Collagen skin care generally refers to the use of creams or other beauty care items which contain collagen. It may also refer to the use of other agents which are supposed to help the body produce more collagen naturally. Collagen is a naturally occurring substance in the skin which gives tissue a firm, youthful look and feel, and this substance is found in many common anti-aging creams and other treatments.
As people age, collagen production slows and lines and wrinkles are the most common results. Skin may also appear looser and it may begin to sag in certain areas. These effects, especially sagging of the skin, may be more noticeable in those who are overweight. Collagen skin care usually aims to replace this lost collagen, either through creams containing the substance or through methods that help the skin produce more of it on its own.
Research has shown that the skin cannot absorb most collagen skin care products properly. The collagen used in these creams is often derived from animals and it is too large at the molecular level to penetrate the skin. This means that a large portion of anti-aging products are ineffective at reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
The best way to go about collagen skin care is to stimulate the body to produce more of it naturally. This can be done mostly through eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and by drinking plenty of water to remove impurities from the skin. Taking amino acid supplements and a daily multivitamin is also a good idea when attempting to stimulate collagen production since these substances are needed during this process.
Aside from stimulating the body to produce more collagen, it is also important to prevent damaging substances from destroying what is already present. Free radicals cause damage to nearly any tissue in the body, including the skin. Taking daily antioxidants while eating plenty of them in the diet is a good way to prevent free radical damage. Using sun screen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure is another good way to prevent collagen destruction, since sun damage lead to free radical production.
These methods of collagen skin care can be combined with keratin supplementation since this protein is important for healthy skin as well. It is also advised to keep the skin well-hydrated and clean. Moisturizers should be purchased based on an individual's skin type and needs.