Collagen Products

A number of collagen products are available that claim to be able to replenish the collagen levels in the body or help the body to continue producing collagen at a high rate. Some of these products are taken orally, while others are creams that are rubbed into the skin in order to soften, tone and moisturize it. Collagen can also be injected into the body. Collagen injections are the most extreme form of collagen products. They are used for cosmetic purposes. Collagen is injected under the skin in the target area, where they will create a temporary plumping effect. There may also be some side-effects such as swelling and pain. Collagen injections have a very localized effect, unlike oral collagen. Oral collagen products, such as UC II Collagen, provide the body with a supply of the collagen protein which can be absorbed into the body and used to build more collagen into the skin, joints and other parts of the body where connective tissue is needed. UC II Collagen is an undenatured form of type 2 collagen. It is particularly effective at promoting healthy joints. Collagen products that deliver collagen to the surface of the skin are less effective than oral collagen products because collagen cannot be absorbed through the skin. The smaller molecule, hydrolyzed collagen, is often used instead since it is small enough to penetrate the skin. However, even hydrolyzed collagen will be less effective than taking collagen orally since the skin forms a very effective barrier against the outside world and the body is slow to incorporate the hydrolyzed collagen that does get through into the connective tissue. Creams that do not contain collagen but which use ingredients that help to promote collagen production in the body tend to be more effective. Kollagen Intensiv, for example, contains retinols for this purpose, which have been recognized as effective anti-aging agents by the FDA.

 

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