The Best Collagen Treatments
COLLAGEN: THE “FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH”
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body that provides structure and maintains moisture in the skin. The various collagen and the structures they form all serve the same purpose— to help tissue withstand stretching. It makes up our dermis, bones, tendons, ligaments, and digestive system. It's not only responsible for keeping the structure but also your bones & joints healthy. It helps you build muscle mass and improves the appearance of your skin. Essentially, the glue that holds our body together!
Aside from aging, the top reason people don’t have enough collagen is poor diet and lifestyle. The foods and nutrients you eat can also help your body make this protein. Certain foods can degrade your collagen and interfere with collagen’s ability to repair itself. For example, eating an excess of sugar and refined carbohydrates, smoking, and sun exposure will reduce the production of collagen and impair wound healing. All of these will present as:
Wrinkles and crepey skin
Stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments
Shrinking, weakening muscles
Joint pain or osteoarthritis due to worn cartilage
Gastrointestinal problems due to thinning of the lining in your digestive tract
TYPES OF COLLAGEN
There are actually about 16 different types of collagen. For now, let’s look at the types most related to skin health. Type I, Type II & Type III with a look at Fresh Collagen, Gelatin Collagen, and Hydrolyzed.
TYPE I COLLAGEN— Firmness and elasticity: Most collagen in the body is of this type. It’s present in large quantities and accounts for 90% of your body’s collagen and is made up of densely packed fibers. It provides structure to the skin and is related to the skin’s strength, hardness, and firmness. As well as the bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissue, and teeth.
TYPE II COLLAGEN— Healthy joint function: This type is made of more loosely packed fibers and is found in elastic cartilage, which cushions joints.
TYPE III COLLAGEN—Softness: This type coexists with Type I collagen and has a fine, net-like structure. Related to the skin’s softness and firmness. It is present in large quantities in the skin of infants but decreases with age. This type supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
COMPARISON AND CAPABILITIES OF COLLAGEN:
FOR THE SKIN TO BE MOIST. IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN LARGE AMOUNTS OF BOUND WATER. FRESH COLLAGEN PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE SINCE IT IS ABLE TO MAINTAIN A LARGE AMOUNT OF THIS BOUND WATER!
Because Collagen more readily dissolves in water the smaller its molecules are, gelatin collagen is more commonly used than fresh collagen, and hydrolyzed collagen in turn frequently used than gelatin collagen (in particular, in drinks) However, hydrolyzed collagen is a molecular structure weight of about 3,000 even when broken down in processing causing it to remain on the surface of the skin when applied using normal methods of penetrating the skin. Collagen penetrates the skin only when shrunken to a molecular weight of 500 or less, but this stage of the substance you are left with is no longer collagen, but rather a series of component molecules that used to be collagen. Processing causes the collagen to lose its form—UNRAVELING—into peptides consisting of amino acids. They have little water-retaining capacity—these types are called peptide collagen. Before finding a collagen treatment that delivered results we had skin creams with synthetic collagen. They add a film-like layer to your skin to reduce water loss temporarily and act as a barrier from environmental elements. But no real repair or long-term changes are happening. Both collagen and gelatin are a must for the efficient repair of connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and skin.
FRESH COLLAGEN—Collagen in the body (fresh collagen) has a triple-helix structure. It serves to maintain the large amount of moisture in the body. However, this triple-structure starts to unravel at around 77°F and unravels completely around 95°F turning into gelatin collagen.
FAITH SKINCARE’s FRESH COLLAGEN is number one in water retaining capacity— 600X more than hydrolyzed collagen and 10X more than Gelatin Collagen —It functions the SAME as collagen found in the body. How is this possible? Nano-Capsule Technology. Read on!
GELATIN COLLAGEN—The process of heating the collagen unravels leaving a series of individual strands. This type of collagen is also used in foods and standard cosmetics. Gelatin Collagen has 67x more water-retaining capacity than hydrolyzed collagen.
HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN— This is made by using enzymes or other means to split gelatin collagen into smaller pieces so it dissolves more readily in water. The smaller the pieces the more readily it penetrates the skin and is absorbed, so this type is the most frequently used in cosmetics, supplements, and drinks.
