Collagen is extracted from animal skin. In addition to collagen, the skin also contains proteoglycans such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. They contain a large number of polar groups, which are moisturizing factors and prevent the conversion of tyrosine in the skin into melanin. Therefore, collagen has the functions of pure natural moisturizing, whitening, anti-wrinkle, freckle removal, etc., and can be widely used in beauty products. The chemical composition and structure of collagen gives it the foundation of beauty. Collagen is similar in structure to human skin collagen. It is a water-insoluble fibrous sugar-containing protein. The molecule is rich in a large number of amino acids and hydrophilic groups. It has certain surface activity and good compatibility. A lot of hydroxyl, so it has a pretty good moisturizing effect. At 70% relative humidity, it can still retain 45% of its own weight in moisture. Tests have shown that 0.01% pure collagen solution can form a good water retention layer and supply all the moisture needed by the skin.
With the increase of age, the synthesis ability of fibroblasts decreases. If there is a lack of collagen in the skin, the collagen fibers will be co-solidified, reducing the intercellular mucopolysaccharide, the skin will lose its softness, elasticity and luster, and aging will occur. Dermal fiber breakage, fat atrophy, sweat glands and sebaceous glands decrease, causing a series of aging phenomena such as pigmentation and wrinkles on the skin. When it is used as an active substance in cosmetics, the latter can diffuse into the deep layers of the skin, and the tyrosine contained in it competes with the tyrosine in the skin and binds to the catalytic center of tyrosinase, thereby inhibiting the production of melanin. It can enhance the activity of collagen in the skin, maintain the moisture of the stratum corneum and the integrity of the fiber structure, promote the metabolism of the skin tissue, and have a good moisturizing, moisturizing, wrinkle-reducing and cosmetic effect on the skin. As early as the early 1970s, the United States took the lead in introducing bovine collagen for injection, which was used to remove freckles, remove wrinkles, and repair scars.
However, in cosmetics, the molecular weight is usually required to be below 2KD, so that the hydrolyzed collagen can penetrate into the skin. In addition to the moisturizing properties of hydrolyzed collagen, hair care cosmetics should also have certain film-forming properties. Therefore, the molecular weight of hydrolyzed collagen will be higher.
