The benefits of collagen on the complexion, hair, and nails.
Collagen is a protein found naturally in our body. The role of collagen is like a "GLUE". It binds our muscles to our bones, strengthens our blood vessels, and binds our entrails to our skin. Compare collagen to a father of the home, this is the standing "pillar" that if lost or lacking, the home will collapse. 🙂
Collagen is found in many parts of the body. It is found in hair, complexion, nails, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. And collagen comes in many forms. According to the ncbi article, collagen has 16 types. But when it comes to the benefits of collagen on the skin, hair, and nails, type I and type III cover it.
What is Collagen disease
Before we discuss the benefits of collagen on the complexion, hair, and nails, let us first take a look at collagen disease. The role of collagen in our body is not just to improve the complexion, hair, and nails. It also plays a role in our overall health. According to Wikipedia, collagen disease is a disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis. Diseases in which collagen in the body is defective.
What are the benefits of collagen on the skin, hair, and nails
Skin / Skin
The collagen in our complexion gives it a silky glow if it contains enough collagen. On the skin that is lacking, it can be seen very dull and lifeless. Collagen is needed for wound healing, it is to speed up and prevent scarring or scarring in English. Collagen also gives firmness to our skin. In the case of "stretches", during the time we get pregnant, gain weight or suddenly lose weight, collagen and elastin give strength to the fiber of our skin or flesh. This will prevent the formation of stretch marks caused by stretch marks.
Hair
Hair to continue to grow, grow, and prevent abnormal fall and breakage also needs proper nutrition. According to a Healthline article, collagen is;
Contains amino acids needed to make keratin. Keratin is a protein that gives strength, makes hair smooth and shiny.
Like antioxidant that fights free radicals that damage the hair.
Can help with the problem of thinning hair caused by age.
Protects cells from damage caused by hair whitening.
Nails / Nails
Like hair, keratin also strengthens our nails. Collagen helps strengthen the nail from fracture and from its jaundice. Brittle nails and yellow nails have many causes, this may be due to age, nail polish and acetone, regular pedicures and manicures, constant soaking in water, and fungal infections.
5 reasons why collagen in the body decreases
AGE– Collagen as mentioned earlier is a protein that our body naturally contains. But as a person ages, collagen levels also decrease as collagen fibroblast production decreases. They say that at the age of 25, the body begins to reduce collagen.
LIFESTYLE– Lifestyle is also one of the reasons why collagen is reduced in a person's body.
a. Cigarettes- according to an article by lung.org, cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals. These chemicals break down collagen and elastin in our body.
b. Sweet foods - eating sweets is also a culprit in the breakdown of collagen in the body. This is what they call glycation, a process by which it produces enzymes that attach to or bind to collagen and break it down.
3. UV Light / UV Rays - we already know that UV (Ultraviolet rays / light) is an electromagnetic radiation that is detrimental to a person's health. And our complexion is the first to be exposed to this culprit.
4. Air Pollution– air is also a factor in lowering or destroying collagen in our body. The air carries a variety of pollutants, chemicals, substances that are harmful to health. Our complexion is our "first line of defense" from those harmful chemicals. A culprit so that pollutants do not enter our body.
5. Hormone / Menopause - a woman during the stage of perimenopause or menopause changes her body a lot due to hormonal imbalances and sudden hormone breakdown. Specifically, estrogen in the body. Estrogen is one of the hormones that controls collagen in the body.
Effects of collagen deficiency on the skin, hair, and nails
Wrinkles, age spots
Sagging skin
Hair loss and thinning
Brittle nails
Jaundice
Ways to Boost Collagen in the Body
There are many things that can be done to boost collagen production in the body for the benefit of complexion, hair, and nails.
Food - food plays an important role in our body. Its function is not only for the complexion, hair, and nails, but for general health. Too many foods can be a source of collagen.
a. Bone broth- this is a good source of collagen where broth from bones gives comfort to the joints.
b. Vitamin C - eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin c. Vitamin c is not only in the synthesis of collagen but it also helps in the production or synthesis of glutathione.
c. Gelatin- gelatin is made of collagen obtained from the body parts of animals such as cattle, pigs, etc.
d. Aloe vera- this plant is also a good source of collagen, it helps in the production of collagen in the body. In addition to using lotion, hair, and nails, you can make it smoothies and drinks.
e. Foods rich in Zinc minerals
2. Exfoliation - exfoliation is an effective way to speed up the production of collagen in the skin. Depending on your skin type, you can exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
3. Hyaluronic Acid - hyaluronic acid is important and accompanies the production of collagen in the body. Eat its rich foods.
4. Green tea– green tea is an antioxidant. In the case of collagen, it helps and protects collagen and elastin from deterioration.
5. Honey– one of the many other benefits of honey is its ability to produce collagen. It can be a sugar substitute and can be used directly on your complexion, hair, and nails.
6. Oils, butters, fats - There are many different types of oils, butters, and fats that can be used for the production of collagen in the body. And you can incorporate it into your skin care or make your own skin care products.
Example: Olive oil
Cocoa butter
Orange Essential oil
Moringa (Malunggay) oil
7. Spices and Herbs– spices and herbs such as turmeric, ginger, nettle, gotu kola, and other spices & herbs that help in the production of collagen.
Collagen makeup of complexion hair and nails
It does not take much money to buy cosmetic products for the health of your appearance. It is also difficult to tolerate the use of cheap cosmetics or skin care products, and you do not even realize that you are sick because of the chemicals contained in it. The secret of what they call "Graceful Aging" is Internal nourishment. Proper nutrition is important, topical creams or ointments are secondary. You can also incorporate fruits and vegetables, herbs, and spices into your skin care. Natural ingredients for cosmetics.
