The surgeon spoke about contraindications to taking collagen and its features
Collagen supplements will not help smooth wrinkles instantly, but if taken correctly and regularly, they can become part of the path to well-groomed skin, healthy joints and strong nails, Oksana Reshetnyak, a plastic surgeon at the Semeynaya Beauty Clinic, told Izvestia on January 24. The expert told about the features of the supplement and contraindications to taking it.
"Collagen is a real framework of our beauty. It makes skin elastic, hair shiny, and joints flexible. But after the age of 25, its level in the body begins to decline. We notice the first wrinkles, skin becomes drier, nails break. There are plenty of collagen supplements on sale that promise to restore youth," the expert said.
She specified that collagen is a protein - the basis of the body. There are three main types: type I - responsible for skin elasticity, strength of bones and tendons; II - takes care of cartilage and joints; III - makes skin elastic and supports blood vessels.
As we age, the body produces less and less collagen, but supplements are emerging to help make up for this deficiency.
"When you drink collagen, it doesn't travel around your body looking for wrinkles to smooth out. It's much more prosaic. In the stomach collagen is broken down into amino acids, and then the body decides where to send them: to the skin, to the joints, or in general for muscle recovery after training. Yet studies confirm that if you take hydrolyzed collagen regularly, your skin can become firmer, more hydrated and wrinkles less noticeable. Your joints will thank you, too, especially if you're active or already feeling discomfort," Reshetnyak explained.
However, she emphasized that results depend on the body of the person taking the supplements, their lifestyle, diet, and even their stress levels.
"Collagen is not a magic pill, but it is a good tool to support beauty and health," the plastic surgeon added.
According to her, collagen supplements can be useful for people after the age of 30, when its synthesis in the body slows down; those who are active in sports; to recover from injuries; and those who want to strengthen nails, hair and skin.
Do not drink collagen if you are allergic to animal or marine protein or if there are problems with the kidneys - excess protein can increase the load on them. It is contraindicated to take such supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of research, as well as in case of gout, because it can aggravate the condition.
"Your health always comes first, so when in doubt, it is better to consult a doctor," the expert emphasized.
At the same time, according to her, when choosing collagen, it is worth paying attention to additional components. Thus, vitamin C, zinc and hyaluronic acid enhance the effect of the supplement and help the body to better absorb it. At the same time, hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed better.
"Remember, collagen works best if you take care of yourself in a holistic way - eat right, drink enough water, avoid stress and don't forget about sleep. Youth is not only about protein, after all, but also about harmony inside and out," Reshetnyak added.
Earlier, on December 3, 2024, Karina Avramova, an endocrinologist-nutritionist, specialist in preventive and anti-aging medicine, told Izvestia about what supplements help to cope with fatigue and maintain a high level of energy in winter. According to her, B vitamins such as B1, B6 and B12 are involved in energy production. That said, it's recommended to take comprehensive supplements to support metabolism and prevent fatigue.
