Collagen is a vitally important protein that strengthens, binds and holds together proteins. It works with elastin and helps support human tissues as well as the lungs and heart. Collagen is also an important protein which maintains skin elasticity, smoothness and vitality. It keeps skin resilient, supple and smooth. The natural progress of aging leads to wrinkles, which is caused by loss of collagen and decreased collagen production. Poor diet, smoking, and excessive sun exposure and alcohol consumption can also advance premature aging and collagen breakdown. Supplementing deteriorating collagen in the skin, as well as reducing collagen breakdown, is extremely effective in improving strength and elasticity over time.
Although we cannot reverse the clock and stop the aging process, some simple daily choices can help preserve precious collagen in the skin, keeping it youthful, supple and healthy looking.
Diet
Often called “anti-aging food”, anti-oxidant rich food helps protect existing collagen from damaging free radicals. Excellent choices to integrate into an anti-aging diet include berries, acai fruit, sweet potatoes, broccoli, garlic, tomatoes, whole grain fiber rich foods, green tea and omega 3 fatty acids.
Exercise
You know all about that healthy flushed facial glow after a good workout. Regular aerobic exercise stimulates and optimizes collagen production. Collagen gets triggered by regular exercise, which helps improve oxygen and nutrient distribution to the skin.
Collagen Stimulating Skincare
Proper skincare using high potent collagen stimulating and replenishing ingredients can also make a dramatic difference in skin smoothness. Look for anti-aging and collagen boosting ingredients in cosmetic skincare. Vitamin C is an essential ingredient in the production of collagen, and, when infused into skincare, helps accelerate new collagen production. Amino acids and copper peptides also perform a similar role. Other peptides, amino acid compounds, essential for the skin include Matrixyl, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Hydrolyzed silk. Applied directly to skin, these peptides signal to the body to boost collagen, stimulating natural replenishment. Functional keratin and coenzyme Q10 play a vital role in skincare as well, combatting free radical damage, which deteriorates natural collagen.
Direct Collagen Injections
The most direct way to treat a loss of collagen, injectable fillers provide a smooth, supple skin appearance with reduced lines. In youthful skin, collagen structures help maintain skin elasticity, so facial movements do not leave lasting lines and wrinkles. As collagen wears down with age, simple facial movements leave lasting lines and wrinkles. Collagen fillers increase the skin’s elasticity, plumping it so that lines disappear. Regular collagen injections can also reduce new lines from forming. Less dramatic skin treatment alternatives include microdermabrasion and chemical peels, which also accelerate collagen formation. Both procedures remove old, dull layers of skin, encouraging cellular and collagen turnover underneath.
