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The
world collagen is derived from kola, the Greek word for glue.
About one third of all of the protein in your body is collagen. Collagen
is a major structural protein, forming molecular cables that strengthen
the tendons and vast, resilient sheets that support the skin and internal
organs. Bones and teeth are made by adding mineral crystals to collagen.
Collagen provides structure to our bodies, protecting and supporting the
softer tissues and connecting them with the skeleton. But, in spite of
its critical function in the body, collagen is a relatively simple protein.
Collagen
is found throughout the body - in skin, muscles, tendons, and bones. Fibers
of collagen are woven together like threads in fabric to form a framework
into which new cells can grow. In the skin, collagen provides texture,
resiliency, and shape. The collagen in human skin is very similar to the
collagen found in certain animals thus the reason we use animal collagen.
Collagen
History
Collagen's
function in the body is an important one. Many forms of animal collagen
have been used as biomedical materials for decades.
- Sutures, closures
of surgical incisions
- Hemostat, anti-bleeding
agent during surgery
- Dermal Implant,
correction of scars, wrinkles, contour deformities
- Synthetic Blood
Vessels, vascular prosthesis
- Wound Dressing,
corneal shield
- Catheter Cuff
- Urinary Sphincter
Implant, treatment of urinary incontinence
Why
have Collagen in Skin Care Products?
From
the Age of 25 your body depletes collagen at 1.5 % every year (e.g. age
35 loss = 15%, age 45 loss = 30% etc.). When a person smiles, frowns,
or squints, stress is placed on the collagen in the skin, wearing it down
and resulting in the formation of facial lines and wrinkles. The
collagen layer thins with aging as well as other factors such as exposure
to environmental elements and heredity.
Collagen
is a primary support structure of our skin. Collagen is the principal
constituent of the fiber-network layer of our skin. More than a third
of the body's protein is collagen, and it can account for an even higher
percentage in particular parts of the body. Collagen makes up 70% of our
skin tissue.
Skin is the body's largest organ. It comprises three
layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. The epidermis
is the outermost layer of skin, composed of cells called epithelial cells.
The dermis, the layer underneath the epidermis, contains blood vessels,
lymphatic tissue, nerves, sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands
- glands that produce and secrete oil to protect against bacteria. The
third layer, the subcutaneous layer, is a supporting layer of fatty tissue.

The
skin may appear reddened and even inflamed if the dryness is sufficiently
acute. It has been shown that the stratum corneum remains soft and pliable
only as long as the moisture content exceeds 10%. Below this, the skin
becomes hard and brittle and develops an opacity. It is this outermost
layer of the skin that is typically moisturized by application of external
lotions and creams. If this outer layer can be made to look plump, transparent
and healthy, the overall skin texture will assume a more youthful appearance.
In the lower layers of the skin, degenerative changes occur as we age
whereby not only moisture is lacking, but also certain complex polypeptides
breakdown such as elastin and collagen.
Collagen, the naturally
occurring fibrous protein, is a primary support structure of the skin.
It gives the skin strength and suppleness as well as an inherent ability
to retain moisture, and makes up about 70% of dermal volume. With aging,
and as a result of exposure to the sun, our collagen fiber components
begin to weaken, become less pliant and more hardened. The result is the
development of dry, wrinkled skin that has lost its inherent elasticity.
What
is the best Collagen?
Collagen
can only be absorbed as a low molecule weight from 100% pure collagen.
Due to the lower molecular weight, there are greater soluble capacity
and enhanced bioavailability in the body. Cellbone uses Fish Collagen.
See the Manufacturing Process
for the the Fish Collagen.
How do
Vitamin A, C, and E help with Collagen?
Vitamin
A, C, and E are a great promoter of youthfulness. Because these antioxidants
aren't produced in the body, we must get it from milk, egg-yolk, carrots
(vitamin A), citrus fruits, deeply pigmented vegetables (Vitamin C), corn,
nuts (Vitamin E) and supplements to maintain healthy levels. They have
shown promise in slowing the speed at which free radicals damage the skin.
Vitamin C can benefit your skin by stimulating the growth of new collagen
tissue (the protein fibers that make up connective tissues), which ultimately
makes the skin appear smoother and firmer because it's better supported
by strong collagen underneath.
Vitamin
C has been scientifically proven helping refine lines, improve wrinkles,
condition and prevent premature aging. Vitamin
C is essential for the building of collagen, the most abundant protein
built in our bodies and the major component of connective tissue. This
connective tissue has structural and supportive functions which are indispensable
to heart tissues, to blood vessels, --in fact, to all tissues. Collagen
is not only the most abundant protein our bodies, it also occurs in larger
amounts than all other proteins put together. It cannot be built without
vitamin C.
No heart or blood vessel or other organ could possibly
perform its functions without collagen. No
heart or blood vessel can be maintained in healthy condition without vitamin
C. |
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