Rejuvenating the Face with Collagen

Is It Possible to Rejuvenate the Skin with Collagen? Our skin is exposed to various factors that may cause dermatological issues. While aging can be one of the reasons, it can also be attributed to dietary habits, environmental factors, and one's genetic makeup. Particularly, it can be said that about 80-90% of facial aging is due to UV exposure, a condition referred to as "photoaging"[1].

Additionally, environmental conditions (such as wind, air conditioning, etc.) and external factors related to aging (such as smoking, alcohol, stress, lack of sleep) can cause the skin to thicken and the formation of brown spots[2].

During the aging process, factors like smoking, alcohol, lack of oxygen in the body, nutritional deficiencies, sunlight, and other external factors lead to a decrease in collagen synthesis in the body, which usually starts in the mid-20s. As chronological aging is genetically determined, its results vary individually. These variances are associated with biochemical changes in collagen and elastin, affecting the skin, its appendages, nerves, and skin functions.

The loss of collagen results in a loss of skin elasticity, radiance, and softness. The skin becomes dull, wrinkled, and develops color changes, including brown spots. This leads to sagging and wrinkles in the skin.

Studies have been conducted on whether collagen intake through diet has positive effects on skin flaws, connective tissue, and joint disorders. In a study conducted in Japan, the effects of daily oral collagen intake on damaged skin due to UV-B radiation were examined. In vivo and water-holding capacity measurement methods were applied, revealing that collagen hydrolysate is nutritionally beneficial. It was found to provide improvement in skin defects caused by UV-B damage and photoaging, along with an increase in the skin's water-holding capacity.

Another study in Japan found that women who consumed collagen through their diet experienced an increase in their skin's water-holding capacity compared to those who did not consume collagen hydrolysate.

According to clinical studies, to benefit from the positive effects of collagen hydrolysate, it is necessary to consume it regularly and at the recommended daily dosage (g/day)[3].

References:
[1] Aydemir, E. H. (2013). Deri yaşlanması. Okmeydanı Tıp Dergisi, 29(2), 89-93.
[2] Sibilla, S., Godfrey, M., Brewer, S., Budh-Raja, A., & Genovese, L. (2015). An overview of the beneficial effects of hydrolysed collagen as a nutraceutical on skin properties: Scientific background and clinical studies. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 8(1).
[3] Bilek, S. E., & Bayram, S. K. (2015). Kolajen Hidrolizatının Fonksiyonel Bir BileÅŸen Olarak Gıda Endüstrisinde Kullanılması. Akademik Gıda, 13(4), 327-334.