Collagen is a protein that provides structural support for the skin, teeth, bones, cartilage and organs. Your skin's elasticity and suppleness is related to collagen fibers metabolized in the dermis connective tissue. As you age, the body's ability to metabolize collagen weakens, and skin succumbs to wrinkles and loss of firmness. You can strengthen collagen production with foods you consume, supplements you take and creams and lotions you apply topically. Fortifying your diet and skincare regimen with nutrients may enhance your body's ability to metabolize collagen.
Vitamin C
Collagen cannot properly metabolize without an adequate amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C delivers hydrogen and oxygen to amino acids, the building blocks of collagen cells. A vitamin C deficiency leads to the formation of extremely weak collagen molecules that deteriorate rapidly. Scientific evidence shows vitamin C's essential role in collagen synthesis. Researchers at the Université Lyon, France, discovered that when combined with madecassoside, a compound known to promote collagen production, vitamin C reduces wrinkles and strengthens skin tone and elasticity.
Vitamin A
The Cleveland Clinic reports that when applied topically, vitamin A reaches the dermis, the layer of skin that is made up of collagen fibers. Vitamin A derivatives such as Retin-A, improve skin tone and elasticity. Researchers at the University of Michigan published a study in the May 2008 edition of the "Archives of Dermatology" that found that retinol lotion applied to the skin of elderly participants increased collagen production by 80 percent, dramatically diminishing wrinkles and roughness in the patients' skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects against two key contributors to collagen breakdown--free radicals and sun damage. It has been used as a skin tonic for centuries, as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increases the smoothness and suppleness of skin. More studies need to be carried out to determine vitamin E's role in collagen synthesis.
Iron
Iron is a mineral that plays a key role in metabolizing collagen. The Journal of Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition issued research findings in the November 2009 issue, which reported that a 3- to 5-day treatment of iron increased the production of collagen I and III proteins in a human dermal fibroblast cell by up to 323 percent.
Copper
Copper is another mineral that impacts metabolizing of collagen. Skin cells replete with copper produce a greater number of collagen fibers. High levels of copper can be toxic, so copper supplements should be avoided. Clinical studies have shown that copper peptides applied topically to the skin encourage collagen production. Cleveland Clinic also reports that copper peptides have been found to eliminate damaged collagen from the skin and scar tissue.
Silicon
Silicon, an important nutrient for healthy skin, hair, nails and bones, is important in collagen formation. Silicon determines the structural integrity of the connective tissue where collagen and elastic fibers reside. A study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research in October 2005 demonstrated that taking a 10mg silicon supplement daily for 20 weeks increased elasticity and decreased roughness in participants' skin. Researchers theorize that the positive effects are most likely due to silicon's ability to enhance collagen production and strengthen the elasticity of the skin.
References
- Ingenta Connect: Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin
- Cleveland Clinic: Understanding Ingredients in Skin Care Products
- Archives of Dermatology: This Article
- Korea Science: Effect of Ascorbic Acid, Silicon, Fe, Proline and Lysine on Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis in the Human Dermal Fibroblast Cell (HS27)
- Springerlink:Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on skin, nails and hair in women with photodamaged skin
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