Is Collagen Good For Skin?

Collagen is an essential protein in the body, and helps your organs, skin, tendons, cartilage and ligaments maintain their strength and elasticity. As we age, the collagen in our skin can become weakened, causing damage, such as wrinkles or thin skin to occur. Collagen is produced naturally by our bodies but is also used in some moisturizing creams and cosmetic surgeries.

Function

Collagen is found in the second layer of your skin, called the dermis. The function of collagen in the dermis is to support the top layer of your skin, called the epidermis. The collagen acts as a strengthening device in the skin, protecting it from damage. The third layer of skin, also known as the subcutis, is formed by collagen and fat. The two inner layers of skin, in which collagen plays an important role, help to regulate body temperature, give the skin its strength and regulate blood flow to the skin, according to a training module on the National Cancer Institute website.

Disorders

Collagen malfunction in the body can lead to a variety of disorders that affect the skin. According to Medline Plus, there are more than 200 disorders that affect the connective tissue of the body. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, an inherited condition that causes a disruption of collagen in the body, often causes stretchy or saggy, weak skin that is prone to damage, Medline Plus says. Other connective tissue disorders may cause loose skin or skin that folds, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Cosmetic Use

Collagen is frequently used as a filler for wrinkles and skin creases. Collagen fillers plump out the skin, lessening the severity of lines and wrinkles. While some people find that it makes their skin look more youthful indefinitely, others will find that the effects will only a last for a few weeks, according to "The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders" by Carol Turkington and Jeffrey S. Dover. Other cosmetic treatments, such as moisturizers or dermabrasion, attempt to stimulate collagen production to heal the skin or prevent the breakdown of collagen by U.V. rays. Some moisturizers even contain collagen to temporarily improve the appearance of the skin.

Benefits

Stimulating the collagen production of your skin can lead to a more youthful appearance by reducing the signs of aging. Collagen-stimulating products may be more effective when used with vitamin C. According to the University of Maryland's Medical Center, using a topical vitamin C with madecassoside, a collagen-stimulating substance, greatly reduced wrinkles and improved the firmness of the skin.

Side Effects

Collagen filler is not suitable for anyone with beef allergies. The collagen in fillers is bovine in origin. Turkington and Dover, in the book "The Encyclopedia of Skin and Skin Disorders," say about 3 percent of people have a bovine allergy that causes a rash and swelling. Make sure your doctor performs two skin allergy tests to determine whether you will have a reaction. Exercise caution with this or any other collagen treatment, as there are risks involved with any cosmetic procedure.