WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
I am sure you hear and see a lot about collagen, it is one of the most frequent things we get asked about in the salon relating to skin ageing, but what is it and why is it so important?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is the building block for bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin. It forms a scaffold that provides strength, structure and elasticity.
In the structure of the skin we can find collagen in the dermis. Collagen is mainly made up of amino acids and connective tissue cells called fibroblasts that produce and maintain the collagen and elasticity.
Unfortunately, as we get older the all important fibroblasts become less active meaning we produce less collagen, year after year collagen decreases from as early as our 20’s, we can also lose as much as 30% of dermal collagen in the first five years of menopause accelerating sagging, wrinkles and loss of firmness in the skin.
Environmental factors and lifestyle can also considerably contribute to loss or poor collagen production. UV exposure damages the collagen, if you are a client of ours you will already know we would always recommend a good SPF all year round and to reapply throughout the day when possible... we are also very much aware we sound like a broken record when it comes to sunscreen advise!
Collagen can also be affected by diet, and stress which increases levels of hormone cortisol, which decreases and weakens collagen.
HOW CAN WE HELP STRENGTHEN AND PROTECT OUR COLLAGEN?
Supplements and minerals are proven to strengthen and protect your collagen, a few key ones we recommend are, Vitamin A is the fuel that the fibroblast needs to make Collagen I and elastin. Vitamin C is essential for the production of normal collagen. Zinc is also involved in the production of collagen by ensuring that the collagen fibres are strong and stable.
A good consistent home care routine with the right active ingredients and you've guessed it apply your SPF EVERY DAY and ALL year round, and incorporate Vitamin A into your topical skin care as well as your supplementation. (Look out for our next blog on Vitamin A). When introducing anything new to your skin routine we would always recommend expert advice.
Healthy collagen is essential for wound healing, micro needling is a fantastic professional skin treatment for collagen induction. Micro needling also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT) stimulates the body to release certain growth factors and regenerate itself, these growth factors are responsible for making the skin’s surface (epidermis) thicker, activating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce more collagen and elastin, inhibits pigmentation, also beneficial in the treatment of rosacea and broken capillaries.
For more information about any of our advice why not book in for a skin consultation with Vikki,
Victoria Edwards
Revive Skin and Beauty
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