What Is Collagen? What Does It Do?

When it comes to skin care, one of the first treatment methods that comes to mind is collagen application. Those who ask what is collagen are also doing research on issues such as collagen deficiency symptoms and the best collagen brand. Since those who use collagen see the positive effect of this process, other people naturally become curious about it. Collagen is a type of protein found in our body under normal conditions. With collagen filler, this protein is injected under the skin with a needle to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. As in all matters related to our health, we remind you that the procedures must be done under the supervision and control of an expert. In this article, you can find detailed information about collagen protein and collagen filler.

What is Collagen?

When we ask what is collagen, it should be emphasized that this substance is a substance found naturally in our body. Simply defined, collagen is a family of proteins that are the primary structural component of connective tissues such as skin and cartilage. It is composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen and contains amino acids such as Glycine, Proline, Hydroxyproline and Arginine. Collagen is formed microscopically in long fibrils. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin, and is also abundant in the cornea, bone, blood vessels, cartilage, intervertebral disc, and digestive tract. Between 1% and 2% of the muscles are made up of collagen, and about 6% of the total muscle weight is collagen. From this point of view, collagen is an indispensable element for our body.

What Does Collagen Do?

After answering the question of what is collagen, we can move on to where collagen is found and what it is for. In nature, collagen is only found in animals, especially mammals. Collagen is part of the connective tissue that helps skin cells firmness, elasticity and continuous regeneration; It is vital for the elasticity of the skin. Collagen is the main component of connective tissue and is the most abundant protein in mammals. It constitutes more than a quarter of the total protein in our body. There are 28 different types of collagen, each categorized by amino acid composition. Those who use collagen can supplement by taking this substance from outside sources.

Where Is Collagen Found?

About 90% of the collagen in the body is type 1, which is found in the skin, tendons, internal organs, and organic parts of bone. Other types are found in cartilage, bone marrow - lymphoid tissues, and hair.

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up various types of proteins in the body, including collagen. The body naturally creates its own collagen by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids. We obtain certain building blocks for collagen by eating a balanced diet of protein-rich foods (for example, poultry, red meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, nuts and grains) and a variety of fresh produce. A diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits is effective in providing antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress that can degrade collagen.

To make collagen or any protein, our body combines amino acids. We can obtain amino acids by eating and digesting protein-rich foods such as meat, beans, and dairy products. Then our body can convert amino acids into collagen. For this, our body uses vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, zinc and copper. These foods are part of a typical, healthy diet. Citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and greens provide vitamin C. Meats, shellfish, nuts, whole grains and beans are good sources of minerals. But as we age, our bodies may no longer be able to absorb nutrients as well or synthesize them efficiently. In cases where the body does not have enough content for collagen production, those who take collagen compensate it with nutritional supplements.

Collagen Deficiency

There is no scientific evidence about the harms of collagen naturally found in the human body. Just as we do not have a title as the harms of protein for our body, the same is true for collagen. Collagen plays a vital role in the healthy functioning of the body. Collagen deficiency can cause some undesirable effects, especially on our skin. The body's ability to produce collagen naturally decreases as we age. In addition, excessive sun exposure, smoking and poor diet can also inhibit collagen production. Besides aging, the most important reason people don't have enough collagen is poor diet. Collagen production decreases if our body does not have the necessary elements, namely amino acids and nutrients to process.

As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen. The slowdown can begin in the mid-20s. There is no specific way to measure the amount of collagen in our body, like a blood test, but the signs of collagen deficiency can be easily recognized through observation:

• The skin loses its elasticity. As a result, wrinkles form on the skin and wounds heal more slowly than before.
• Tendons and ligaments become stiff and lose their flexibility.
• Muscle mass decreases
• The cartilage wears away. Joint pain or osteoarthritis develops.
• The intestinal wall becomes thinner. More digestive problems may occur.

Such situations are possible situations that may apply to every person as they get older. No matter how healthy our lifestyle may be, old age will bring such effects. However, we can take preventive measures before encountering these situations, and then we can apply treatment by getting help from a specialist. Now, let's get to know the collagen application, which is one of those treatments.

What is Collagen Application?

With the application of collagen to the face, which is one of the anti-aging applications, a solution is provided to problems such as wrinkles, collapse, pale and lifeless skin caused by age and environmental effects. Facial collagen application is one of them. Dermal fillers for filling and smoothing skin depressions are the most preferred methods. Collagen filler application is used as one of these methods.

How to Apply Collagen to the Face?

Collagen application is often made to the face area. Collagen shot is applied in order to provide an effective solution to wrinkles and other skin problems in this area. Before the collagen shot procedure, the pain sensation in the application area is minimized with local anaesthetic cream. Hygiene is provided in the area with the antiseptic solution and the application is started immediately after. Collagen shot is injected into the subcutaneous area through fine-tipped needles. Visible results begin to appear within 1-2 weeks after the first session. Improvement continues to be observed throughout the treatment schedule. At least three sessions at intervals of two to three weeks are recommended for the treatment to be fully successful.

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Facial Collagen Application Prices

Facial collagen application prices may vary depending on the nature, frequency and other characteristics of the procedure. The same is true for the collagen shot price. The best collagen brand has the features that maximize the effectiveness of the collagen shot with its natural and healthy content. When you consult your clinic, you can get an idea about the prices of facial collagen application according to the collagen application to be made.

Are There Any Side Effects of Collagen Application?

Although collagen is not harmful, the collagen shot may have some low-intensity and rare side effects. In case of rare side effects such as redness, itching and dizziness, it is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Apart from these, minor redness and swelling lose their effect within three days at the latest.