Why Use Collagen Powder?

When you walk down the skin care section of the supermarket, drugstore or any beauty shop, you may have noticed that there seems to be a great variety of products that claim to contain collagen. Why is collagen important and how can it help you stay beautiful.

Collagen is type of protein that our body naturally produces. It is all over your body, mostly in the organs and tissues. In addition, of course, since the skin is the largest organ, a great amount of collagen is located there under the top layers of the skin, which are the dermis and the epidermis.

Collagen is a structural protein because it does exactly that, it creates structure for our body parts to form or take hold on. For example in our skin, the collagen actually gives the shape to our skin. It is the reason why our skin is soft, supply, smooth and free from any visible lines or wrinkles.

However, as time goes by, your body collagen production in your body diminishes, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. This is a natural effect of aging although most people certainly do not want to have such skin conditions. For this, they need more collagen to help maintain the youthful look of their skin.

Moreover, since the collagen molecules are very thick to penetrate the skin, it is almost useless to put collagen into lotions or creams and apply them through topical use. The best way to increase collagen already present in the body is for the production of more collagen and that is where collagen supplements, as a collagen powder, comes into good use.

Does collagen powder really help build collagen?

When taken properly, this powder will assist in the production of more collagen and thus making the skin softer and more youthful. Other effects would be stronger skin and tissues; improved blood circulation; clearing your complexion; improving the strength of the hair and thus prevent further hair loss; improving skin elasticity; helping to build lean muscles; and also contributing to faster wound healing.

One active ingredient of most of these powders is Vitamin C. This vitamin has contributed to a healthier looking skin, because its properties help boost the immune system. It also helps in stimulating increased collagen production. It is another good reason why using collagen powder is a good thing. However, one active ingredient alone is not the answer to all your skin care problems. You need several key components in the product of your choice, to achieve satisfactory results.

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Multivitamins For Women - All About Vitamins C, D, E and K

Vitamins are substances that are extremely essential for the maintenance of our health and wellness. Our bodies are not able to supply natural vitamins.

Hence, this is the reason that we need to obtain them from the food we eat. Although there is only a small amount of vitamins that are existing in food we consume, we need them for growth and development. Without any vitamins, our body will not be able to fend for itself or even survive. We are in need of vitamins to live a strong, long and healthy life. Therefore, we have to obtain the essential vitamins from the fruits and vegetables that provide them naturally.
Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen. It also gives structure to bones, muscles, blood vessels, and cartilage. Vitamin C contributes in the maintenance of bones, teeth as well as the capillaries. This vitamin also aids in the healing of bone fractures, wounds and bruises, blood hemorrhages as well as bleeding gums. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits or citrus juices such as papaya, oranges, guava, or even honeydew. Broccoli, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, sweet peppers also contains an essential amount of vitamin C. Vitamin C is also existent in leafy green vegetables like the spinach.

Without an essential amount of vitamin C, there is a high possibility that there will be an increased tendency of getting bruises, bleeding gums. The bruises or bleeding will heal slower than usual. Without this vitamin, scurvy may develop as well. Scurvy's symptoms are anemia, tooth loss as well as bleeding under the skin.

Vitamin D promotes the development and maintenance of both the bones and teeth. Vitamin D also aids in the maintenance of healthy nerves and muscles. The sunlight provides abundant amount of vitamin D. Fortified milk, eggs and butter consist of vitamin D too.
A deficiency in vitamin D may cause changes in the bones of both children and adults.

Vitamin E actually protects the fats in our body from being destructed by the destructive oxygen fragments. It is also able to stabilize cell membranes as well as protects all tissues throughout the body. Vegetable oils consist an abundant amount of it.
A lack of it may contribute to the development of anemia in infants. Having a deficiency of this vitamin will also cause nerve damages in adults.
Vitamin K is able to aid the regulation of blood to avoid blood clotting. An abundant amount of it can be found in sunlight. Fortified milk, margarine, eggs as well as butter consist of this vitamin too.
A lack of it leads to abnormal blood clotting.

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Antioxidant Vitamins - Foods That Fight Wrinkles?

A simple diet adjustment of whole foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins can make an enormous difference in the skin's outward reflection. Realizing which stressor(s) are negatively impacting your skin and taking action against them will help you defy the odds of premature aging of the skin and wrinkles. Several factors play a role in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles:
Sun damaged skin

Free Radicals
Genetics
Hormones
Dehydration
Cigarette smoke
Chemical exposure
Environmental toxins
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known to support collagen production. Sun exposure dehydrates, dries your skin causing free radicals, and depletes collagen; leaving it loose, weak and wrinkled. Collagen is a protein, which provides the primary part of the infrastructure and makes up approximately 75% of the skin. Healthy levels of collagen give the appearance of a smooth, plump appearance. Ultraviolet radiation, or excessive sun exposure is the primary cause of skin damage and can lead to skin cancer.

Wrinkles result from free radical damage and antioxidant vitamins neutralize free radicals. A free radical is an unstable oxygen molecule that is missing an electron. It scavenges and robs from others in an effort to become stable. In turn, after successfully "robbing", the free radicals cause other molecules to become unstable and the new free radicals begin the search for electrons and stability. This vicious cycle can alter genetic material and damage cell function. A free radicals worst enemy is an antioxidant.
Based on my research on the topic of genetics and foods rich in antioxidant vitamins, the following is what I have learned. Research proves that some individuals lack DNA repair enzymes that are responsible for protecting the skin from free radicals (such as those produced by overexposure to the sun). People who lack the genes for these repair enzymes run a higher risk of developing skin cancer. You cannot change your DNA, but you protect your entire body and can stop additional free radical damage by consuming antioxidant and vitamin rich foods. Provide your skin with the best self-defense it needs to fight aging, wrinkles, and potentially skin cancer.
Other aging culprits at work on our skin in need of antioxidant protection include those from toxic sources. Cigarette smoke and exposure to chemicals either indoors or environmentally are among the highest on the list. Toxic chemicals can damage skin cells reducing their ability to function properly. The result of poorly functioning skin cells is increased inflammation, infection, and a loss in structure. Visually, your face will look puffy or display increased blemishes and/or wrinkles.
As we age, the need for powerful antioxidants and vitamins increases due to fluctuations in hormone levels, which can alter skin metabolism of collagen and elastin. Elastin is what gives your skin its ability to stretch and then return to its natural state. Changes in collagen and elastin formation leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Menopause is of particular concern due to the hormone changes in estrogen production.

Foods that are vitamin-rich with a high antioxidant value are extremely beneficial and can come from a variety of different sources. To name a few, the following are among the top antioxidant wrinkle fighting fruits: acai, acerola, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, wolfberries (goji berries), kiwi, and tomatoes.
The best vegetables with vitamins and antioxidants for you skin are: bell peppers, brussels sprouts, carrots, garlic, kale, onions, and spinach.
Lastly, the top antioxidants to prevent aging and wrinkles in terms of nuts, seeds, and beverages are: almonds, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, chocolate (dark) green tea, oats, and tuna.

If you cannot or do not wish to alter your diet, but want to supercharge your immune system, prevent premature aging of the skin, and/or free radical damage; choose antioxidant vitamins or supplements that are whole food based packed with plenty of fruits and vegetables for maximum protection.

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by Holly Kostoss