Natural Bonds M*E*T*A

You may have heard the word collagen in relation to skin care. Collagen is a protein found in our bodies. In fact there is more collagen in our bodies than any other protein. It is the protein that makes our skin look more youthful, clear, and radiant. As with anything, too much collagen is a bad thing for your body and skin. So how does collagen improve your skin?

As you may be aware, your skin is capable of absorbing a variety of chemicals that it may come into contact with. These compounds are absorbed into the skin by varying amounts depending on the chemical structure. Some chemicals will absorb through the skin easily, while others very little or not at all. There are many skin care products that contain collagen. Collagen can have an impact on your skin if applied topically or if ingested.

How does topical collagen impact skin's appearance?

Collagen is an important structural protein that provides the skin with strength, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, our body's natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Topical collagen is a type of skincare ingredient that is designed to boost collagen levels in the skin and improve the skin's overall appearance. When applied to the skin, topical collagen is thought to penetrate the surface and improve the skin's structure, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Additionally, topical collagen may also help to improve the skin's hydration levels, as it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This can help to improve the skin's overall texture and appearance.
However, it is important to note that the exact impact of topical collagen on the skin will vary based on factors such as the individual's age, skin type, and lifestyle habits. Some studies have shown that topical collagen may have limited impact on the skin, as it is difficult for the skin to absorb collagen in its natural form. For this reason, scientists have experimented with different forms of collagen and found that changing the sturcture of collagen and make it more easily absorbable by the skin. One form of collagen found in skincare products is hydrolysed collagen.

Does hydrolyzed collagen absorb better into the skin?

Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed particles. Unlike regular collagen, which is too large to penetrate the skin's surface, hydrolyzed collagen can be absorbed more easily by the skin, which is why it is commonly used in skincare products.

The idea is that when hydrolyzed collagen is applied to the skin, it can penetrate the surface and boost collagen levels in the skin, improving the skin's overall appearance and reducing the signs of aging. Some studies have shown that topical hydrolyzed collagen can have a positive impact on skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity.

However, it is important to note that the exact impact of hydrolyzed collagen on the skin will vary based on factors such as the individual's age, skin type, and lifestyle habits. Additionally, while hydrolyzed collagen may be more easily absorbed by the skin than regular collagen, it may still be limited in its ability to penetrate the skin and boost collagen levels effectively.

It has been said over and over that products with topical collagen does not work due to the large molecule size. But this has been mitigated by changing the molecule structure to make the compound smaller and more absorbable to the skin. As with any product, the degree of success will vary from individual to individual. To see results with products containing collagen, it is important to use the products consistently. In fact, 12 weeks of use is where you would see your maximum benefit. 

If you have any questions regarding this article. Feel free to comment or send a message.

What do moisturizers do for your skin?

Our skin is the first defense against pathogens entering our bodies. It is our largest organ and gets exposed to more toxins and germs than any other part of our body. In essence, it protects our insides from all the bad things that can get in and harm it. Because our skin has this vital function, it is important that we protect it so that it can continue to do the amazing job of protecting us. So what do moisturizers do for your skin?

How do we protect our skin?

Protecting our skin is a multifaceted task because there are many elements that can threaten the integrity of the skin. One that we hear often about is sun damage. Protecting the skin involves adopting habits that will reduce damage to the outer layer of the skin. Injury to the skin may be caused by the sun or it may be mechanical injury caused by cuts, scrapes, bruises, burns etc.

Wearing sunscreen or products with sun protective properties will help to prevent sun damage. Clothing can also help to protect from sun damage. This means covering up areas that would be exposed to the sun. Sometimes covering up is a practical solution, but not always.Many oils that are used in skin care products have properties that help protect the skin from sun damage, but depending on your needs they might not be enough. Oils like carrot seed oil and red raspberry seed oil have more than adequate SPF value well over 15.

Another way to protect our skin is by drinking enough water every day. Staying hydrated is an important way to protect your skin. Water is necessary for all of our bodily functions to occur properly, but it also moisturizes our skin from the inside out. Many of us do not drink as much water as we require. We lose water from breathing and from every activity that we perform. There has been much debate about what is the right amount of water for a person to drink on a daily basis with no definitive answer. Most will say two liters minimum for women and three for men. Of course if a person is physically active, they would require more than someone who is not.

Another way to protect our skin is to prevent it from drying out. Dry skin is not only unattractive, but it leads to cracks and brittleness of the skin. This is where moisturizers play an important role. Moisturizers are often sold based on their smell or for their cosmetic value (it makes you look better), but they serve a greater purpose when it comes to keeping your skin healthy. Moisturizers help to keep your skin from drying out and in doing so, your skin retains more of its elasticity and this reduces the proneness to breakage. Because moisturizers are a mixture of oils and water, they add moisture to the skin and the oils seal that moisture in. This helps to improve the texture, look and feel of the skin, but it also helps to keep the skin strong. I am sure you may have experienced chapped or dry lips during the winter. You don’t do anything to your lips but they crack just from exposure to the elements. They crack because they are allowed to dry out. It is the same with the skin on the rest of your body, if you allow it to dry out, it will not be as strong or healthy.

I recommend choosing moisturizers with natural ingredients because I believe what you put on your skin matters. There are many moisturizers available on the market and they are all different. Depending on your needs one may work for you and another may not. Choosing natural ingredients allows you to add needed moisture to your skin without adding chemicals that may adversely affect your health over time. Since your skin is your largest organ, there is a great deal of surface area for undesirable elements to soak into our system. The good thing about our skin though, is that as a barrier, it also protects us from many of the chemicals that can harm us by not being too absorbent. That being said a little bit of bad “stuff” being absorbed into our bodies over time can cause injury to us in the long run, so it is best to avoid them all together.

Different types of moisturizers serve different purposes. Depending on the target area there may be additional reasons for using a particular mositurizer besides adding a protective barrier. Facial moisturizers usually contain ingredients that help the face to look more youthful and healthy and the texture would vary from that of a hand or body lotion. Moisturizers also vary because individuals have different needs. One person may need a light mositurizer because of their skin type and another many need a heavier moisturizer to add more protection.

If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this article, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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