Why does collagen give us beautiful skin?
Collagen is a fibrous protein naturally present throughout our body: skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, and connective tissues. It is produced by fibroblasts. Collagen fibers are naturally produced by cells and represent 30% of all the proteins that make up the body. In the skin, they constitute 95% of the protein!
There isn't just one type of collagen, but different types:
- Type I collagen is present in the skin, bones, tendons, and certain organs; it is the most abundant.
- Type II collagen is present in the cartilage and structural tissues of the eyes,
- Type III collagen is present in muscles and blood vessel walls.
- Type IV collagen is present in most internal organs,
- Type V collagen is present in a large amount of supporting tissues in association with type I collagen.
Combined with elastin in fibroblast cells, collagen makes tissues and joints strong and flexible . Working in conjunction with hyaluronic acid, it helps retain water to preserve hydration, elasticity, and the cells' ability to regenerate. The effects of this trio are visible on our skin: plump, bouncy, and smooth. But from the age of 25, its concentration in the body decreases because fibroblasts become less resilient and stiffer, leading to the appearance of the first signs of aging . From the age of 40, the rate of decline accelerates; collagen is less abundant and of lower quality. The visible signs then become a sagging facial contour and the appearance of wrinkles. This is why collagen has been one of the star ingredients in the cosmetics industry for years. It is present in many moisturizing creams and masks.
This aging of cells, skin and joints is inevitable. But its effects can be mitigated.
How can we boost our natural collagen production?
First, by balancing the contents of our plate. If our diet is too high in sugar, it stiffens collagen fibers and produces free radicals, the primary cause of fine lines and deeper wrinkles. When we say sugar, we're talking about cakes and sweets, of course, but also the sugars present in refined flours and cereals (one pasta dish a week is okay, but avoid any more than that), white flour bread (goodbye semi-traditional bread and pastries for breakfast), processed fruit juices loaded with sugar, and alcohol (no more than one cocktail a week; none at all is even better).
Foods that provide collagen are few but effective: egg yolks, gelatin, and bone broth. Meat and the broth from a pot-au-feu, as well as chicken broth, are also significant sources of collagen.
This is why the R&D team at Atelier Nubio created Bone Broth , a broth concentrated in collagen (10g per cup).
While foods containing collagen are rare, many nutrients stimulate its production: amino acids, vitamin A, sulfur, copper, zinc, and silicon boost fibroblasts ; antioxidants (vitamin E, beta-carotene, polyphenols, lycopene, selenium, etc.) protect against free radicals; and vitamin C acts on both of these factors. Try our exquisite powder. We want a doll-like complexion in your food and drinks to supplement your vitamin C intake. These nutrients can be found in fresh, seasonal and organic fruits and vegetables, as well as seafood, legumes, whole grains, seeds, and offal.
For these pro-collagen nutrients to circulate and be properly absorbed, they need "good" lipids: vegetable oils, oilseeds, and oily fish. Cod liver oil or calf liver even helps restore collagen fibers .
Other factors, such as stress and lack of sleep, can also contribute to a reduction in natural collagen production . Sugar, caffeine, and tobacco are other major enemies of collagen production. To take care of your collagen levels, take care of yourself : engage in physical activity, which will promote better cell oxygenation; turn off smartphone and tablet screens well before going to bed; and ensure you get eight hours of sleep.
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Which cosmetic routine stimulates collagen?
In cosmetics, it can't be stressed enough: everything starts with a gentle double cleansing that allows the skin to get rid of impurities and sebum, and to be ready to absorb the active ingredients in skincare.
The right techniques for applying these treatments: self-massage with gua sha is a significant plus as it stimulates microcirculation and fibroblasts, which like to be stimulated to boost their elasticity and collagen production.
Finally, protect your skin from UV rays, which carry free radicals that stiffen and damage fibroblasts and therefore collagen.
In summary, collagen is one of the main components of our skin and joints. Essential for firm skin and body flexibility, its supply is not inexhaustible, but it can be replenished through a suitable diet and nutritional supplements.
LEXICON
Collagen : Collagen is a fibrous protein naturally present throughout our bodies. It provides flexibility to the skin, joints, and tendons. There are several types of collagen.
Proteins: Proteins, along with carbohydrates and lipids, are one of the three major macronutrient families. They are made up of a chain of amino acids, largely obtained through diet.
Fibroblasts : Fibroblasts are the supporting cells of connective tissue. Present in the dermis, fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin fibers.
Elastin: Elastin is a cell of connective tissue that provides it with firmness and elasticity.
Free radicals: Free radicals, also known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), are highly reactive oxygen molecules that cause damage to proteins, DNA, and cell membranes.
