Does collagen tighten loose skin when given as an injection into the subcutaneous fatty tissue layer?  It is typically very effective when injected, but not when topically applied directly in a firming skin cream .  Here’s a look at what it is, the benefits of use and the risks .

Collagens are fundamental proteins, a kind of protein that is used by the body to build new structures .  First, molecules called pro-collagens are emitted by specialty cells.  They self-assemble into tropo-collagens , which merge to create an incredible twisted fiber.

The fibers are strong and tough, IF there are large enough quantities of vitamin C in the body .  In the absence of vitamin C as a cofactor for assembly , the fibers are weak.  Scurvy, a Vitamin C deficiency, results in spotty skin , spongy gums and bleeding mucus membranes, because fibers made without vitamin C are weak and defective.

The elastic-like fibers are responsible for the skin’s strength and firmness.  They are constantly substituted throughout a person’s life, but the replacement processes slow down as we age .  This is why our skin loses elasticity and firmness as we get older leading to wrinkles .

The popular injections do not actually replace the lost fibers or stimulate the growth of new ones.  So, how does collagen firm sagging skin?

All the layers of the skin thin as we age .  Loss of subcutaneous fat is a major cause of decreased skin firmness .  Collagen and other injectable solutions pump up the layer of fatty tissue , which decreases the wrinkle depth and increases firmness .

It is a temporary resolution , lasting just long enough for the solutions to crack-up and be disposed of through the lymphatic system.  The dangers of the injections include allergic breakouts , contusions , swelling, abnormal appearance and the formation of hard clumps or bumps beneath the skin’s surface.  In rare cases, it is necessary to inject another solution to break up the clumps.  This is why holistic skin care products are a better long term solution.

Here’s another uncertainty.  Does collagen firm sagging skin when it is applied directly?  The simple answer is “no”.  It cannot.  There is no reason to include the protein in a cream or lotion.  It cannot be absorbed through the skin’s layers and provides no benefits at all.

Companies take advantage of the consumer’s lack of knowledge when they focus on the component in their advertisements.  They are not interested in making known their customers.  They are only interested in selling products.

Because of the supplements on the market, here’s one more question.  Does collagen firm sagging skin when it is taken orally ?  It might if you don't get enough protein in your diet.  But, fitness experts counsel complete proteins like whey.  Collagens contain only 3 amino acids.  There are dozens of essential amino acids found in whey.

To date, the only protein that has proven to be helpful when topically applied is the active form of the protein keratin known as Functional Keratin .  Very few companies include it in their products .  But, clinical tests have proven that it can increase the elasticity of the skin by over forty percent after only 18 days.

So while you may be disappointed about the answer to this question.  Does collagen firm sagging skin on the face?  At least you know there are effective options.

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