Collagen is an ingredient that is being used a lot in beauty products. So what is collagen, how to supplement collagen, and which products are good? The answer will be in the next part.

4000 years ago, the Egyptians cooked the tendons and skins of animals to obtain a compound called "Collagen glue". This glue was later used as a musical instrument.

By 1930, collagen molecular structure began to spread globally, being used in medicine, pharmacology, and cosmetics. The main role is not only in skin regeneration in the treatment of burns, but also applied in cosmetic surgery, dentistry, and anti-aging in beauty.

Currently, the concept of Collagen has become popular with two popular forms: Normal Collagen and Collagen Peptide.

1. What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that makes up 25% of the total protein in the body and up to 70% of the skin structure. This component is distributed mainly in the dermis. It is responsible for the building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some other parts such as blood vessels, cornea, and teeth also have the presence of collagen. You can think of collagen as a kind of glue that holds all the tissues together. In Greek, collagen is called kólla, which means glue.

Collagen has a self-produced mechanism but will degrade according to the inevitable laws of time. From the age of 25, the body loses 1-1.5% collagen every year. At the age of 30, it is 7-10%. Between the ages of 40-50, it is 25-50%. And beyond 60 years old, it will be up to 60%.

Other reasons also lead to loss of collagen such as Diet, toxic environment, etc. Whatever the reason, the amount of collagen lost will cause aging not only in appearance but also in structural deterioration and function of internal organs. 

2. What are the benefits of collagen supplements?

2.1. The effect of collagen on the skin

Collagen reduces damage caused by acne

Acne-prone skin suffers a lot of superficial and structural damage when acne occurs. In addition, the effects on the skin such as squeezing, using peeling cosmetics, etc. also cause the acne-prone skin to experience more serious damage.

Because of the damage that the skin suffers, providing collagen to treat acne skin is necessary. This helps to regenerate the internal structure of the skin and improve the skin's surface, solving concave scars and rough skin after acne.

Anti-aging collagen

According to statistics from British scientists, every year 1-1.5% of collagen is lost. This means that the amount of collagen remaining due to the body's metabolism over time is no longer enough to meet the needs of cells, especially skin cells. This leads to weakened muscle activity, less firm skin, and reduced smoothness. The signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow's feet, dark skin, and sagging ... also appear gradually.

At this time, the skin needs to replenish collagen. Their effect on our skin is their ability to promote even, smooth skin. This essential protein provides elasticity to the skin, leaving it looking younger and healthier.

A study published in 2014 randomly selected 46 out of 69 women, ages 35 to 55. This group was supplemented with collagen peptides. The rest of the group was given a placebo. Women taking anti-aging collagen showed an improvement in skin elasticity within four weeks.

In addition, maintaining collagen production levels can keep small blood vessels and arteries from appearing under the skin, and help you maintain youthful and flawless skin.

Collagen reduces melasma, freckles

Collagen is not an ingredient that can directly affect melasma or freckles. However, collagen has the effect of concentrating skin cells to eliminate bruises. As a result, collagen can contribute to the process of repelling melasma on the skin.

According to many studies, after using collagen to treat melasma for a period of 3 or 6 months, the reduction of melasma is quite significant and effective for users. But to be able to bring the best results, you should use collagen in combination with specialized melasma treatment products.

2.2. The effect of collagen on hair

Regular collagen supplementation can help hair become smooth, and reduce breakage. In addition, the effect of collagen on hair also helps to nourish strong hair, against external factors. 

In hair, collagen is present in the hair's horny substance and helps eliminate harmful toxins in the hair, deep take care, and restore damaged hair quickly.

2.3. The effect of collagen on bones and joints

Along with calcium, collagen accounts for 80% of the composition of bones. With the increase of age, the amount of collagen in the body is reduced and aging, so it reduces the elasticity and toughness of the skeleton.

Therefore, you need to supplement Collagen properly to help health and joint activities become smoother and easier.

