How Does Collagen Work?
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General Overview
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Collagen is a type of fibrous protein present in the bodies of humans and other mammals. It supports and connects bodily tissue such as bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, and keeps the body from falling apart. Collagen works with elastin to give strength and firmness to the body's tissues. Moreover, collagen keeps the skin firm, flexible, tight and youthful-looking. Younger people have more naturally occurring collagen in their skin than older people. As people age, the collagen in the skin breaks down--leading to wrinkles, and nasiolabial folds around the mouth. As such, stimulating the production of collagen in the skin leads to a more youthful appearance. Moreover, collagen has long been used in cosmetic procedures to combat signs of aging.
How It Works
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Collagen works by plumping up the skin, restoring its elasticity and making it firmer and more flexible due to its fibrous and highly stable structure. Plastic surgeons use collagen to give their clients a youthful appearance. The procedure is done in the doctor's office and only takes a few hours. The collagen is injected into depressions created by wrinkles in the skin. The wrinkles are plumped by the collagen and become far less noticeable. Sometimes a few injections are made, especially if the wrinkles are particularly deep. Most collagen injections only last about 6 months, at which point they must be re-injected to refill wrinkles.
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Other Uses
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Collagen is also used in the construction of artificial skin for burn victims. It is usually derived from bovine, equine or porcine sources, and used to replace the skin lost due to a third-degree burn or other accident. Recently, collagen from human sources has become available although it's very expensive and exclusive. It's usually derived from aborted fetuses and cadavers. The collagen mimics the appearance and feel of natural skin, thus making it ideal for skin restoration treatments. Collagen supplements are also recommended for people with weak joints, although there is no actual proof that the supplements effectively target the joints.
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