Getting To Know Your Skin: What Is Collagen?
At RP Aesthetics, we believe in educating our clients on how to keep their skin healthy. That begins with a basic understanding of the skin, its components and their functions. In a series of blogs entitled ‘Getting To Know Your Skin’, we will explain in detail the various elements that come together to form the skin and provide ways to best care for it. Let’s begin with the most abundant protein found in the body, collagen.
What Is Collagen?
Accounting for approximately one-third of the proteins within your body, collagen is one of the major building blocks for bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and skin. Coming from the Greek root ‘kólla’, meaning ‘glue’, collagen is found within connective tissues, providing strength, support and structure.
The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis (sometimes referred to as subcutaneous tissue). Collagen found in the dermis helps to form a fibrous network of cells called fibroblasts, upon which new cells can form. As part of the extracellular matrix, collagen provides strong support to maintain firm, plump skin and helps to retain water, increasing the skin’s hydration levels. It also plays a role in replacing dead skin cells.
From our mid-twenties, collagen production diminishes by around 1% per year, with a further significant reduction in women after menopause. The loss of this super-protein causes the structural integrity of the skin to decline, resulting in the development of wrinkles and sagging skin.
Things That Damage Collagen
UV Exposure: Ultraviolet radiation causes collagen fibres to break down at a higher rate than normal by penetrating deep into the dermal layer of skin. Excessive sun exposure can therefore speed up the ageing process.
Smoking: Tobacco smoke increases the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), which causes the degradation of collagen and contributes to premature ageing.
Diet: Eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates interferes with collagen’s ability to repair itself. When in the bloodstream, sugar attaches itself to proteins and produces harmful free radicals.
How To Increase Your Collagen Production
Aside from the obvious, such as wearing a high factor sun cream, quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet, there are other ways to boost your collagen levels.
Use Retinols: A derivative of Vitamin A, retinol is a popular ingredient found in cosmetic products and is used to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol stimulates fibroblasts to synthesise collagen fibres, boosting the skin’s elasticity.
Obagi® offers both cosmetic and prescription-strength retinoid products to cater for a wide range of needs. To find out which products are best suited to your unique skin, book a consultation with Richard Peppiatt, the North East’s lead Obagi® ambassador.
Skin Peels: The Obagi® Blue Peel is applied in layers, meaning specific facial areas may be targeted to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The peel stimulates the production of collagen whilst tightening existing protein structures.
Dermal Fillers: Prolonged use of Dermal Fillers has been shown to increase collagen levels. When injected directly into the dermis, fillers induce localised collagen production, meaning that over time, fewer injections are needed to achieve the same anti-ageing results.
Book Your Consultation At RP Aesthetics
To find out more about how to maintain healthy skin, book a consultation with skincare expert, Richard Peppiatt. After a detailed skin analysis, Richard will advise you on the best products and treatments to care for your complexion. Call 0191 281 8775 or make an enquiry online.