Collagen is an important protein in your body that makes up a large portion of your bones, tendons and connective tissues. According to the National Institute of Health, about 30 percent of your body’s protein is made up of collagen. Collagen is also used in several medical and cosmetic treatments for addressing everything from wrinkles to urinary incontinence. Through these treatments, collagen can be used in several forms.
Injections
Collagen can also be used through injections, especially in the cosmetic industry. For example, collagen is often injected into lips to create a more fuller appearance. Collagen can also be injected into wrinkles to fill the open space below and plump the wrinkle even with the surrounding skin tissues. Collagen injections may also be used to remedy health problems, such as the use of collagen injections in the urethra to help treat urinary incontinence. Collagen injections come in both human and animal-based forms. Animal-based forms carry some risk for allergic reaction.
Topical Creams
Collagen in topical form is often promoted as both a moisturizer and a way to replace lost collagen in the skin. According to dermatologist Dr. G. Todorov, the claims about collagen as a moisturizer are true, due to collagen’s ability to hold moisture on the skin. However, claims that collagen creams can rebuild or replace collagen supplies have not been supported by research. Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed into the skin when applied topically, making them useless for replacing collagen.
Oral Supplements
Collagen is also used in oral dietary supplement form. Collagen supplements are promoted for helping relieve symptoms related to connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Although few studies have been performed, some studies, such as those performed by Dr. Wei Wei at Anhui Medical University, have shown some promising abilities of collagen supplements to decrease the pain and swelling related to rheumatoid arthritis. More studies must be done before concrete proof of the effectiveness of oral collagen supplements can be determined.
