Collagen is the word in anti-aging these days. But what does it really do?
The mad rush to stop aging in its tracks has resulted in a slew of collagen products with claims to prevent the signs of aging.
Most people understand that collagen somehow plays a role in the anti-aging process but how exactly does it do it?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids, which are in turn built of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen. Collagen contains specific amino acids – glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and arginine.
It makes up approximately 30 per cent of the proteins within the body. These are tough and strong structures found all over the body such as the bones, tendons and ligaments.
Collagen can be found exclusively in animals, especially in the flesh and in the connective tissues of mammals. It is part of the connective tissue in the skin that helps with firmness, suppleness and constant renewal of skin cells. It is vital for skin elasticity.
Ligaments are also a type of connective tissue that attach two bones and hold the joints together. All of these tissues, bones, ligaments and tendons as well as the skeletal muscles are made up of protein. One of the predominant proteins is the collagen.
Structure of Collagen
Collagen microscopically occurs in elongated fibrils. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendon, ligaments and skin and is also abundant in cornea, bone, blood vessels, cartilage, intervertebral discs and the digestive tract.
In muscle tissue, collagen serves as a major component of endomysium. About 1 to 2 per cent of the muscles are formed of collagen and around 6 per cent of the total weight of muscles is formed of collagen.
Gelatin used in food is collagen that has been irreversibly hydrolysed.
In the 1930s, collagen was first discovered to have a molecular structure. Collagen is further packed into fibrillar collagen types with hexagonal or quasi-hexagonal shapes. The packing may be sheet-like or micro-fribillar.
What Does Collagen Do?
Collagen helps to give strength to various structures of the body and also protects structures such as the skin by preventing absorption and spreading of pathogenic substances, environmental toxins, micro-organisms and cancerous cells.
It is also present in all the smooth muscle tissues, blood vessels, digestive tract, heart, gall bladder and kidneys, holding the cells and tissues together.
With age, collagen production slows and the cell structures weaken. The skin gets thinner and is more easily damaged, hair gets lifeless, the skin sags and wrinkles, and tendons and ligaments become less elastic while joints stiffen up.
Generally, people look to various sources to replenish collagen in their bodies. These include collagen drinks, collagen injections or eating certain health supplements.
Why not turn to one reliable and easy source to get the collagen you need? MyLustre can help you to replenish collagen with Lustre High Grade Collagen ($33.90). It is made of 100 per cent pure marine hydrolysed collagen.
It helps to promote healthier skin and connective tissues as well as improves texture and to gain a more flexible bone structure.
The Lustre Age Defy Product ($55) also contains collagen, yet has other benefits such as smoothening skin and reducing fine lines, as well as heals and lightens scars.
It also improves blood circulation and cardiovascular health, and gives you radiant, rosy cheeks.
Call 6275 4123 for your free delivery or visit www.mylustre.com for more. Follow them on twitter.com/mylustre, facebook.com/mylustre.com or on Instagram at mylustre_sg
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