Does collagen make our skin beautiful?

Answer:

As we get older, our skin loosens and wrinkles appear because of losses in dermis and collagen. Some may have to turn to collagen supplements to make up for the amount naturally lost through the aging process.

Collagen is a type of protein that accounts for a large proportion in humans’ bodies, strengthens our skin and ensures our skin’s elasticity.

Collagen is a type of protein that accounts for a large proportion in humans’ bodies, strengthens our skin and ensures our skin’s elasticity. Photo illustration by Freepik

In addition to the skin, collagen is also present in most of our body parts, including hair, nails, muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments.

Popular natural sources of collagen are beef, pork, and seafood. These food sources provide hydrolysate proteins that can be separated into amino acids and peptides, which are easy to be absorbed into our bodies and later act as a supporting structure to our tissues, including tissues in our skin.

For convenience’s sake, scientists extract collagen from meat and seafood and turn it into supplements, of which forms may vary from pills to drinks. There is almost no difference between taking these supplements and eating natural food sources. Supplements are even superior to natural food sources in the sense that they contain no fat nor sugar.

Those who are on a diet or have to cut down the amount of protein intake can use collagen supplements. However, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist or a nutritionist for the suitable product and doses.

Dr. Tran Nguyen Anh Tu

Head of Department of Cosmetology at HCMC Hospital of Dermato Venereology