I was going to buy some, but I just didn't know if they were safe to take. If they are safe, do they really help your skin as far as producing collegen? I am 33 years old, and my skin is really starting to age!
2006-09-08 08:10:29 · 2 answers · asked by jill h 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Collagen is a protein that is commonly found in skin and increases bulk and strength. As you age, you lose collagen and get wrinkles.
The problem with taking collagen tablets is that it's essentially like any other food product you eat. As a protein (like steak) it's digested into amino acids and therefore doesn't get to your skin as collagen.
Very few medicines are made of protein for this reason. If you eat a protein, it gets digested. For example: diabetic patients who require insulin have to take shots. If they took it by mouth it would not be effective.
Collagen injections do work, but they are ultimately absorbed by your body.
Essentially the ultimate problem is that as you age, your body absorbs (dissolves) collagen in the skin faster than you make it, therefore you develop wrinkles and sagging skin.
As for their safety. There is nothing to suggest that they are unsafe. It's protein. A lot of collagen comes from cows. Some folks feel a little uneasy about eating products made from cow tissue -- because of Mad Cow Disease.
2006-09-09 16:00:52 · answer #1 · answered by Ignoramus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I haven't heard anything about dangerous side effects from injecting collagen. I have heard, however, that there are some new treatments available now that do not have to be repeated every few months, as you have to have with collagen injections. Look at a few Internet sites for cosmetic surgery to find out what this new treatment is.
2006-09-11 10:15:50 · answer #2 · answered by azera221 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