Collagen – The Main Ingredient You Need for Great Skin

Collagen is one of the main reasons why your skin is supple and firm. Yet, over time this protein is produced less and less. As a result, you begin to notice wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity. Some common areas where people experience sagginess and loss of firmness is under the neck and on the backs of the hands. This skin is extremely delicate and therefore needs as much attention as possible from the inside out. Discover a few important things you need to know about one of the body’s most amazing beauty building blocks.

Benefits
Collagen works in so many different capacities in the body. It provides great hydration for the skin, making it look smoother, feel softer and more vibrant. In addition, this protein helps the skin look taut and also improves elasticity. Such benefits not only mean a lot when it comes to looking your best, but it also can help you physically feel better. People that experience arthritis and joint pain can benefit from this protein since it can help soothe and heal ligaments and tendons, while enhancing connective tissue.

Ways to get it
Many beauty companies will have you believe you can simply apply any kind of lotion or cream to get more collagen. While your skin may be really moisturized, you may not see any other significant results. To get the benefits of this protein, you need nutrients such as keratin and avocado oil. These substances are said to contain vitamins and minerals that really help with the production of this vital protein. Furthermore, consuming a large variety of foods such as whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and more will help give you the nutrients needed to have overall glowing skin.

Other methods
If you don’t want to try creams or vitamins, there are other ways to get the benefits of collagen. Some people turn to injections in the hopes of improving their skin and getting rid of wrinkles. While this can help plump up the area, the results are not long lasting, requiring you to continually get injections in order to keep up your appearance.

In addition, there are surgical treatments you can try, but you will need to keep in mind that you put your body at a bit more risk to side effects as well as the need to plan for sufficient recovery time. On the flip side, results can last quite a while without needing to endure another procedure. Lasers can also help improve the look and feel of your skin. Many people have great results, but again, you still run the risk of side effects, such as burning, scarring, infections and more.

Furthermore, there is a non-invasive treatment that encourages collagen production. For many patients, it only takes one session. It’s a treatment called thermage and it uses heat to help rev up your body’s natural protein. After the process is complete, skin looks tighter, firmer and smoother. Unfortunately, this process can be expensive, ranging from $1000 to over $5000 per session.