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AESTHETICS
COLLAGEN IS WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT , SO WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT ?
By Dr Sally Ann Dolan , SDS Rejuvenate
In this article I will try and explain a little bit about collagen , what it is and why we need it , what happens as we get older and most importantly what we can do about it .
Collagen is responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity . It is found in connective tissue , skin , tendons , bones and cartilage . There are 28 known types of collagen with type 1 accounting for 90 % of the collagen in the human body . Type 1 and 3 collagen are key components of skin . They make up around 80 % of the dry weight of our skin which in simple terms means that if you discount the weight of all the water in your skin , 80 % of what is left is collagen .
Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the body and is particularly important when we start to consider the ageing process and the affect the ever-reducing levels of healthy collagen has on our skin and bones .
When considering the effect of collagen in our skin it might help to understand a little background science . Within the skin , we mainly find collagen in the dermis , where it is made by fibroblast cells . The fibroblasts are responsible for producing and maintaining collagen . Collagen fibres form a structural framework within the dermis which gives the skin strength , flexibility , and elasticity . They attach to the basement membrane of the epidermis , anchoring it in place , increasing skin resilience and preventing sagging . These properties plus many others make healthy , strong collagen essential for younger-looking bouncy and resilient skin .
Healthy collagen is also essential for wound healing , whether this is a large cut or smaller wounds from facial treatments such as Microneedling . In fact , having healthy collagen can maximise the efficacy of professional treatments , as the skins healing response is more effective leading to improved results .
As we age our bones become less dense and brittle , breaking more easily and taking longer to heal . Studies have shown that daily collagen supplements can help make your bones denser , slowing the ageing process and helping your body to produce new bone . Some studies have shown that collagen supplements might even act as a mild pain reliever and may improve joint function . It might take 4-5 months of regular treatment to see results .
Now here are some scary facts about collagen …
1 . As we get older , fibroblasts become less active , producing less collagen that is often poor quality . The amount of collagen that we have starts decreasing by 1 % every year from our 20 ’ s , well before we start to notice wrinkles . ( Now that is scary ) We also lose around 30 % of our collagen in the first 5 years after menopause , accelerating sagging and wrinkle formation .
2 . Extrinsically , UV exposure leads to the production of reactive oxygen species ( ROS ) which damages collagen and accelerates ageing .
3 . Smokers will experience damage to skin , as many chemicals in cigarette smoke damage collagen and elastin . Nicotine also narrows blood vessels which decreases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the skin .
4 . Collagen can also be damaged when blood sugar is continuously high . Glucose attaches to proteins in the skin ( such as collagen and elastin ) in a process known as glycation , this reaction damages the collagen leading to weak fragile collagen .
5 . Lastly chronic stress increases levels of the hormone cortisol , which decreases the production of collagen , as well as increased abnormal , weak collagen .
So , what can we do ? While we can ’ t do anything about getting older , we can minimise the factors that damage our collagen , keeping it healthy and as strong as possible . Avoiding excess sugar , stopping smoking , protecting ourselves from UV damage and engaging with ways to reduce and manage stress are all vital components of a holistic care routine . Pairing these lifestyle factors with smart ingredients and treatments is essential for thoroughly safeguarding collagen .
In last month ’ s magazine I discussed anti-ageing treatments and not surprisingly , many of these treatments rely on stimulating our lazy fibroblasts in order to produce new stronger and more efficient collagen . I discussed skin peels , laser treatments , phototherapy using the LED light ( Dermalux ), dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections and microneedling .
Over the last few years there has been considerable research undertaken to assess the effect of collagen supplements , not only the possible health benefits but also to assess any potential side effects , i . e ., the safety profile . Well , the good news ... there is now substantial evidence that collagen supplements are associated with many health benefits with very few known side effects . Supplements may increase muscle mass , prevent bone loss , relieve joint pain and improve skin health by reducing wrinkles and dryness . There is also evidence there is a positive effect on hair and nails . It is very important if you decide to embark on collagen supplements that you buy “ the right ones ” as the market is becoming swamped with “ the best collagen supplements ever ”.
In our clinics we recommend ZENii Skin Fusion . It is an incredible blend of high strength marine collagen , ( 10,000mg ), hyaluronic acid , vitamins , minerals and antioxidants in a highly bioavailable liquid form . It is ultimate in anti-ageing and skin health support and is ideal for anyone who wants to press the pause button on the ageing process and to boost the strength , quality and quantity of their collagen . Combine this with one or more of our in-clinic treatments and you really are going to see the effects .
Please give the clinics a call or send us an email , message or Instagram and we can answer any questions you may have . We look forward to hearing from you soon .
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