Using breakthrough technology, “Faith Fresh Collagen” we use this term to refer to nano-capsules around which fresh collagen (taken from the scales of freshwater fish) with triple-helix structures then freeze-dried to preserve freshness —has been wrapped (nanocapsules incorporating fresh collagen). Most of the products within this line are 100% nanocapsule formulations that contain nothing but water and “FRESH COLLAGEN”. Although there are numerous products containing nano-capsules that have been around for some time. Generally speaking, their concentration of capsules is low, or it is likely damaged due to interactions with other surfactants. This has been determined through years of research and third-party testing. Put simply, Faith Skincare from Japan has double-patented this technology allowing both fresh + gelatin collagen (which also contains hydrolyzed in order to make up for the water retaining capacity) that has been applied to the skin to permeate into the stratum corneum effectively. It’s been recognized for its novelty inventiveness and industrial value. Thanks to the exceptional permeating power of this nanocapsule technology, the skin benefits in many ways. Moisture retention and translucency are returned, but also firmness and elasticity can be improved. Repairing the lamellar structure of the skin. This can be found in these products and learn about the Precare Essence C— the innovative collagen treatment at the heart of the Faith Japanese Skincare line. You’ll have to try it for yourself! As it’s stated, “ the proof is in the pudding or in this case- “faith fresh collagen.”
SHOULD YOU TAKE A COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENT?
Alternatively, collagen supplements may be beneficial as well when purchased from a good source, consuming collagen can improve skin quality too and add other great benefits like muscle function and reduce the pain associated with any inflammatory conditions. It repairs connective tissues, fascia, and the skin. Strengthes hair follicles and is important to make sure that the collagen you purchase is grass-fed and non-GMO to ensure you’re getting a cleaner non-toxic formula. Though collagen can come from many different sources, bovine has been found to be the most potent and effective. My belief is how and when you supplement is important. What makes a good formula with any skincare or health supplement? The synergy of the ingredients and how they work together and within the body. I prefer a liquid collagen rather than a powder for easier delivery especially in the case where it’s normally difficult to absorb.
LABEL WARNINGS
Marine Collagen— Marine collagen helps in the regeneration of different cells of the body even better than normal collagen. The problem one might face with marine collagen is knowing what you're getting if the company isn’t transparent and shares its source. "Marine" is a blanket term for any aquatic creature whether it be a jellyfish, shellfish, or shark — Ask the manufacturer for the source.
This Marine Collagen Infusion, (which is what I use daily in my coffee) is sourced from the scales of Atlantic Cod. It’s hydrolyzed and water-soluble, and it consists of proline, glycine, glutamic acid, and hydroxyproline.
Magnesium Stearate—This cheap filler is used to help bind ingredients together and lubricate the supplement so it doesn’t gum up when it is run through the manufacturing machines. Magnesium stearate adds no nutritional value and can become toxic to your system.
Titanium Dioxide—Widely relied upon in supplement manufacturing as a coloring agent and binding mineral, titanium dioxide can compromise the health of your immune system. Low-quality collagen supplements typically include this filler.
You can help your body produce this important protein by making sure you get plenty of specific nutrients. Your body can’t make collagen if it doesn’t have the necessary elements. Eating high-quality protein-rich foods and lots of bone broth gives your body the amino acids it needs as well as, Vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper. Start incorporating a collagen supplement into your longevity and anti-aging regimen and feel the effects.
Repairs joints and supports bone density Collagen contains amino acids – glycine and proline - which help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief from joint pain. Lubricates the joints- like ‘greasing a creaky door hinge’.
Improves skin and hair health You’ll have a double effect between your skincare regimen and & this supplement formula. Achieve firmer skin, wrinkles can decrease and often your face will appear smoother as your skin cells keep renewing and repairing normally. Collagen can help reduce stretch marks and cellulite and, due to the presence of lysine, it also promotes healthy hair growth.
Increases your metabolism Collagen can boost your metabolism as it assists with the conversion of essential nutrients and can also help to add lean muscle mass to your frame. It is important, when you age, to maintain your muscle mass as it supports bone health and posture. Glycine, which is found in collagen, assists in forming muscle tissue by converting glucose into energy that feeds muscle cells.
Helps the digestive system It helps to soothe the digestive tract repair the mucous lining and break down the protein and fat from foods, making it easier for your body to digest. I take my liquid collagen after a meal to help break down fats and aid in digestion.
Improves nails and teeth Collagen contains biotin, a crucial vitamin, which promotes the growth of strong nails. Your teeth require a certain amount of collagen as this forms the structure of the teeth and supports the gums and jaw. In the early 1900s, Weston A Price, a well-known dentist, discovered that people living in primitive tribes had perfect teeth. The result of this was from consuming a lot of bone broth which has high levels of collagen.
Finally, if you’re a vegetarian/vegan you should up the aforementioned vitamins and minerals and get an algae supplement. Algae is a superfood/dried vegetable and the brand I recommend is algae tablets from ENERGYbits. Their algae tablets are nutrient-dense, and chlorophyll-rich, they are the simplest, safest way to build your immune system and build some collagen support, Algae has the highest concentration of chlorophyll in the world and chlorophyll is so healing and rejuvenating. You can purchase their tablets directly from their website energybits.com and when you do, be sure to use my 20% DISCOUNT CODE Claudia at checkout.
COLLAGEN, it’s called the “Benjamin Button Effect” for a reason. It does your skin and body good!
xo
Claudia
