What is collagen? Collagen is a type of protein that is fibrous in nature, connecting and supporting other bodily tissues.
Some people refer to collagen as the glue that holds the body together.
Collagen works with keratin to provide skin with strength, flexibility and resistance.
As we age, cell degradation occurs, leading to wrinkles.
Think of collagen fibers as a chain-link fence.
Now imagine those links rusting and falling apart; as the links break, the fence falls.
As our collagen production decreases this is what happens to skin fibers resulting in sagging, crepe-like skin.
In addition, fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) decrease their production of new collagen as we age.
Once the importance of collagen in the skin is understood it is easier to understand why stimulating collagen production is the key to any good skin care and anti-aging regimen.
The treatments & products discussed below can improve skin appearance and its ability to resist injury, wrinkling, and sagging by stimulating new collagen production.
Collagen enhancing treatments - Photofacials, or IPL treatments, stimulate collagen production adding firmness through the introduction of light waves into the skin.
The heat generated by the light signals the body to produce more collagen, stimulating self-repair.
Even though no harmful damage occurs during this treatment, the body is triggered to produce more collagen.
Other treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels work in the same way.
These treatments signal to the body that disruption of skin cells has occurred, thus triggering an increase in collagen production.
According to research, some wrinkle-fillers also promote new collagen growth and limit collagen breakdown, helping the body to retain firmness and elasticity as a result of the treatment.
Collagen enhancing products - While many skin care products claim to increase or stimulate collagen production, not all are equal to the task.
Cosmoceuticals, or medical grade skin care products, contain higher amounts of the active ingredients necessary to increase collagen production.
They are more effective at providing anti-aging benefits for the skin versus drugstore products which contain much lower levels of key ingredients.
As a result, less product is needed over a much shorter period of time with far superior results.
When used daily, positive results can be seen in 2-3 months.
Antioxidants also help stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen fibers.
These antioxidants include Vitamin C, Green Tea, and Vitamins A & E.
Vitamin C is a very potent antioxidant necessary in the synthesis of collagen.
Use it once a day, in the morning.
You may experience tingling upon application.
Product instability is reduced by using a pump dispenser.
Vitamin A, in the form of retinols, is probably the hallmark of an anti-aging routine.
Research has shown that using retinols consistently significantly reduces wrinkles and skin roughness by promoting new collagen.
When left on the skin, retinols can cause sensitivity to the sun.
Because of this it is recommended that it be used at night after cleansing and washed off in the morning before leaving the house.
Your daily routine - Now, understanding the importance of collagen production to your skin's health you can also understand the importance of getting on a daily regimen that is easy to maintain.
Make sure to follow a healthy skin care routine every day, even after improvement is noticed.
If you get away from your routine, collagen production will slow down again and the results will be diminished.
Treat yourself to microdermabrasions, chemical peels, facials etc.
on a regular basis to stimulate continued collagen production.
Also, be sure to use sunscreen 365 days a year to protect your skin from further damage.
Maryellen Darin, RN, BSN, states, "We understand the importance of improving the overall appearance and quality of a person's skin.
Not only is it imperative for your general health, but for your sense of well-being and self-esteem.
If you feel good about your appearance, you will feel more confident, be happier, and project a more positive attitude.
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