What is Collagen?
What is Collagen?
Collagen could be described as the natural, secret fountain of youth.
Collagen works alongside elastin and keratin to maintain firmness, strength and suppleness in your skin.
It’s also vital in providing structural support for organs, tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and bones. Think of it as the “glue” that holds all these things together.
Collagen is also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas and teeth.
The word ‘collagen’ comes from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue.
As we age, the amount of collagen our bodies produce decreases so the collagen levels in your skin reduces and this is what causes wrinkles.
Collagen is a fibrous protein, which has to be made naturally by the body.
From even as early as our mid 20’s, our bodies start to produce less collagen, resulting in the eventual formation of wrinkles, less skin elasticity, dull skin tone and sagging.
All is not lost though and there are plenty of things we can do to boost and encourage natural collagen production to help slow down skin aging.
Help to encourage natural collagen production by eating the right foods and making a few lifestyle changes.
To keep your skin looking as healthy and youthful as possible, eat foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals and proteins, which will help your body produce more collagen.
Chicken, fish, shellfish, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, tropical fruits, kiwis, tomatoes and garlic all help our bodies to produce more collagen and remember to drink plenty of water.
Treatments that help encourage collagen production:
Advanced Facials.
The Timexpert C+ advanced facial from Germaine de Capuccini contains a unique combination of powerful ingredients to fight against damaged collagen and elastin fibres.
Clinical Peels.
Lactobionic acid, used in the clinical peel I offer at Tranquillity, gently and effectively removes dead skin cells and helps stimulate collagen production by increasing the development of fibroblasts – the cells that produce collagen.
Micro Current Treatments.
Micro current has been shown to stimulate new collagen production and help simulate cells to work to their best ability.
Micro current treatments will give the best results when skin aging is at its earlier stages but good results can still be achieved on more mature skin.
Things that will damage collagen or impair new collagen production:
Sugar and refined carbohydrates. Sugar affects collagen’s ability to repair itself.
UV radiation.
UV radiation reduces collagen production and causes other signs of premature aging. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 – even on cloudy days and during the winter months.
Blue light.
Avoid spending unnecessary time in front of digital devices.
Smoking and Alcohol.
Smoking and alcohol are known to reduce collagen production and destroy important nutrients including vitamin C which is vital for collagen production.
Pollution.
Pollution breaks down collagen and disturbs the barrier of the skin, resulting in premature aging.
Stress.
Cortisol, the stress hormone, can break down collagen.
If you’d like more information on the benefits of clinical peels, micro current or for skincare tips and advice, please contact me at Tranquillity.