Enhancing Skin Growth Part 2: Collagen

Jun 4

In part 1, we looked at several studies done on substances for increasing skin expansion. One of the key mechanisms in these studies was increasing collagen formation. The studies suggest that the speed at which skin can be expanded is at least partially dependent, or limits how quickly the skin can form collagen.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is primarily found in connective tissues and in the extracellular matrix. Bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin all contain collagen in large amounts. It is a structural protein, acting as the scaffolding that holds cells together. It provides not only tensile strength to the tissue, but elasticity as well. The skin of the penis is actually lower in collagen and higher in elastin than skin elsewhere in the body, but like all skin, it still contains a large amount of collagen. (1)

So, how does this tie into foreskin restoration? When expanding skin, tension acts as a stimulus for the skin cells to divide into more new skin cells, as explained in The Complete Guide to Foreskin Restoration. The goal is: more skin cells, more skin. However, skin is made of more than just cells. When the skin cells divide during expansion, specialized cells called fibroblasts also have to create enough collagen and other structural proteins to hold the new cells together. Skin expansion is not just a matter of creating new cells, but also of creating all of the different components of skin tissue such as collagen, blood vessels, and nerves. How quickly you can grow new skin is dependent on how quickly the skin can synthesize all of these. We will go over all of the different components of skin in later parts of this series, but for now, let’s focus on collagen.

How Collagen is Made:

Collagen is a protein and so it is made up of amino acids. The most abundant amino acid in collagen is glycine, followed by proline and alanine. Collagen is constantly being synthesized by fibroblasts in different types of tissues. Fibroblasts also make elastin and proteoglycans, which are other similar proteins that are also high in glycine. Vitamin C is an important co-factor in collagen synthesis, which is why the symptoms of scurvy mainly involve problems with connective tissue.

Does Eating Collagen Increase Collagen in the Skin?

All of the animals that we normally eat also have collagen, so when you eat meat, you are eating collagen, although the amount will vary depending on the specific animal and part of the animal. Collagen is also sold as a supplement in powder form. Does eating collagen cause you to create more collagen? At a minimum, eating collagen from animals will provide your own body with all of the amino acids, especially glycine, to build collagen. There is however some evidence showing that when collagen is consumed, not all of it is just broken down into amino acids. Some of the specific collagen peptides do get absorbed intact through the digestive tract, and can be directly used in creating new collagen.(2) Several studies have shown that supplementing collagen does have positive effects on skin health, including increasing the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin.(3,4) So, the bottom line is, eating collagen does increase collagen production in your own body, and is not just a source of amino acids.

I recommend this collagen powder

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

In part 1, we looked at a study showing the DMSO can be used to speed up skin expansion. The issue with DMSO is that can have the side effect itching and burning when applied to the skin. In the body, DMSO gets broken down into a metabolite called Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). MSM is what is actually what is responsible for some of the collagen forming abilities of DMSO. MSM is found in many plant foods, but it is also available as a supplement. It does not have the same negative side effects that DMSO does, making it a more practical option. Studies done on MSM for increasing collagen and skin health show best results at 3 grams per day or more.(5,6)

I recommend this MSM

Choline Bound Orthosilicic Acid (Biosil)

Choline bound orthosilicic acid is a form of the mineral silica, which is sold under the name Biosil. Silica is an essential mineral that is used in collagen synthesis. Although there are many different types of silica supplements on the market, Biosil has peer-reviewed research showing that it improves skin, bone, hair, and nail health through increasing collagen.(7,8,9,10)

You can use Biosil liquid (tastes bad) or capsules

Bottom Line:

To create new skin, you need to synthesize collagen. As discussed in part 1, collagen synthesis may be a limiting factor in skin growth. There is no specific evidence that increasing collagen will increase skin growth during expansion, but having inadequate collagen will most likely slow skin growth or at least reduce the overall health of the new skin.

That being said, at a minimum, restorers should make sure they are consuming adequate amounts of glycine. Glycine can be synthesized in the body, but the amount it can make falls short of what is optimal for proper collagen synthesis. The average person can make about 3 grams per day and consumes 1.5 to 3 grams per day, but research shows that the optimal amount is closer to 15 grams total.(11) The highest sources of glycine in food come from meat, typically tougher and more gelatinous cuts. If you aren’t consuming enough glycine in your diet, it may make sense to supplement with collagen powder as insurance. Vitamin C is another important co-factor for making collagen, but studies are mixed on whether supplementing it orally or using it as a skin cream actually increases collagen.

Remember that skin growth is stimulated by proper tension and time under tension, as outlined in The Complete Guide to Foreskin Restoration. Consuming collagen or supplements alone will do absolutely nothing to cause skin growth. For those wanting to experiment, supplements like MSM and biosil may be worth trying, but there is no evidence that they will speed up foreskin restoration.

References:

1. https://parjournal.net/article/view/3803

2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30301271/

3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23949208/

4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24131075/

5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32083522/

6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31119010/

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17960402/

8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16205932/

9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28056936/

10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16604283/

11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20093739/