Collagen's secrets for healthy skin

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's responsible for the elasticity, strength and regeneration of all tissues, and plays a vital role particularly as the body ages, since its production declines over time. In fact, from the age of 21, skin collagen production declines by around 1% per year. This invariably leads to a thinning of the skin and a progressive loss of elasticity..^{3, 4, 5, 6}

Whether we're talking about tendons, cartilage, bones, skin or mucous membranes, they're all made up of collagen. The essential role of these molecules in supplementation is to provide a source of amino acids such as L-glycine, L-proline, L-lysine, which are used as building materials to synthesize collagen. Collagen peptides will induce cell attraction mechanisms and participate in the repair and regeneration of all joint tissues, including skin, nails and hair..^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

The unsuspected benefits of collagen

Among other things, collagen can aid recovery from injury and improve physical performance. It can also improve bone density and reduce bone degradation. It is also beneficial in helping to heal the intestinal mucosa.

It also plays a role in cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, which is a higher risk factor in the elderly.

Finally, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects..^{4, 5, 6}

The skin, an immune barrier

It's our largest organ and, as the first immune barrier, it protects us from the outside world. The integumentary system, the anatomical term given to the skin, is an important reflection of our overall state of health. When the skin is unhealthy, repercussions are immediately observable. The integumentary system includes hair and nails, also known as "phanera". They are produced by different lipid layers (keratins, fibroblasts, melanocytes)..^{3, 4, 5}

The dermis beneath the epidermis

Just beneath the epidermis lies the dermis, a supportive tissue (connective tissue) of varying thickness depending on the region of the body, which can reach 1 to 3 mm and makes up most of our skin. Richly vascularized, the dermis ensures epidermal nutrition by diffusion. Its protein fibers, produced by specific cells called fibroblasts, act as a foundation for the epidermis.

The loss of support and elasticity of dermal fibers is at the root of wrinkles and the signs of aging. The dermis also plays a vital role in thermoregulation, healing and the elimination of certain toxic substances through perspiration.

As the dermis is a true skin, meaning that it does not renew itself as the epidermis does, it remains the same throughout our lives..^{3, 4, 5}

Collagen loss intrinsic to our lifestyles

Factors intrinsic to our lifestyles lead to more rapid collagen loss. When collagen production declines, symptoms appear.

Examples include dry skin with the appearance of wrinkles, painful joints that prevent us from moving around easily, reduced bone density, osteoarthritis and loose teeth, all of which are signs of collagen loss..^{4, 5, 6}

Factors influencing collagen loss:

• Diet: diets low in green vegetables and high in caffeine, black tea, soft drinks, etc.
• Excess weight
• Lack of hydration
• Stress, with constantly elevated cortisol levels
• Excessive sun exposure and UV damage
• exposure to chemicals, alcohol, drugs and medication
• A condition that maintains an acidic pH, such as stress, a diet devoid of green vegetables, lack of fresh air, etc.
• Lack of physical exercise
• hormonal changes such as menopause^{4, 5, 6}

Collagen plays a key role for the skin

Collagen plays an essential role in the appearance and health of the skin. It prevents the skin from sagging, enables it to absorb water more easily and helps it to regenerate. It's what gives skin its firmness, suppleness and radiance. In fact, skin contains 75% collagen. What's more, the absence of wrinkles depends on adequate collagen production..^{4, 5, 6}

The secrets of collagen for healthy skin: EtikHA by Revelox

Collagen is an essential anti-aging molecule that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, and is crucial to maintaining healthy joints, skin and bones..^{1, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Revelox has developed a highly concentrated formula of collagen precursors, with the addition of hyaluronic acid..⁵

It contains EtikHA producta vegan collagen in powder form.

EtikHA by Revelox: active ingredients

The active ingredients are glycine, proline, lysine, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silica, zinc and beet powder. All these components work in synergy to nourish our collagen and offer beneficial effects for our joint and integumentary health..⁵  

• Glycine: an amino acid concentrated in collagen. It plays an important role in the formation of tissues, organs, joints and muscles.
• Proline: Amino acid that contributes to collagen production in the structure and texture of the skin, stimulating the formation of new cells. It helps repair cartilage, joints, tendons and muscles.
• Lysine: Another amino acid essential for collagen formation. Helps absorb calcium, iron, zinc and other minerals for healthy skin, hair and nails..^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and plays an important role in collagen formation, as well as supporting the bone matrix. Vitamin C and lysine are key components of collagen synthesis and connective tissue regeneration..^{4, 5, 6}
• Hyaluronic acid Our skin, nails and hair naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This elastic, water-rich molecule acts as a kind of cement that fills the gaps between cells, ensuring their cohesion and reinforcing their protection against external aggression. However, as we age, the quantity of hyaluronic acid diminishes, leading to tissue dehydration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, it becomes unavoidable to moisturize the skin from within (the dermis) with the addition of a supplement. What's more, hyaluronic acid has antioxidant virtues, giving it a protective role against sun damage, including UVA rays..^{5, 6}
• Silica: Silica is an invaluable aid to collagen construction and bone mineralization. It also has a positive impact on nail, hair and skin health..^{1, 2, 4, 5, 6}
• Zinc Zinc is an essential micronutrient for collagen formation. It also stabilizes skin sebum production and helps prevent acne. It inhibits the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme of testosterone, responsible for hair loss in both men and women. In addition, white spots on the nails are a sign of zinc deficiency..^{3, 4, 5}
• Beet powder: Beet powder is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Beetroot powder is a perfect ally in the formula, as it also contributes to collagen formation.⁵

Key points to remember about EtikHA

• A formula made with ingredients that support collagen formation
• A formula that supports skin firmness, integrity and structure
• A formula that maintains joint, integumentary and dental health
• A formula that helps maintain vitality and a healthy immune system.⁵

EtikHAa vegan collagen for your health! 

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

References :

1. Dionne Jean-Yves S.O.S. Strong bones at any age! Wiley, 2008, 132 pages

2. Graci Sam, The Bone-Building SolutionWiley, 2006, 392 pages

3. Marieb Elaine, Anatomy and PhysiologyERPI, 1999, 1194 pages

4. Schauch Dre Marita, Collagen Myths and misconceptionsFriesens Corp, 2014, 124 pages

5. https://revelox.com/fr/produit/etikha/

6. https://www.medecine-anti-age.com/actualites/bien-etre/les-bienfaits-du-collagene-sur-la-peau