From skin to joints: How collagen works its magic
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, it gives structural integrity to the skin and is surrounded by water to support, smooth and firm the skin. It is also the main building block protein that forms your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The primary reason we tend to get superficial wrinkles is because of collagen loss. Collagen loss happens from your mid-20’s onwards; we lose approximately 1% every year.
Collagen loss usually accelerates later in life, with women losing about 30% in the first five years of menopause and 2% every year afterwards.
Collagen loss can happen for a number of reasons:
- Genetics and Intrinsic Ageing- some people are predisposed to lose collagen quicker.
- Smoking- reduces collagen production and can lead to premature wrinkles.
- Lack of essential nutrients in the diet- eating too much sugar and refined carbs can interfere with your collagen’s ability to repair itself.
- Free radical damage- which can happen most commonly from UV damage.
- Autoimmune disorders- some autoimmune disorders, like lupus, can damage collagen.
- Menopause- the ovaries begin to stop producing the hormone oestrogen, which causes collagen loss.
Oral collagen > Topical collagen
There is a lot of collagen on the market in different forms, so you need to know which ones are effective, and which ones to avoid. It’s divided into 2 categories- topical or oral.
Topical collagen is used as a humectant (a water magnet). It cannot penetrate the epidermis into the dermis to stimulate collagen. Essentially, it’s a bit of marketing gimmick when marketers say there’s a collagen cream- people believe this will actually stimulate their collagen; it won’t. It is literally just a peptide in a cream that’s acting as a humectant. The skin will look plumper, but that’s only because topical collagen is holding water in the epidermis, not because it’s stimulating more collagen.
Then there is oral. Ingested comes in 3 different types: capsules, gels, and powders. Capsules tend to only be about 1g, which is too low as most clinical studies are done in the 8g region. 1g won’t do much and isn’t worth your time.
Then you’ve got gels and powders. Both have good bioavailability, both are digested in the gut by peptidase enzymes and turned into amino acids. Those amino acids are absorbed by the gut into the bloodstream. They then trigger the fibroblasts (the cells producing collagen), to produce more collagen. I prefer Marine Collagen over Bovine Collagen due to its higher bioavailability.
By Dr Vanita Rattan, July 2024
Back to Dr. V's Skin of Colour Blog
Popular ranges
Our customers speak for us
I'm obsessed with this sunscreen. I can only use mineral sunscreen because I'm allergic to chemical, so I've been using another mineral brand (suggested by Dr. V) for years, and although it did the job, it was pigmented. I don't mind the pigment under makeup, but for everyday use when I'm in the house i don't want to have to worry about getting "makeup" on my clothes, so i decided to try Dr. V's Inzacable and I'll never go back. The fact that it melts into my skin being a black woman without any white cast, immediately 5 stars, but it also feels moisturizing and gives me a beautiful healthy glow, I'm just obsessed. My new favorite product! I'll be suggesting it to all my friends.
Strand strengthening oil is the best product I've used. It's lightweight and non-greasy. I use it daily and notice my hair getting stronger every day. No more breakages and more frizz.
Love love this product and all Dr V products . On my 3 or 4 th bottle . Thank u for formulating such lovely products fir us . Love . Jaya💕
I used this as a makeup remover and it takes off ALL my makeup. I can’t say I’ve had this experience with other oil cleansers.
Amazing Amazing and Amazing..inzincable is the best sunscreen I have ever come across..I can visibly see vast improvement in my pigmentation and has helped to breakdown the pigmentation..so grateful to Dr v for making this amazing sunscreen 🙌🏻🙌🏻 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
My daughter has suffered from eczema which has left some dark marks on her arms. This cream has been so effective in clearing the marks after thirty days of using it. I would definitely recommend it as it is mild and there was no side effect from using it. Only drawback is I wish it comes in a larger tub.
I’ve been using the Hair Anagen Boost Tonic for several weeks now, and the results have been impressive! My hair feels noticeably thicker, healthier, and more resilient. The tonic has a lightweight formula, so it doesn’t leave my scalp greasy, which I really appreciate. It absorbs quickly and making it easy to use daily without any hassle.
After consistent use, I’ve noticed a reduction in hair fall and a visible improvement in hair growth, particularly in areas where my hair was thinning. My scalp feels more nourished, and the new growth appears stronger and healthier than before.
If you're dealing with thinning hair or just want to boost your hair growth, I highly recommend giving the Hair Anagen Boost Tonic a try. It’s become a key part of my hair care routine, and the results have been worth it!
This is the best gel moisturiser I’ve used and has cleared my black marks. I have also now been using the exfoliator on my spots and has dried them up.
I was gifted this suncream by my sister 2 years ago, all I can say is wow. I haven't looked back since. I love the?texture and the fact it doesn't leave a white mark.
This is a perfect moisturiser for me. It has a fantastic texture that leaves my skin feeling comforted and hydrated. I can’t use anything else now!
I love the way it hydrates and brightens my skin leaving it squeaky clean!🩷 I have been using it for almost 4months now and I am thrilled with happiness!
My skin has never looked better - I’m so thrilled I’ve stumbled into Dr V’s skincare products. I have seen noticeable results within weeks. Been recommending the products to all my family and friends.
Admittedly I was a tad skeptical about this line but I am pleasantly surprised! Finally a system for dark skin that addresses our needs holistically. Bye, bye Cerave! Thank you Dr. V. Please don’t change the formulas because your skincare ingredients are wonderful!!!
I’ve been using this product for about 3years. I’ve been hesitant to write a review because my skin issues are hormonal. However, I do believe that this facial wash has helped me to reduced the malasma on my cheeks.
My skin took to it straight away very good moisturiser leaves skin plump
