Collagen, elastin, keratin - your skin
Have you ever wondered what's under your skin? What would happen if your skin couldn't hold together? Our skin is actually made of three layers; epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. They form a sandwich with three layers; The epidermis and hypodermis are the bread, and the dermis is the middle.
The skin is the largest organ on our body, consisting of several different parts, including water, protein, lipids (fats) and various minerals and other substances. Throughout life, the skin changes. In fact, the skin regenerates approximately every 27 days. It is super important to take proper care of the skin to maintain the health and vitality of this important organ.
Is a nutritional supplement with keratin good for the skin?
Keratinocytes are living cells found in your skin, which provide a protective layer to give the skin flexibility and strength, to prevent water loss from the skin and to prevent foreign substances from entering the body. The protein strand that makes this layer is strong and shaped like a triple helix and is called keratin. Keratin is the primary ingredient found in hair, nails, skin and in tooth enamel.
Keratin is also found in your internal organs and glands. Keratin is a protective protein that is less sensitive than other types of cells your body produces.
Is a dietary supplement with keratin good for hair and nails?
Keratin can come from feathers, horns and wool from various animals and is used as an ingredient in, among other things, hair products. Since keratin is the structural building block of your hair, keratin supplements, products and treatments can help strengthen your hair and make it healthier and more beautiful looking. Keratinization is the process by which cells under the skin are transformed into hair and nails.
The technical definition for keratin is that it is an insoluble protein found in the epidermal tissues of humans and animals.
Why are keratin, collagen and elastin good for the skin?
Collagen, keratin and elastin are among the most important proteins in the skin.
Collagen is an important fibrous protein found throughout the body. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and makes up 75-80% of the skin. Collagen, together with elastin, is responsible for keeping wrinkles and fine lines away, as well as giving structure to the skin and organs of the body. Collagen binds together and supports tissues, including skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and other organs. Over time, both the environment and aging reduce your body's ability to produce collagen, and also elastin.
Elastin enables your skin to resume its shape after stretching or contraction. Lower levels of this protein cause your skin to become more wrinkled and saggy. The same goes for collagen , lower levels give the skin less elasticity and on average we lose about 1-2% of our collagen every year after the age of 25! The more collagen we lose, the more fine lines and wrinkles appear, which is why it's important that we work to maintain collagen and elastin levels as we age. We can do this by caring for the body both inside and out, through a healthy lifestyle.
Keratin is the main protein in the surface layer of the skin and is found in both hair and nails. Keratin gives the skin firmness and is also part of the skin's protective barrier.
How to protect the levels of collagen, keratin and elastin in the body?
EAT ANTIOXIDANTS
To build up the body's levels of collagen , elastin and keratin, it is important to eat foods that contain antioxidants, which help maintain the skin's collagen, elastin and keratin levels – while fighting oxidative stress.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN'S HARMFUL RAYS
Sun protection factor is not only for avoiding skin cancer. UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays weaken the skin's "support system" of collagen, elastin and keratin - which accelerates skin aging. Protect your skin and keep your skin in the best condition by using sun protection factor with UVA and UVB protection, every day to avoid damaging your skin!
EAT NUTRITIONAL FOODS FOR YOUR COLLAGEN
When you eat foods with poor quality, and nutritionally empty calories, it is guaranteed to show on your skin. Try to eat foods rich in collagen-boosting ingredients, foods that contain amino acids (eggs, beans, and seeds), foods with antioxidants that inhibit damage to your collagen (pomegranate and goji berries are good), and good fats (like walnuts and avocados).
EAT COLLAGEN AND VITAMIN C EVERY DAY
Think of your daily supplements as insurance that ensures you're getting the nutrients you need to look good and stay healthy. Make sure to take a dietary supplement that contains collagen along with vitamin C every day, to ensure your body's collagen stores.
It is important to take care of yourself, inside and out, to ensure that your body functions optimally!
SLEEP – BUILD UP YOUR CONNECTIVE TISSUE WHEN YOU SLEEP
Sleep enables the body to process all free radicals, build new cells and repair connective tissue. Since sleep is an ideal time for cellular renewal and overall repair of the skin and other organs, sleep is very important for beautiful and healthy skin.
STOP STRESSING
Stress in everyday life has unfortunately become a normal part of our society. Stress takes a toll on your skin and body. Take a deep breath and remember that the most important person in the world is YOU!
How is the skin structured?
Have you ever wondered what's under your skin? What would happen if your skin couldn't hold together? Our skin is actually made of three layers; epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. They form a sandwich with three layers; The epidermis and hypodermis are the bread, and the dermis is the middle.
The skin is the largest organ on our body, consisting of several different parts, including water, protein, lipids (fats) and various minerals and other substances. Throughout life, the skin changes. In fact, the skin regenerates approximately every 27 days. It is super important to take proper care of the skin to maintain the health and vitality of this important organ.
Epidermis: The outer layer of the skin that we see and touch
The epidermis is the thinnest layer, but it is responsible for protecting you from the external environment. The epidermis protects us against toxins, bacteria and fluid loss. The epidermis further consists of 5 layers. The epidermis is made of epithelial cells and specialized cells, better known as keratinocytes . These cells, which are formed in the innermost layer of the epidermis, migrate up to the surface of the skin. During the migration, the cells mature and undergo a series of changes. It is this process, called keratinization (or keratinization), that makes the different layers distinct. These cells protect our body and prevent pathogens from penetrating the skin. Keratinocytes, produce the protein keratin, the main component of the epidermis.
Among other things, the epidermis also hosts two other important types of cells:
- Melanocytes, which produce your skin pigment, called melanin .
- Langerhans cells, which prevent substances from entering the skin.
Dermis (skin): The thick, elastic and firm middle layer of the skin which consists of two layers
The dermis is the layer that gives your skin plumpness. Age and sun can damage the dermis and lead to wrinkles. The dermis consists of a complex combination of blood vessels, hair follicles and other glands. Here you will find collagen and elastin, proteins that give strength and flexibility and are the essential components of healthy and youthful skin.Collagen and elastin are surrounded by a gel-like substance, which contains hyaluronic acid, and which has a strong water-binding capacity and helps to maintain skin volume. Fibroblasts are cells you find in this layer, which are the cells that synthesize collagen and elastin. This layer also contains pain and touch receptors.
Hypodermis (under the skin): The fatty layer
The hypodermis hosts sweat glands and fat and collagen cells, and is responsible for preserving body heat (thermal insulating properties) and protecting your vital internal organs (as shock absorption). Reduction of tissue in this layer contributes to the skin becoming "saggy".
The hypodermis mainly consists of fat cells (adipocytes) clumped together in pillow-like groups. Special collagen fibers that contribute to loose and porous connective tissue that binds the fat cells together. As well as blood vessels.