Dr Lalitha Badul

Here are some key points about collagen:

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• Collagen occurs throughout the body, but especially in the skin, bones, and connective tissues.
• Collagen is secreted by various cells, but mainly by connective tissue cells.
• Collagen is an important building block for the skin. It makes up to 30 percent of the protein in our body and 70 percent of the protein within our skin. Collagen helps our skin stay toned and supple.

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• Collagen production declines with age and exposure to factors such as smoking and UV light.
• Collagen can be used in collagen dressings, to attract new skin cells to wound sites.
• Cosmetic lotions that claim to increase collagen levels are unlikely to do so, as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.
• With age, the body produces less collagen. The structural integrity of the skin declines. Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens.

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