Naturally Produced Collagen and Healthy Living Can Help Maintain Youthful Looks
Jakarta. Collagen, a naturally-occurring protein frequently used in cosmetic surgical treatments, has become something of a health "fad" in the country, with advertisements promoting collagen injections, creams and facial tissues promising youthful looks ubiquitous across the archipelago.
However, doctors say the protein works best when produced naturally through a healthy, and happy, lifestyle.
"Every one of us has collagen within our bodies," dermatologist Dr. Indrawati Widjaja said on May 23 in Jakarta.
According to the dermatologist, collagen is a fibrous structural protein found within our skin, muscles, ligature, cartilage and other connective tissues.
"Collagen is the glue that binds our body together and allows physical movement," Indrawati said.
Production of collagen in humans slows by 1.5 percent each year after the age of 25, causing many vital organs to lose their tensile strength, the doctor said.
"Our skin will lose its elasticity and begin to sag and wrinkle," said Indrawati, who works at Erha Dermatology Clinics across the capital and at the Mitra Keluarga Hospital in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta.
Other factors besides aging also precipitate collagen loss in our bodies.
"Long-term UV [Ultra Violet] exposure breaks down collagen deposits in your dermis [or inner layer of skin] and causes rapid photoaging [aging due to sun exposure]," the dermatologist said.
Excessive sugar consumption, as well as stress, smoke and pollution also damage collagen production and causes organs and tissue to degenerate.
Protecting Collagen
To protect collagen deposits in our bodies, the doctor recommends avoiding destructive behavior that will cause rapid aging.
"Don't smoke, always wear sun protection when you go out and avoid pollution," Indrawati said.
A well-balanced diet can also help boost collagen production.
"There are plenty of collagen-rich food sources around us," she said, listing chicken broth, steamed chicken feet, red meat, salmon and tuna among the best sources to spur collagen growth.
"Animal sources of collagen are the easiest to absorb," the dermatologist said.
But an intake of collagen-rich foods alone is not enough.
"The body has rather complicated mechanisms," she said. "[Collagen-rich] foods only work when supported with foods that are high in vitamins and minerals."
Dark and leafy vegetables, carrots, lemons and oranges, according to the dermatologist, can help improve collagen production.
In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise can also spur the protein's production.
"Regular exercise improves blood flow and distribution of nutrients, thus it will also stimulate collagen production," Indrawati said.
Collagen-Enriched Products
What about collagen-enriched creams and wet facial tissues?
"Those products might indeed contain collagen, but the protein's structure [in the products] cannot be absorbed by the skin," she said. "They might keep your skin hydrated, but they will not replenish the collagen in your dermis."
And what about collagen-injections advertised by many salons and beauty clinics?
"Be very careful," Indrawati. "Some people are allergic to collagen injections. And many of those salons and clinics are not licensed."
To maintain a youthful appearance as we grew older, Indrawati imparted some simple advice.
"I'd say the number one thing to do is to live happily, because when you're happy, you also tend to look a lot younger."
Tags: Keywords: