Does Collagen Help With Eczema? The Science Behind The Claims
There is a lot of talk on the internet about collagen and its potential benefits for people with eczema. Some people say that taking collagen supplements or using collagen-rich skincare products can help improve the symptoms of eczema.
But what does science say?
Let's take a look at what we know about collagen, eczema, and overall skin health to see if there is any evidence to support these claims.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Eczema affects people of all ages, but it is most common in children. Symptoms of eczema can range from mild to severe, and they can often be difficult to manage.
Eczema can be caused by a variety of environmental and hereditary factors. The following are some of the most frequent causes:
- Stress
- Hormones
- Extreme temperature
- Allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pollen
- Irritants such as soaps and detergents
There is no present cure for eczema, but there are treatments that can help to lessen the symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema?
The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
- Itching
- Skin flushing
- Dry, bumpy skin
- Red rashes
The terms "eczema" and "atopic dermatitis" are frequently used interchangeably.
Eczema can take on various forms, but it is usually characterized by dry, scaly skin that becomes inflamed and swollen. One is atopic dermatitis, the most typical and persistent type of eczema.
Contact dermatitis, a less destructive type of eczema, is triggered by a recognized irritant and resolves when the irritant is identified and eliminated.
There is also seborrheic dermatitis, another type of eczema that affects the head region, including the scalp, brows, nose, eyelids, and earlobes.
On the other hand, dyshidrotic dermatitis affects hands and feet, while nummular dermatitis happens in the winter months and appears as dry patches.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is an essential nutrient responsible for giving the skin strength and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.
It's located in the connective tissue and is made up of amino acids essential for skin suppleness and firmness. Collagen is a popular cosmetic ingredient (like hyaluronic acid) because it's revered for its ability to improve the appearance of the skin.
According to a study on the significance of collagen in bone strength, collagen gives our bones their structure and makes them stronger and less brittle.
Meanwhile, another research on the structure and function of skeletal muscles suggests that collagen has also been discovered to enhance muscular strength and the development of lean muscle mass.
How Do You Take Collagen?
There are a few different ways you can take collagen. The most common method is to consume it in powder form. You can add the powder to smoothies, juices, or even coffee.
You can also find collagen in pill form. These are typically more concentrated and may be a better option if you want to take higher doses of collagen.
Collagen is also available in topical form. You can find skincare products that contain collagen, such as creams, serums, and masks.
Collagen is also abundant in bone broth, which is made by boiling the bones of animals. Bone broth is a popular source of collagen because it's also rich in other nutrients, such as amino acids and minerals.
But for cosmetic purposes, collagen supplements are the most commonly used form.
So Can Collagen Help With Eczema?
There is no direct evidence that collagen can help with eczema. However, some of the properties of collagen may be beneficial for people who suffer from this condition.
Several of the advantages that may be obtained from taking a collagen supplement on a daily basis can also help eczema patients deal with and improve their symptoms.
Glycine, a component of collagen, is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Because eczema is caused by an inflammatory response in the skin, glycine's anti-inflammatory action could be beneficial.
Hydrolyzed collagen has also been said to have anti-infective properties against bacteria that lurk beneath the skin's surface. Because eczema can be caused by bacteria, it makes sense that collagen would work to eliminate them.
Is There Any Science to Support The Claims?
Anecdotal evidence from people who have used collagen to treat their eczema is promising, but more research needs to be done in order to confirm these effects.
However, one research on oral collagen supplementation found that collagen supplementation helps alleviate the symptoms of roughness and dryness - both of which are common eczema symptoms.
Collagen supplementation can also improve skin moisture and repair the dermal collagen network, which is often damaged in people with eczema.
More research needs to be done on the topic, but collagen appears to be a promising treatment for eczema. If you suffer from this condition, it may be worth giving collagen a try.
What are the Additional Benefits of Collagen for the Skin?
In addition to potentially helping with eczema, collagen has a variety of other benefits for the skin.
1. Reduce the appearance of acne scars
Acne scarring is caused by collagen damage and disruption in the skin's lower layers. Collagen depletion can lead to patchy unevenness in the skin.
If you have unhealthy skin, taking a collagen supplement may help improve your skin's appearance by replenishing lost collagen.
Not only will taking collagen aid in the healing process, but it will also improve the result.
Your skin will be thickened, and the appearance of your acne scars will be reduced significantly.
2. Reduce hyperpigmentation
Collagen peptides can also help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, which is when patches of skin become darker than the surrounding area.
This condition is often caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other forms of trauma to the skin.
Collagen's glycine can aid in the reduction of hyperpigmentation since inflammation has an effect on it.
Collagen may also help modulate your body's immune response, which can help to reduce the severity of hyperpigmentation.
3. Improve skin elasticity
As you age, your skin begins to lose its elasticity. This is because collagen production slows down as you get older.
Wrinkles and fine lines begin to form as a result.
If you want to improve the appearance of your skin, taking a collagen supplement may help. This is because collagen helps your skin cells adhere to each other, which gives your skin its elasticity.
In addition, collagen peptides supports the extracellular matrix, which is the network of proteins and fibers that give your skin its structure.
By taking a collagen supplement (like hyaluronic acid), you can help improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the signs of aging. You could also
Tips for Dealing With Eczema
Since there is no permanent cure for eczema, the best way to deal with it is to manage your symptoms.
Here are some tips that may help:
1. Avoid triggers
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of things, such as stress, heat, sweat, and certain fabrics.
To help prevent a flare-up, it's important to identify your triggers and avoid them if possible.
If you're not sure what your triggers are, keep a diary of your outbreaks and look for patterns. Once you've identified your triggers, try to avoid them as much as possible.
If you can't avoid them completely, take steps to minimize your exposure. For example, if heat is a trigger, take cool showers and wear loose-fitting clothing.
Try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation if stress is a trigger. By avoiding your triggers, you can help prevent eczema flare-ups.
2. Moisturize regularly
Dry skin is one of the main triggers of eczema flare-ups.
To help prevent dryness, it's important to moisturize your skin regularly. The best time to moisturize is immediately after a shower or bath, while your skin is still damp.
Be sure to use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer.
Apply it liberally all over your body, and pay special attention to dry areas such as the elbows and knees.
Moisturizing regularly can help prevent eczema flare-ups by keeping your skin hydrated.
3. Use mild soaps
When washing your skin, it's important to use a mild soap. Harsh soaps can strip the natural oils from healthy skin, leading to dryness and irritation.
Look for soaps that are labeled "fragrance-free" and "hypoallergenic." You should also avoid scrubbing your skin too harshly.
Gentle cleansing is all that's needed to remove dirt and oil from your skin. By using a mild soap, you can help prevent eczema flare-ups.
The Bottom Line
Dealing with eczema can be a challenge. Because of this, many people constantly look for new ways to manage their symptoms.
One remedy that has been gaining popularity is collagen.
While there is no scientific evidence to show that collagen can directly help with eczema, it may be beneficial in indirect ways.
Collagen can help improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune response.
If you're looking for a new way to manage your eczema symptoms, collagen may be worth trying. However, be sure to speak with your doctor first to see if it's right for you.
What are your thoughts on collagen and eczema? Have you tried using collagen to help manage your symptoms? Let us know in the comments below!