2.4. Supports increase muscle mass

Studies show that supplementing with collagen helps to increase muscle mass that occurs in people with myelopathy due to the loss of muscle mass that occurs with age. Because muscle tissue is made up of 1% to 10% collagen, so collagen helps keep your muscles strong and working correctly. 

2.5. Helps improve heart health

Researchers have theorized that collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of heart-related diseases. Accordingly, collagen provides the structure for arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the heart throughout the body). Without enough collagen, arteries can become weak and fragile. This is a dangerous health problem.

2.6. Collagen side effects

When the body is in a healthy state, there are not too many known risks associated with collagen supplements causing side effects. 

However, when the production of products is often added to other substances, if the user is allergic to these substances, the risk of allergies may still occur.

Some people have also reported that collagen supplements leave a lingering unpleasant taste in the mouth.

In addition, collagen supplements have additives, which can cause digestive problems such as heartburn, and false satiety. However, these supplements are not too harmful to people.

Collagen peptide is a form that is probably safe for the body. Evidence suggests collagen peptides are safe to use in doses of 10 grams per day. The maximum duration is 5 months and very few side effects occur.

3. Which age should take collagen?

Many women still mistakenly believe that it is only necessary to supplement collagen when there are signs of aging of the skin such as sagging wrinkles, and rough skin ... This is a misconception because collagen needs to be replenished sooner. , even if the body can still synthesize it. So which age should people start taking collagen?

From the age of 25, most women appear crow's feet with wrinkles on the face and eyes. The main cause is the lack of collagen and elastin in the skin. To improve the condition of aging skin, you should supplement with collagen to regain smooth, vibrant skin.

After the age of 25, you should drink collagen to keep your skin smooth and bright and slow down the aging process of the skin and body effectively.

4. When is the best time to take Collagen?

Collagen is easy to use, you can take it at any time of the day. However, using it at night is the most effective time. Because it is the time when metabolism and skin regeneration takes place strongly, the body absorbs faster, the effect is more optimal.

If drinking at other times of the day, you should drink 3 hours before meals and limit the intake of food immediately after drinking. Each user takes 5g of Collagen in 1 day. Combine exercise and diet with collagen.

5. Mistakes in using Collagen

5.1. Drink as much as possible

Collagen plays a big role in rejuvenating the skin. However, do not add too much, it is both expensive and not effective as expected. Because the human body only absorbs a sufficient amount, the excess will be eliminated through the digestive system.

Using the wrong dosage causes "money loss", so you should consult your doctor's prescription, and the manufacturer's instructions suitable for each condition. According to scientific studies, the average amount is from 1000mg - 1500mg per day. Therefore, supplementing with a 5g or 30ml bottle of Collagen is the ideal daily dose for skin and body care.

5.2. Stop taking collagen midway

Collagen supplements not regularly will not give optimal results.  

Did you know, in Japan, women with beautiful skin are radiant because they supplement Collagen as a daily drink, twice a year, each process lasting about 3 months?

5.3. Applying only collagen topically

Two commonly used collagen supplements are taken directly or applied topically.

Many people maintain the habit of using topical collagen because they think doing so will have a quick effect. However, many studies have shown that collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the surface of the skin when you apply collagen from the outside. At this time, collagen can only contact the surface of the skin, the amount of penetration is low, and it is easily washed away by water and sweat. Your skin's improvement becomes slower and less effective. 

Besides, collagen supplementation through food or drinks, collagen tablets are considered more effective. In particular, collagen drink will promote better effects than topical collagen thanks to its ability to penetrate deeper into the body, promote elasticity and prevent skin aging from the inside.

If possible, combine "inside drink, outside application" to get the best results for the skin.

6. Collagen production technology

Supplementing with collagen-rich foods in daily meals, the method of skin rejuvenation using cosmetics or collagen-containing supplements is one of the "golden solutions" to help women's own skin ageless. However, the use of collagen for beauty has many obstacles because the process of absorbing collagen into the body is not simple.  

