What Is Collagen Used For?
Collagen, a protein that occurs naturally in animals and humans, has many uses. The most well-known is in wrinkle-fighting treatments. However, collagen has many other medical and non-medical uses.
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Collagen Defined
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Collagen is a protein found in the skin, muscle, bone and tendons of the human body. Collagen fibers are woven together in a frame in which new cells grow. While the body produces collagen throughout life, as we grow older, collagen breaks down faster than our bodies can replace it. Human collagen is similar to that found in cows and other animals. Animal collagen can be used in humans if precautions are taken to prevent allergic reactions.
Skin Care
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Collagen from cows or humans can be injected into skin tissue to fill in facial lines and wrinkles for long periods of time. Bovine collagen is purified before it is injected for safety reasons. While bovine collagen is less expensive, some people are allergic to it, thus some choose more expensive human collagen.
The effects of collagen injections may last for two years or longer. Many choose to touch-up their injections every 3 to 12 months.
Bovine or human collagen is also commonly used in lip augmentation, making lips appear fuller and reducing or eliminating wrinkles.
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Other Medical Uses
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Animal collagen is often used in medicine. It has been used for sutures for more than 100 years, and it also used in heart valves. Some forms of collagen are helpful for easing rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Other Uses
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Gelatin is produced from collagen and is used in many industries. The most common use of gelatin is in food. Gelatin is used in photographic film and to bind the abrasive particles and the paper in sandpaper. Because it is readily accepted by the body, gelatin is often used in pharmaceutical production.
Tips
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Gelatin is the most pure protein available and contains all the amino acids needed by body cells and tissues.
Add gelatin to the diet to improve the condition of hair and nails.
Dosage
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Collagen may be taken in many forms. Three grams of shark cartilage or 7 to 10 grams of gelatin may be used to ease arthritis symptoms.
Warnings
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Collagen injections should only be administered by a licensed physician or dermatologist. They should not be used in patients with known allergies to bovine collagen or with other severe allergies, such as to lidocaine. Collagen injections also should not be used by those on corticosteroids or on immunosuppressive therapy (including prednisone). Allergic skin tests may be given before collagen is injected.
Lip augmentation carries few risks, except for possible allergic reactions to the bovine form. Swelling and bleeding may last for up to two weeks after the procedure. Consult a highly skilled dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon for this procedure as poorly done lip augmentations may cause psychological damage and be difficult to correct.
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