What is collagen
Collagen is the most common protein in the body, found in a huge array of tissues, including hair, nails and skin.
What does collagen do?
Together with soft keratin, the collagen and elastin fibres are responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. Degradation of the collagen leads to ageing and accompanying wrinkles. Collagen makes up 90% of skin, the largest organ in the body and is significantly affected by the ageing process. Women lose collagen at a faster rate than men during ageing, a process which is accelerated during and following the menopause.
What damages and dstroys collagen?
With the onslaught of normal aging our skin is under attack and various factors hasten the degradation of collagen. Sun tanning and sun exposure is one of the main culprits of collagen deterioration in our skin. In addition, inflammation also destroys collagen. Large amounts of free radicals, which are formed during normal body functions (oxidation), can also destroy collagen – specifically pollution and toxins in the environment, a fat filled diet as well as cigarette smoking and consuming alcohol. While on the point of cigarette smoking, it is important to note that the body requires vitamin C in order to make collagen and without it, many things in your body will deteriorate at a hastened pace. Smoking destroys the ascorbic acid molecule (vitamin C), so if you cannot quit smoking, then maybe look at taking a supplement of vitamin C.