For that reason, the most advanced and modern collagen production technologies have been discovered in turn. In particular, the most prominent 2 technologies for collagen production are the hydrolysis method and nanotechnology.

6.1. Nanotechnology

According to this production technology, collagen nano-molecules have a microscopic size (measured in nanometer units), which increases the solubility and absorption of active ingredients, enhances cell nourishment, and restores elasticity, repairing damaged skin.

Compared with conventional forms of collagen, collagen nano-molecules provide faster penetration into the bloodstream. The reason is so fast thanks to nanotechnology that produces collagen with microscopic size (about 16 - 30 nanometers), increased absorption rate up to 95%, and solubility of 7.5%.

This means a 7,500-fold increase in absorption compared to conventional collagen.

6.2. Collagen peptide – Hydrolyzed collagen

According to experts, there is only a very small amount of collagen in daily foods. Extrinsic collagen has a molecular size much larger than the size of natural collagen in the body. Therefore, using a large amount of collagen will reduce the effectiveness of collagen supplements, because the ability of the body to eliminate them is very high.

To solve this situation, hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptide (Hydrolyzed Collagen) was born. A short chain of amino acids is formed after hydrolysis of conventional collagen. They are extremely small molecules so it is easy to penetrate deep into many layers of the skin. 

7. What kind of collagen is good?

There are many types of collagen on the market today. In particular, each type of collagen has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the purpose and needs of using collagen, you will choose which type of collagen is most suitable.

Collagen is divided into forms such as Collagen powder, collagen tablets, and collagen drinks. In addition, for external use, there are other types of skin such as creams, masks, etc.

7.1. Oral collagen types

Liquid collagen

Liquid-based collagen is preferred by many women because of its faster absorption than other forms. Outstanding advantages such as High absorption capacity, easy to use and buy in the market, so it is easier to buy. But this type of collagen also suffers from disadvantages such as high cost and the need to be carefully preserved.

You can refer to the health functional food 82X Collagen Classic. 82X Classic Collagen Drink 500ml contains 120,000mg of Collagen peptides. Collagen ingredients are extracted from deep sea fish and 82 kinds of naturally fermented plants. They contain healthy nutrients such as vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and flavonoid compounds that help improve gut health and lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Even better, these compounds also help to reduce skin aging, the effective time is faster than other Japanese liquid collagen lines.

Skin beauty benefits are as follows:

• Collagen Peptide 120,000mg is extracted from tuna by Koso Teki technology with amino acids size < 1000 Dalton. This compound has perfect purity and high quality. 
• The product combines natural ingredients to support improving the quality of collagen fibers in the skin and body, helping to slow down the aging rate, smooth and shiny skin, and increase moisture in the skin.
• Cherry blossom extract and Hyaluronic Acid help moisturize the skin, bringing it to glossy, anti-aging skin. Cherry blossom essence and hydrolyzed silk tighten pores, brighten, fade signs of aging and stimulate collagen production. Hydrolyzed Elastin enhances skin elasticity and restores pore elasticity.

Besides, the company 82X has many other products that also supplement collagen for the body. Specifically: Collagen 82X 120000 Sakura Premium, Collagen Drink 82X The Pink, Placenta 82X Classic, ...

Collagen powder

The advantage of powdered collagen is not only the efficiency of use, but this type of collagen also has high safety for users. Limited preservatives compared to other forms.

On the other hand, collagen powder can be used to blend with fruit juices without affecting the quality or taste of the product.

However, compared to liquid collagen and tablets, powdered collagen is more difficult to buy in the market and often difficult to swallow.

You can refer to some types of collagen powder such as The Collagen Shiseido powder, Youtheory Collagen Powder, Japanese collagen powder Yukino ...

Collagen tablets

Collagen tablets are considered the easiest to take among the three types of collagen. This type can be carried with and the price is relatively affordable.

Although chosen by many women, collagen tablets still suffer from the disadvantage that the effect is not as fast as the above two types of collagen. The reason for this is that when supplementing with collagen in the form of tablets, it takes time to dissolve, so the effect will be slower. 

