Collagen Vitamins & Skin

Collagen is a protein that creates connective bands of fiber and a major building block for critical tissue, including the skin. Collagen vitamins promise to improve the quality of skin, nails and hair. The basic ingredients vary by manufacturer. Any time you consider adding a dietary supplement to your diet, talk to your doctor to ensure it is an appropriate choice for you.

Collagen

Collagen is a central protein found in mammals. The versatility makes it ideal for creating for framework for tendons, cartilage, bones, teeth and skin. Vitamins play a key role in the creation of collagen. Many supplemental products that promise to improve collagen focus on slowing the aging process in your skin.

Skin Structure

As you grow older, the layer of fat beneath the skin diminishes and skin sags. Environmental factors work to break down the structural components of skin including collagen. The primary culprit is sunlight. The UV rays from the sun speed up wrinkle development as it breaks apart collagen and other fibrous elements. This affects the underlying support system that keeps skin firm. Collagen vitamin products advertise to help reduce this damage.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen is a common ingredient in supplements for skin. This is a form of collagen taken from animal sources. Hydrolysis breaks down the molecules in the collagen to expose the peptides, chains of amino acids. Hydrolyzed collagen is the key ingredient in gelatin. Brigham and Women's Hospital reports that once ingested, gelatin breaks down and the amino acids help rebuild connective tissue. There is no clinical data to prove taking a supplement with collagen will develop the skin. Gelatin products do help enhance the quality of nails and hair and may promote growth.

Vitamins

Vitamin therapy is often a factor in wound healing, because it aids in building collagen. The two primary vitamins to look for in a collagen product are vitamin C and A. Supplemental C and A will aid in the production of collagen and should improve the quality skin. The best source of vitamins is still food. You can increase vitamin C by adding more citrus fruits to your meals. Dairy products will enhance your vitamin A intake. Dietary supplements can interfere with the absorption of medication. Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins to prevent complications.