The world of Tzu Chi March-April 2022 (Vol.140)

2022 • 04 50 ellness Translated by Yew Siew Yong Collagen: Can It Really Beautify Your Skin? Is it really true that collagen supplements will be transformed in the body to become skin collagen, keeping one’s skin elastic? D uring a gathering, I noticed my friend eating bite after bite of fish maw*. Seeing that, I remarked casually, “I have never eaten fish maw before.” My friend looked at me, unbelievably, and replied, “I thought you must have eaten plenty of collagen-rich food to have this good skin!” Then, she asked with curiosity, “Do you apply collagen on your face?” I shook my head and took out my e-book reader to show her an e-book entitled, “90 Per Cent of Skin Care Knowledge Are Untrue”. I have found this book to be insightful, especially with its rich content. That steered us into a conversation on skin beautification and how to keep ourselves looking youthful like the ageless goddess. Claims about collagen supplements Collagen is a type of protein found mainly in bones, cartilage, tendons, corneas and skin, and it helps provide structural support to body tissues. A general perception towards collagen is that, after consuming collagen, it will be transformed in the body tobecome skin collagen, thereby increasing skin elasticity. However, the truth disappoints. Like other protein foods, such as eggs and meats, the collagen consumed will not be absorbed right into the skin to achieve a smooth, supple and glowing skin. If we are familiar with the mechanism of how proteins are digested, we would know that once a protein source (including collagen) enters our digestive system, it will be broken down by the hydrochloric acid and enzymes into smaller chains of amino acids. These amino acids will then be transported into the bloodstream for dispersal to the liver and cells throughout the body to be used to create new proteins. Our cells are not static; they are always in transformation, for example, the skin cells in our digestive tract will shed off in five to seven days. The dead cells will naturally fall off and new cells will be regenerated through the amino acids. The human body, thus, cannot utilize large molecules of collagen. Collagen must first be broken down into smaller molecules of amino acids, which are then synthesized together into proteins needed by the body tissues. The body cannot decide where the amino acids from collagen will be used. There is no way for us to know what kind of protein the collagen we consumed will be regrouped into. As such, claiming that collagen from fish maw, pork leg, fish skin, chicken skin, collagen supplements, and the like, will reach straight to the skin cells and recombine as skin collagen is logically false. After listening to my explanation, my friend asked, “For a vegetarian like you, can your body make collagen if you do not consume collagen?” The answer is clear: Whether you are