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Written By: Agencies | Published : June 5, 2014 2:05 PM IST
Anti-ageing is definitely the mantra of today's age. There are all sorts of creams and lotions that promise to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, give you fair glowing skin, etc. On the other hand, Botox and dermal fillers too have become quite a rage among the swish set. But what if you could delay the signs of ageing when you're young? Collagen supplements could be your answer. Read on to know more...
No self-medication
Collagen supplements are available over the counter and so, there's no need for a doctor's prescription. However, it is always advisable to use them under the guidance of a professional. Also, these supplements don't come cheap, so it's better to make an informed choice.
What are they?
It is a known fact that as we age our production of collagen, the most important protein of our skin, reduces and the fibres which form a mesh to support the skin weaken. Collagen supplements are meant to replenish and replace natural collagen, which decreases with age. 'These supplements are not just used for vanity; they also help fasten wound recovery, skin repair and also are beneficial for reducing pain and stiffness of bones and cartilages. They can be used with other nutritional supplements to complement a treatment or combination of treatment but not when there are extensive signs of ageing such as fat loss, dynamic lines, etc. It is best to start earlier on to help prevent and delay the signs of ageing,' explains Dr Jamuna Pai, aesthetic physician and anti-ageing expert.
Can start in your 20s
Our body naturally produces collagen, but this production is gradually hampered as a part of the natural ageing process. With certain external factors such as sun exposure, smoking, increased stress level, these fibres have an accelerated rate of breakdown. That being the case, as a preventive measure, these supplements can be started as early as in the 20s, opines Dr Pai. She adds, 'I always believe in a holistic approach, because of that I advice my clients the same that they do not rely solely on the supplements to maintain a youthful appearance. Preserve and protect the collagen fibres that you already have by using a sunscreen religiously, leading a healthy lifestyle, a well-balanced diet, sufficient intake of water and good number of hours of sleep.'
Not an alternative to surgical procedures
Collagen supplements are beneficial in improving skin hydration, firmness, plumpness of skin improving elasticity and reducing pore size minimally. However, they cannot be an alternative to the traditional surgical procedures or minimally invasive dermal fillers, says dermatologist and aesthetic physician Dr Anuya Manerkar. She has prescribed it to patients as an adjuvant therapy i.e. in combination with therapies with conventional acne scar treatments and to patients with dry facial skin or dull and listless skin and history of concurrent joint pains. The benefits she saw was good scar contraction due to accelerated wound healing, improved skin moisture and improvement in osteoarthritis.
Availability, dosage and cost
They are available in India, but are not very common. Usually, each capsule is around 250 mg. Some people wish to take a higher dose of 1,000 mg per day, but ideally, 500 mg per day is recommended. The effects of collagen supplement are better when taken with a combination of vitamin C, ranging from 500 to 1000 mg per day, depending from person to person, informs Dr Manerkar. The cost varies from Rs 2,000 onwards.
Side-effects
Just like any other drug, collagen supplements too might not be suitable for certain people who are hypersensitive to them. Says Dr Manerkar, 'There are some individuals who cannot tolerate oral hyaluronic acid and may experience stomach ache, bloating, abdominal discomfort, skin rashes, etc. One documented side-effect, which has been minimally recorded is weight gain in mice. I do not prescribe it routinely to patients since the efficacy is debatable so far and there are cheaper alternatives available to maintain the skin. Vitamin C in an adequate dosage will be beneficial to patients, and helps the body to synthesise more collagen,' says Dr Amit Karkhanis, cosmetologist and director of Dr Tvacha Clinic.
Source: DNA syndication 
/Lisa Antao
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