Some products are often trusted by women: DHC Collagen Tablets, Nature's Way Beauty Collagen Tablets, Holland & Barrett Marine Collagen with Vitamin C, etc.

Collagen Jelly

Collagen jelly is an edible cosmeceutical. Tastes like candied fruit depending on the manufacturer. 

With ingredients extracted from nature such as plants, fish skin, and animal skin (swine, cow, sheep). The combination of microscopic collagen molecules with essential vitamins C, E, A, and B both provides vitamins for the skin and acts as a conductor to enhance collagen synthesis and absorption. 

Some products also contain compounds such as Hyaluronic Acid, Folic Acid, and Calcium to support absorption and synthesis, nourish collagen, keep skin healthy and reduce the risk of aging.

You can refer to some types of collagen jelly as follows: Instant Collagen Jelly Shin-Nee, Vita Collagen Jelly Thanh Yen, Black Garlic Collagen Jelly, ...

7.2. Some collagen products for external use

There are many forms of collagen for external use such as masks, serums, creams, etc., and skin collagen manufacturers believe that facial collagen is usually made from fresh collagen. 

With this form produced, small nanoparticles can penetrate deep into the 3 layers of the epidermis of the skin. Combined with other nutrients will help the skin get youthful and smooth skin.

Collagen Mask

a Collagen mask is a type of mask that has the necessary collagen ingredients for the skin. Many outstanding properties in the mask help the skin to be restored and regenerated effectively. It also helps the skin to become whiter and smoother.

The reason Collagen masks are used a lot in the beauty care market today is that the nutrients of the fresh Collagen mask can penetrate deep into the 3 layers of the epidermis, dermis, and dermis (subcutaneous tissue layer) bringing useful uses: 

• Helps rejuvenate and increase skin elasticity.
• It is a solution to tighten pores and make skin smooth and shiny.
• Treat acne, age spots, brown spots, freckles, giving you smooth skin.
• It is quite compatible with the skin, benign, and safe for the skin.

You can refer to some lines of Collagen masks such as Mediheal Collagen, Meditime Real Collagen Mask, Gold Mask Pore Care Moisturizing, ...

Gel collagen 

The collagen gel used is similar to the cream form. This type of product is also used a lot by women. The gel is not too thin and not too thick, immediately after applying to the skin, it will have a pleasant feeling, quickly absorbed.

With this gel product, you can use it during the day or at night. Because the gel is easily absorbed, it is suitable when taking care of oily skin with large pores.

Some lines of facial collagen for reference: Fresh Collagen Ammud Multi Vita Capsule Ampoule, Gel Collagen Morepas Care Ex Japan, ...

Collagen cream 

Collagen in cream form is denser than collagen in gel form. Collagen cream is also very popularly used with many great uses for the skin such as: 

• Anti-aging skin.
• Protects the skin from harmful effects from the outside environment, and nourishes the skin with a healthy glow. 
• Effectively moisturizes the skin.
• Enhances elasticity for softer, smoother skin.

Using collagen cream with the advantage of helping to prevent moisture from escaping the skin, thereby keeping the skin smooth, especially suitable for those with dry skin, and cold weather, ...

Some famous cream lines that provide skin collagen: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide Day Cream, L'Oréal Paris Collagen Moisture Filler Cream, DHC Super Collagen Cream, ...

8. Notes to remember when using Collagen

Collagen is good for the body, but you need to note the following points before using it:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding for 6 months or less should be careful when using Collagen. Even women who are taking birth control pills should not take collagen into their bodies. Because if you take both, you will have side effects in your body such as a false pregnancy feeling, accompanying signs such as skin pigmentation, and body fatigue.
• Combine diet and exercise when taking Collagen. Maintaining a healthy and scientific lifestyle will help the body develop and regenerate good skin.
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients, you should consult your doctor before use.

Collagen brings many benefits to the skin as well as health. However, before using any product, you should also learn about the collagen contained in that product. Use just right, enough to get great effects!