Our skin is not only the largest organ in the human body, but also a reflection of our health. Skin reflects how we feel, whether we eat well and how well we take care of it - it can be rosy and radiant or dull and gray. For many people, radiant and clear skin is not only a matter of beauty, but also a reflection of one's general condition, both mentally and physically. While there are countless skin care products and expensive cosmetic treatments on the market that promise to reverse or slow down skin aging, as is often the case, nature has a solution that is proven to support and care for our skin inside and out.
In this article, part 5 of the colostrum series , we show how colostrum can positively support skin health based on the power of Mother Nature. Colostrum is the first milk of all mammals such as cows, and this particular milk offers a variety of health benefits, including for our skin.
This is what this article is about:
- Colostrum is rich in nutrients, antibodies and growth factors that are important for skin health
- Dream Team: Colostrum & Collagen
- Promote the growth and regeneration of skin cells
- Antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage
- Anti-inflammatory properties for redness and inflammation
- Healing and repairing the skin and strengthening the skin barrier
- Colostrum contains milk exosomes, which have the potential to repair UV-damaged skin and slow skin aging.
- Application of colostrum for the skin
- Study results
What is colostrum and what does it have to do with our skin?
Colostrum is rich in nutrients, antibodies and growth factors and is used to protect and nourish the newborn. But did you know that colostrum can also have amazing benefits for human skin health?
In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at how colostrum can help keep your skin looking fresher and brighter - based on biological processes and scientific studies.
Colostrum is a real treasure chest, filled with plenty of nutrients and bioactive compounds. It contains proteins, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, antioxidants and immune factors, all of which can help improve skin health by supporting key body functions that are essential to our skin.
And how exactly does that work?
Colostrum for the skin – effects from inside and outside
While the health benefits of colostrum are numerous, with the focus often being on its ability to support the immune system and gut health, another notable property of colostrum is that it promotes the growth and regeneration of skin cells.
The growth factors contained in colostrum can help stimulate the skin's own collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and elastic and thus reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
How does collagen production work and to what extent does colostrum help support it?
A dream team: collagen & colostrum
Collagen is a protein found in the skin and is responsible for its strength, elasticity and suppleness.
However, as we age, the production of collagen in our bodies decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, slightly sagging skin and a generally less youthful appearance over the years - we age.
And this is exactly where colostrum comes into play:
Colostrum is rich in growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. By supporting collagen function and boosting production, colostrum helps keep skin looking firmer, firmer and fresher. This results in a smoother and radiant complexion that maximizes the skin's natural beauty potential. So if we supply our body with these high-quality nutrients that can have a positive effect on collagen production, then we will care for our skin health in the long term and sustainably.
Colostrum is also rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which can help protect skin from environmental damage and maintain its natural glow. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize free radicals and prevent damage caused by oxidative stress reactions in the skin. Colostrum not only potentially counteracts the formation of wrinkles, but can also neutralize free radicals.
The anti-inflammatory effect of colostrum also plays a central role in skin health. Inflammation is often the root of many skin problems - from acne to the occasional pimple. Colostrum contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce redness and inflammation. This can not only soothe the skin but also reduce the risk of skin diseases.
Colostrum is also valuable for healing and repairing the skin. The skin is constantly exposed to various stresses, be it from sun exposure, pollution or acne. Colostrum contains immune factors that can help protect the skin from infections and speed healing of skin injuries. This can help overcome skin problems more quickly and maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Another interesting aspect of colostrum for skin health are the so-called milk exosomes that are contained in colostrum.
Skin regeneration using milk exosomes from colostrum – the subject of research
In a 2022 study, researchers found that milk exosomes, particularly Col M-exo, extracted from colostrum, offer great potential as a natural therapeutic agent for repairing UV-irradiated skin aging and skin damage. Milk exosomes, also known as milk extracellular vesicles (MEVs), are small membrane-bound particles found in milk.
These tiny vesicles contain various molecules, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids such as RNA. Milk exosomes have only been studied in more detail in recent years, and their precise role and importance in the context of human health are currently the subject of scientific investigation because they are so promising.
The study found that the milk exosomes from colostrum can retain their structural, mechanical and functional properties after freeze-drying (lyophilization), which represents a potential advantage for their use as a raw material for an advanced cell-free skin regeneration treatment.
Since milk is considered a biocompatible and safe substance that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years, these excellent physical properties make milk exosomes from colostrum a sought-after subject of current research. The good cell permeability and anti-aging effects in skin cells make Col M-exo an attractive candidate for potential use as a cosmetic active ingredient.
So how can you incorporate colostrum at home to care for and maintain your skin health?
How to incorporate colostrum into your skin care routine
Now that you've learned how beneficial colostrum can be for your skin and overall health, you may want to know how to incorporate it into your daily skin care routine.
There are several ways to use colostrum for skin care:
Care for the skin from the inside – take colostrum as food
Taking colostrum in the form of dietary supplements or as a high-quality food is probably the most direct and efficient way to benefit from the health benefits of colostrum.
If you want to take colostrum, choose producers who work under the strictest animal welfare and quality standards. If the colostrum was filtered cold (and not heated, i.e. not pasteurized), then the valuable nutrients are retained almost without exception. High-quality, cold-filtered colostrum is available in capsule form or as powder. The nutrients, immune factors and antioxidants can support your skin from the inside out while supporting your overall health, immune system and digestion.
Homemade masks – let colostrum work its magic from the outside
If you prefer to use colostrum topically or like to make your own skin care products, you can make homemade colostrum masks. The milk exosomes in colostrum have good cell permeability.
To do this, simply mix a small amount of colostrum with high-quality forest honey or yogurt and apply the mixture to your cleansed face.
Leave the mask on for about 15-20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly.
Please note that it is important to consult a professional before taking any dietary supplements or making any changes to your dietary habits. The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Sources
- Hillside.; Kim, H.; Kim, DE; Ahn, Y.; Kim, J.; Jang, YJ; Kim, K.; Yang, Y.; Kim, SH The Potential of Bovine Colostrum-Derived Exosomes to Repair Aged and Damaged Skin Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 307. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14020307
- Jogi R, Tager MJ, Perez D, Tsapekos M. Bovine Colostrum, Telomeres, and Skin Aging. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 May 1;20(5):538-545. doi: 10.36849/JDD.5851. PMID: 33938706.
- Przybylska, J.; Albera, E.; Kankofer, M.: Antioxidants in Bovine Colostrum, April 2007
- Sienkiewicz M, Szymańska P, Fichna J. Supplementation of Bovine Colostrum in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Benefits and Contraindications. Adv Nutr. 2021 Mar 31;12(2):533-545. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa120. PMID: 33070186; PMCID: PMC8009748.
- Sangild PT, Vonderohe C, Melendez Hebib V, Burrin DG. Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health. Nutrients. 2021 Jul 26;13(8):2551. doi: 10.3390/nu13082551. PMID: 34444709; PMCID: PMC8402036.
- Colostrum has an antioxidant effect and strengthens the immune system on aerztezeitung.de, January 18, 2008, last accessed on September 7, 2023
- R. Pakkanen, J. Aalto: Growth Factors and Antimicrobial Factors of Bovine Colostrum. In: International Dairy Journal. 7 (5), 1997, pp. 285-297
