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SKIN FIX 61 The role of collagen According to Nutritionist Kerri-Ann Jennings, in an article published on healthline.com3, collagen is one of the “most abundant” proteins in the body. “It’s one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments,” she said. “You can think of it as the ‘glue’ that holds all these things together.” Pharmacist and co-founder of Broth & Co, Nellie Procopiou added: “Collagen is a special type of structural protein that is full of helpful amino acids, it is this profile of amino acids that makes collagen so beneficial to the body. “Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, it makes up 90 per cent of our connective tissue and organic bone mass, and 70 per cent of our skin, it practically holds the body together. “Many people think of collagen because of its beauty benefits and its amazing impact on hair, skin, and nails, but the collagen of benefits are so much more such as gut health and joint health.” Ms Procopiou underscores that “collagen levels are particularly important for the strength and resilience of the skin” and ensuring adequate levels of the protein is “essential for skin elasticity, smoothness and hydration”. “The two types of collagen that are key to skin health and beauty are Collagen Type I and Collagen Type III,” said Ms Procopiou. “By the time we hit our 20s our body actually begins to product less collagen, leading to what we consider signs of ageing such as wrinkles and saggy skin.” While collagen is found in natural food sources, particularly animal products such as fish, beef, chicken and bone broth, with the benefits of this protein being recognised, increasingly collagen has become a popular supplement found in many retail pharmacies. Ms Procopiou explains that “collagen synthesis can be promoted with a diet rich in collagen-rich foods and supplements, leading to healthier, younger looking skin”. “Collagen-rich sources tend to include animal products such as chicken, fish and beef, and in particular connective tissues and joints, there are no plant-based sources of collagen; however, your body can still make collagen from protein rich plant-based foods. “Although there are many types of collagen in the human body, Collagen Type I and Collagen Type III are associated with healthy skin, hair and nails. “Of these collagens, Collagen Type I is found in fish and beef and Collagen Type III is found in beef,” she said. While the products mentioned above are key dietary sources of collage, Ms Procopiou points out that “other nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc are also beneficial for collagen production as they act as co factors for collagen synthesis”. “So, it is important to have a balanced healthy diet,” she said. Healing wounds and cuts “It can be quite hard to prevent getting cuts and wounds, especially as your skin ages,” Ms McRae-Field said. “But if you’re trying to take care of your skin – for example by drinking plenty of water and hydrating – this can help slow down the thinning of the skin, which, in turn, may help with the severity of cuts and wounds on the skin.” Pointing to solutions that may be available in retail pharmacy, she suggests “paraffin-based dressings that can aid” wound healing “while adding moisture to the skin”. “There are also healing gels and creams, such as Solosite gel, that can help the healing process,” she said. Mr Edye added: “Moisturises and barrier creams can help mitigate dry and rough skin. To assist with wound healing, choose advanced healing products such as non-adhesive bandages: Allevyn Life and Duo-Derm, etc. Also, use gel- based dressings.” Mr Edye adds the following suggestions to assist with healing wounds and cuts, and avoiding injury in the first place: • “Avoid adhesive bandages. • “Avoid wearing clothing made from scratchy fibres that might irritate the skin. • “Opt for lighter, full-length clothing when going outside, to prevent sunburn. • “Use a walking support to reduce the risk of falls. • “Regular eye check-ups are also important to prevent falls. • “Avoid scratching or picking at the skin. • “Avoid sharp objects. • “Moisturise regularly.” References 1. National Institute on Ageing. ‘Skin care and ageing’. nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging \\\\\\\[Accessed 1/3/21\\\\\\\]. 2. National Institute on Ageing. ‘Skin care and ageing. nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging \\\\\\\[Accessed 1/3/21\\\\\\\]. 3. Jennings KA. ‘Collagen: What is it and what is it good for?’. healthline.com/nutrition/collagen \\\\\\\[Accessed 1/3/21\\\\\\\] How Broth & Co can help “Broth & Co Bone Broths naturally contain more than 4g of collagen per 5g serve,” explained Ms Procopiou, “they are collagen rich in a form that the body can easily absorb and utilise to help boost the body’s own collagen production.” “IQ.N Collagen Beauty by Broth & Co are collagen supplements with the vitamin C benefits of Australian natives such as Kakadu plum and finger lime. “One of the key consumer trends in recent years is the holistic approach to health and beauty with the belief that outward appearance is dependent on ‘inner well-being’. “Consumers are now turning towards products such as collagen supplements, and functional foods such as bone broth to enhance their appearance,” Ms Procopiou said. RRP: Broth & Co Bone Broth Powders retail form $20.95; IQ.N Collagen Beauty Powders retail from $29.95. Visit: brothandco.com.au RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • MAR 2021