Proven: Collagen helps skin firmness, hydration and elasticity –

O collagen hydrolyzate conquered the female audience with the promise of firming the skin and softening the hunger. The options for ready-made products that include the substance have increased a lot. And women, of course, are the biggest consumers. But will it really work? Most scientific research on the subject states that, yes, collagen is a coadjuvant in the fight against extra pounds and helps maintain skin young longer.

The secret of collagen lies in the fact that it is a protein that the body itself is capable of producing. One of its main functions is to form the fibers that support the skin. Hair, nails, cartilage (tissues that cushion the joints) and bones are also benefited. That is, he ensures that the body works well on the inside and looks beautiful on the outside.

However, researches show that, from the age of 30, even with a food balanced, there is an annual loss of around 1%. From the age of 50 onwards, the drop is much more drastic: collagen production drops to just 35%, on average. Hence to appear wrinkles, cellulitis and sagging is a jump. That’s why many nutritionists, nutrologists and dermatologists consider supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen important from the age of 30 and essential after the age of 50.

straight on the skin

Extracted from the bone and cartilage of the ox, the collagen present in the supplements must be hydrolyzed – that is, go through the hydrolysis process (breakdown by water of protein molecules) so that it can be absorbed easily by the body which, in turn, directs this protein to the parts that are deficient.

In order to obtain the positive effects on the skin, hydrolyzed collagen must be even more special. “It must concentrate hydroxylated molecules (such as hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine), which are preferably used for the production of fibers responsible for sustaining the skin”, explains nutritionist Luciano Bruno, from Piracicaba, São Paulo.

GOOD FORMAT Greek Yogurt

has, in partnership with Green Field, the Greek Yogurt that has VERISOL collagen in its composition. This collagen is composed of bioactive peptides with direct action on the skin. “Not all collagens are the same and act in the same way. Some of them are composed of peptides that act on specific areas: skin, cartilage, muscle or bones. In the case of VERISOL, the peptides are directed to the skin and stimulate the cell to produce more collagen and elastin. With that, it improves the clinical signs of hardening”, explains the doctor. Vivian Zague, specialist and researcher at USP (University of São Paulo).

Collagen + antioxidants

A study by the Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, in São Paulo, carried out with 60 women, aged between 40 and 60 years, proved the positive action of collagen on the skin. Even better: the combination of hydrolyzed collagen with substances antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and Zinc) showed improvement in skin elasticity and slowed down the aging process. agingin addition to reducing wrinkles in the frontal region of the face, increasing hydration and reducing pores.

“The research, carried out with Brazilian women with mature skin (they consumed 9 grams of collagen per day – the dose generally recommended by dermatologists and nutritionists) showed that this protein reinforces the daily care of beauty. But it is worth remembering that the result also depends on the combination of other care, such as the use of sunscreen and moisturizer”, explains PhD in nutrition Andréa Farias, who accompanied the study.

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weight loss friend

Anyone in their 20s can rest assured: it’s not yet time to adhere to extra doses of this protein. A diet laced with foods that stimulate the body to produce collagen is sufficient. Now, if you live under stress, smoke, abuse the sun and sweets, it starts to fail sooner. Result: “The elasticity of the skin is compromised, resulting in sagging and even stretch marks”, says dermatologist Carmem Durazzo, from Clínica Cliniderm, in São Paulo. A supplementation can be indicated before the age of 30 to help with weight loss, as it alleviates and postpones hunger.

*Originally published in July 2015.