Most importantly, it tightens and stimulates skin collagen. To further look at the collagen treatments, let us identify them.
- Microneedling – This cosmetic procedure involves pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles, which cause wounds. These wounds will urge your body to produce more elastin and collagen, healing your skin to keep the younger look.
Its benefits include addressing large pores, acne, dark spots, scars, sun damage, decreased skin elasticity, hair loss, stretch marks, wrinkles, and fine lines. Additionally, it is less costly than other laser treatments.
However, it also has risks like common bruising, redness, peeling, bleeding, pain, scarring, and infection. There is also a possibility of acquiring allergic reactions from the serum or cream applied to your skin after the microneedling treatment. You can address all of these as they are all temporary.
- Photorejuvenation – Photorejuvenation or photo facial is a non-invasive and quick skin treatment that uses high-intensity light pulses to treat photoaging and skin discoloration at a cellular level.
Having no downtime, repairing sun-damaged skin, evening out skin tone, and treating pigmentations are some of its advantages. Moreover, photo rejuvenation also works best on light skin types and with some degree of skin elasticity.
Like any other skin procedure, photo rejuvenation has risks, and these are minor swelling, crusting, redness, small blisters, and temporary brown spots, which will all eventually dissipate.
Collagen supplements:
Collagen supplements are commonly derived from animal sources like fish, cows, pigs, and chickens, which form in capsules or powders. These are beneficial in joint pain, skin, pregnant, postmenopausal people with decreased bone mineral density, and skin and hair (more studies are yet to be made).
Who cannot benefit from collagen regimens?
Generally, both collagen treatments and supplements are safe, especially when you are in the hands of experts. But it would be wise to do a little research first, especially if you are aiming for collagen supplements, because the United States Food and Drug Administration does not monitor them.
There are also certain groups of people that should avoid collagen supplements because they will not presumably benefit them and these groups of people are the following:
- People with dietary restrictions: Since collagen supplements are extracted from animal sources, vegans and vegetarians or those who avoid eating from specific animal sources should be restricted from collagen supplements.
- Those with kidney stone history: Theoretically, taking collagen supplements in high doses can potentially increase the risk of kidney stones. This assumption has no firm scientific evidence, so best if you consult your doctor first.
- People with specific allergies: This part is pretty much self-explanatory. But to tackle this further, you should avoid collagen supplements extracted from eggshell membranes and fish sources if you are allergic to eggs, shellfish, and fish.
Collagen treatments are generally beneficial for everyone, as seen in the benefits earlier mentioned. However, it also has risks, so it is still safe to have an initial consultation to assess your medical history and suitability for the treatment. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and these treatments are not currently helpful, you must avoid them.
How do you choose collagen regimens?
In choosing collagen regimens, your professional’s opinion will significantly matter. If you are not suitable for collagen supplements, there are collagen treatments that can help you address collagen loss.
An essential tip we can offer: Do not settle for less. Do not just merely consume and try; ask a professional first! Before trying microneedling or photo rejuvenation, critically assess your doctor’s background and see if they have the license to conduct the procedure on you. In consuming collagen supplements, you must first consider the form, source, collagen type, dosage, and budget to suit your needs.
Remember that your overall health could be affected by making the wrong move, so save yourself from a more devastating consequence. And speaking of a licensed and skilled professional in the field, we got the right place for you!
In RAW Aesthetics and Wellness, they are dedicated to making you feel beautiful inside and out naturally. The professionals also customize your healthcare to see the root cause and meet your aesthetic and body needs!
Have you not embraced the bright side of aging yet? Collagen treatments are what you need! Contact the best aesthetics in town, see it for your own, and indulge in the collagen benefits that your body deserves.