Collagen gelatin, also known as hydrolyzed collagen, is a protein derivative that is obtained from collagen, a structural protein responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and flexibility of the body joints. As the body ages, the natural production of collagen goes down, and this leads to stiffening of joints and wrinkle formation. To keep the aging process at bay for as long as possible, beauticians recommend the use of cosmetics and beauty products containing collagen gelatin. The collagen gelatin may be derived from the bones of animals or from seaweed sources.
While the use of collagen cream is quite prevalent, it seems to bring about little noticeable improvement in the skin condition in most cases. A closer examination of how collagen works can explain this mystery. Being a water soluble protein with a large molecular size, collagen is actually incapable of penetrating through the skin's outer fatty layer to reach the dermis. As it cannot be absorbed by the skin, the external application stays external and collagen gelatin creams usually serve little or no practical purpose.
It is possible to get a more effective and faster result by undergoing medical collagen treatments involving collagen injections. In these procedures, a collagen filler is injected under the skin, right into the dermis, to make up for the low levels of the natural collagen. The collagen used in these injections is usually animal-based, and the procedure is quite painless.
The skin smoothing effects achieved with this treatment are quite striking, but not long-lasting. They may generally last for up to three months, after which it will be necessary to get a fresh round of injections. Collagen injections, however, may not work for everyone as some people tend to have allergic reactions to them.
Researchers are trying to come up with non-invasive cosmetic collagen procedures that will work better. These include specially formulated collagen gelatin creams that use natural ingredients like seaweed extract and Cynergy TK, and may be easily absorbed by the skin. Cynergy TK is extracted from sheep wool and has been found to be very helpful in regenerating and stimulating skin cells.
Taking collagen capsules and following a collagen diet that is rich in proteins and in Vitamins A and C will also prove to be useful. Instead of merely concentrating on the external application of collagen gelatin, Cynergy TK and the essential vitamins can help the body to generate more natural collagen on its own. This natural option may turn out to be the more effective one.