Thinking about buying collagen skin cream?Here are the facts about collagen skin care.
First, let's look at what collagen is. Then what does not work and what does when it comes to collagen skin care.
What is Collagen?
Tough bundles of collagens (a kind of protein) called “collagen-fibers” are the main component of the skin. Along with soft keratins (another kind of protein), collagens are responsible for the skin’s strength and elasticity. Collagen degradation (oxidation) leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. Oxidation occurs when free radical molecules get out of control and damage the skin’s cells and fibers. The only things that can prevent and repair the damage are antioxidants.
Why is Collagen Important to Skin?
The “theory” behind collagen skin cream is that supplementing the protein content of the skin will stave off the signs of aging. But, if you want truly effective collagen skin care…that is you want to protect the fibers and cells from being damaged, you need a different theory.
Skin Firmness
There are several kinds of amino acid proteins that are responsible for the skin’s firmness. It is the lost firmness that contributes to the depth of wrinkles. We’ve already talked about collagens and briefly mentioned keratins, but there is another important one called hyaluronic acid. It is the glue that holds the cells and fibers together. Levels within the skin become lower with age. Knowing this, some companies combine hyaluronic acid with collagen skin care creams, but what about the keratin?
What Are Keratins?
In nature, keratins are usually hard. When companies try to emulsify them, they use high heat and harsh chemicals that destroy the functionality of the protein. In other words, the skin’s cells can’t use it. The same is true of hydrolyzed collagens; the cells cannot use them. So, basically, collagen skin cream is ineffective.
Supplementing hyaluronic acid might work, temporarily, but the real problem is an enzyme that destroys the protein. Clinical studies have shown that extracts from wakame kelp inhibit the enzymatic activity that breaks down hyaluronic acid, allowing levels of the protein to gradually rise to those of a much younger person.
Collagen skin care creams are not effective, because they just don’t “do” anything. But, there is a new line of products that contains a protein called “Functional Keratin”. Researchers found a way to extract the protein from sheep’s wool and through the use of patented processes, the protein remains active. In other words, the skin’s cells CAN use it.
So, here’s how to use collagen skin cream in two words. Don’t bother!
In clinical studies, creams that contain Functional Keratin and Wakame Kelp have been shown to increase the number of new skin-cells by over 100% in just a few days. Both ingredients have antioxidant activity that protects the new cells and fibers from free radical damage. They can also repair some of the damage that has already been done.
The studies also showed that the creams increased firmness by over 40%. Improving firmness reduces wrinkles and sagging.
So, those are the facts about collagen skin care products. Now that you know about effective alternatives, you don’t have to waste your money on another collagen skin cream.
