After consuming this serving of grape seed extract

You can become fairer!

When it comes to skin whitening,Collagen, Whitening PillsIt is a highly popular favorite and has remained enduringly popular among various internet-famous health supplements, with manufacturers promoting a wide range of claimed benefits.

Look at the functions of collagen: maintenance and repair, nourishment, promotion of collagen synthesis, restoration of radiance. Wait a minute, how come there are descriptions like saying goodbye to sagging and nourishing yin to strengthen yang? What on earth is this?

Does eating collagen really lead to... you know~

This effect is far more potent thanPlastic surgeryIt's even more powerful!

Does eating collagen really supplement collagen

The idea of supplementing collagen with collagen seems quite plausible. Let's take a closer look.Textbook of PhysiologyLook at what substances the human body is absorbing.

This image is actually a schematic diagram of nutrient absorption in various parts of the digestive tractWhy isn't our collagen included inside？

Is collagen even more miraculous? Are there other absorption pathways? After all, their advertisements are so well done—surely they wouldn't be deceptive and still not be absorbable.

Collagen and Polypeptides

Actually collagenStructurally most are polypeptidesWhat is a polypeptide

This makes it easier to understand, meaning the components after protein hydrolysis. Then, many people likely discover after searching the term "collagen" on Baidu that the production process of collagen also involves various raw materials being transformed into collagen under the action of various proteases.

So-calledProteaseIt is a catalyst that breaks down proteins, and under the action of proteases, proteins willBreak down into polypeptides。

If you are interested, you can read physiology and biochemistry. After all, there is a saying when studying:Physiology and Biochemistry, one is bound to fail。

The polypeptide produced at this stage is quite similar to our collagen.

Next, looking at the absorption of nutrients in the front, there is still no such thing as peptides. Could it be that peptides are also finished?

Peptidase breaks down polypeptides into amino acids

Still not absorbing? Don't worry, let's refer to something calledPeptidase。

Peptidase essentially acts on the previously mentioned peptides. When peptidase functions, itFurther break down polypeptides into individual amino acids。

At this point, we can find the absorbable components in the image of the digestive absorption process, making it no longer mysterious.

Even the best collagen, when ingested, becomes amino acids.

It seems that peptides can be absorbed, but please note that the absorbed peptides are broken down within the epithelial cells.Break down into amino acidsentered the bloodstream and traveled to other parts of the bodyStill amino acids。

Of course, there are also cases where the body mistakenly absorbs substances it shouldn't, which is definitely not a good thing. For more details, you can look into food-dependent exercise-inducedAnaphylaxis。

Therefore, no matter how high-quality the collagen is, after ingestion and absorption, what ultimately functions are amino acids.

Amino acids are the smallest units of proteins, meaning that anything containing protein can supplement amino acids. However, since we require a variety of amino acids, there are eight essential amino acids, which essentially tells us not to be picky eaters.

And there was a previous report about Zhang Yuqi that said

My heart is once again amused. Lipomas are composed of fat, while collagen supplements provide amino acids, which form proteins. The connection between these is quite far-fetched.A bit uncannyAh.

Do whitening pills really whiten

By the way, let's also gossip about the currently popular whitening pills. On Taobao or Tmall (after all, some people believe Tmall is more authentic), the number of results obtained after searching for "whitening pills" is not less than that of our collagen.

Don't worry, let's click in and take a look. There are three main categories of ingredients in total:

First Plant Dietary Fiber CategoryRich in various vitamins, especially grape seed, with a five-star whitening effect.

However, some busybodies compared the clinical efficacy with the content of active ingredients in the product and discovered thatConsuming approximately one to two tons of grape seeds per day would likely be effective.This is far more serious than just overeating.

The second category is the legendary enzymesWhitening Index: 7 Stars

Actually, it refers to the meaning of "enzyme" in a certain text. Recall the peptidase mentioned earlier; in fact, most enzymes are also protein-based. After entering our digestive tract, they follow the same pathway as collagen mentioned earlier. Ultimately, how much effect can they truly have?

The third category is truly effective.can be considered as having a whitening index of N stars

It is the darling of the whitening world and an effective medication for melasma—Tranexamic AcidIn fact, this medication is originally intended as a hemostatic agent and appears to have little to do with skin whitening.

However, because it can competitivelyIn combination withThe substrate of tyrosinase (tyrosine)In combination withBy inhibiting melanin synthesis at the site, it is also used clinically for the treatment of melasma, which constitutes off-label use.

Although tranexamic acid can improve melasma,The treatment cycle is still relatively long.Yes, generallyIt must be used for at least half a year or more.Moreover, if effective sun protection is not maintained after discontinuation of the medication, recurrence is highly likely.

Although tranexamic acid has a good safety profile, common adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal reactions and reduced menstrual flow may still occur.

Moreover, during the course of medicationCoagulation function monitoring is required.It is contraindicated for patients with a history or family history of thrombosis, angina pectoris, or stroke.

Here is a reminder for everyone regarding whether tranexamic acid should be taken and how it should be taken,RecommendationUse medication under the guidance of a professional doctor.Do not self-medicate.。

The desire for beauty is universal, but one must be careful not to fall into pitfalls, as some traps may be impossible to escape once entered.