It’s a fact of life: no matter how well we take care of our bodies, they will betray us in the end, and one sign of this betrayal is the loss of collagen. From around age 25 onward, our bodies start losing this substance at an approximate rate of %1.5 a year; by the time we’re 40, most of us have almost a third less of it than we did at age 20.

The most visible result is that we begin to develop wrinkles; our skin loses elasticity. This is one major reason that people turn to supplemental products.

You may remember your mother trying to get you to eat more protein as a child, or the recent controversy over whether one is better off eating nothing but protein. It’s generally associated with animal-based foods (meat, fish, poultry and dairy), but is also found in many plant foods as well.

Collagen is only one type of protein. Its primary function is maintenance of connective tissues. It has an elastic, fibrous structure; without it, not only would our skin sag, but our bones and teeth would be considerably weaker, and joint movement would be painful and slow.

Some people – particularly women – have injections in order to create fuller, more sensuous-looking lips. It is an option for those with thin lips, however, the injections can be uncomfortable and must be re-done every six weeks or so.

An alternative is the use of lip collagen that contains special moisturizers and serums that can be applied to the lips topically. These special formulas used in this form of lip collagen are scientifically designed to stimulate the body’s own production of this protein, which can temporarily increase lip volume and contour while minimizing lip wrinkles.

This may be the most effective way of replacing that which is lost due to aging and retaining what one still has without resorting to surgical procedures. The molecules of this particular organic substance are large and complex, making it difficult to absorb when applied to the surface of the skin. Collagen capsules are a way of replacing the body’s own from the inside; when ingested and dissolved in the stomach, it is able to travel through the bloodstream to all parts of the body.

This works in the same way as lip collagen; using a combination of scientifically formulated ingredients such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3/Glycerin – which stimulates the body’s own production – and green tea extract, this age-related breakdown is slowed and connective tissue reinforced and strengthened. The result over time and repeated application is a healthier, more youthful skin and appearance.

The last point is important; lip collagen, collagen capsules and collagen masks are most effective when used consistently on a regular basis.