Collagen, a word that is mentioned a lot when talking about aesthetics and ageing but what does it all mean?

We hear often about taking collagen in forms of supplements, but what is the science behind it?

Collagen supplements seem to be taking the world by storm, but what is collagen actually good for? Collagen-enriched powders, drinks, tablets and functional foods boast multiple health benefits, including stronger bones and healthier joints. Yet, one of the main reasons why these products are popular is their promise of youthful skin and prolonged beauty. 

Collagen is the structural protein that gives our skin bounce and also makes it feel firm, but as a natural part of the ageing process, our collagen levels decline, and as they do so this impacts the appearance and feel of the skin, which, in time begins to wrinkle and sag. For years people have been keen to try and replace some of this lost collagen in a bid to keep skin looking and feeling healthy

Does what you eat affect your collagen levels?

In short, yes. Nutrition remains the most important factor in the production of collagen. To get the components it needs, first the body needs to break down dietary protein into amino acids. The amino acids are what build the various types of protein in the body, including collagen. 

Many foods contain the nutrients needed to form collagen, such as salmon, leafy greens, eggs, berries, pumpkin seeds, and more, however many people don’t get enough of these in their diet and so for those wishing to supplement their collagen further, supplements can be an option.

Due to lack of variation of the diet, Collagen supplements are widely marketed to consumers for purported benefits in wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation, skin-ageing reversal, and skin plumping, these can ‘supplement’ your diet and help in time boost levels, however should not be used as a replacement over a balanced diet.

Stopping the ageing process in its tracks is the dream of many. But what is the effectiveness of collagen products alone?

Collagen literally translates as ‘glue’ and is the most abundant protein in the human body and its primary role is to ‘glue’ it together. 

Another way to ‘boost’ your collagen, is by applying collagen topically on the skin however this is not the best way to try to encourage an increase in collagen.  In general it does’t have the same affects as injectable treatments, as the injectables are place directly into the dermis rather than left to sit on the surface.

Injectables such as Profhilo are a sure way to increase your skin laxity and hydration.

Profhilo is one of the most innovative and effective skin boosting injections on the market. It harnesses the abilities of Hyaluronic Acid to bond to water and to stimulate collagen production. It's designed to improve the quality, tone and texture of your skin. Hyaluronic Acid occurs naturally in our skin. This stimulation of collagen helps to leave the skin fresh, tighter and dewy.

Unlike dermal filler treatments, Profhilo will not change the integrity of your facial structure, it will simply boost the skin. If you find that your skin is ‘sagging’ and you have lost a lot of weight or volume, fillers may be a better path for you to achieve desired results.

If you are unsure about starting your injectable journey, topical products such as retinoids or tretnoin  can be a great start.

Tretinoin directly induces collagen synthesis and decreases collagen breakdown by inducing tissue inhibitors of collagenase. Both of these functions appear to contribute to tretinoin's improvement of photoaged skin.

Retin-A contains the active ingredient, Tretinoin, a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It works by speeding up the skin's metabolism to promote cellular turnover. It increases the production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturiser in the skin.

If you would like more information on how medical grade skin care, injectables and diet can improve the look of your skin and help rejuvenate you, please book in for a consultation.

Love,

Nina x