What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, playing a cruicial role in providing structure, strength and elasticity to connective tissues like skin, tendons, ligaments and bones.
It is composed of amino acids, these form a triple-helix structure, giving collagen its unique strength and resilience.
There are 28 types of collagen, but type I, II and III are the most common. Type I is found in skin, bones and tendons, providing tensile strength. Type II is essential for cartilage, which cushions joints, while type III supports the strength of muscles and organs.
What can damage the Collagen in our body’s?
As we age, particularly in our 30’s collagen production naturally declines, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles, joint stiffness, and weakened tissues. Environmental factors, like sun exposure, smoking and poor diet can further accelerate collagen degradation.
How can we improve and protect the amount of collagen we have in our skin?
To counteract the damage that aging and free radicals has on our skin, many turn to collagen supplements, which are typically hydrolysed for better absorption. However, many of the collagen supplements come from cows & fish, which isn’t always the best news for vegetarians.
While there are many skincare products that boast collagen as an ingredient, beware of these claims. Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by the deeper layers of skin. That means applying it topically may not help improve the signs of aging. A better alternative is to look for skincare containing active ingredients that boost or protect collagen within the skin such as Retinoids, Antioxidants, Vitamin C and most importantly a broad spectrum SPF%+.
Some are turning more to treatments designed to stimulate collagen production, such as microneedling and/or radio frequency like Dermaforce or Dermapen.
How do these treatments work in producing more collagen?
Collagen is vital for wound healing, as it helps to close wounds by promoting tissue regeneration and strengthening the healing area.
Treatments such as Dermaforce and Dermapen Microneedling work by creating thousands of controlled wounds in the skin to naturally trigger the body’s collagen production. The needles enter the skin cleanly at a 90-degree angle, making it safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types and ethnicities.
Microneedling offers a resolved proliferative response and scarless wound healing.
What skincare is best to use?
Retinoids are forms of Vitamin A. They are highly effective in stimulating collagen production in the skin, which helps reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. They also speed up cell turnover and promote the growth of new ones. This in fact strengthens the skin barrier, making it more resilient to environmental stressors.
Skincare containing Retinoids, such as ZO skincare containing retinol, or Obagi Tretinoin, work by stimulating fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing collagen.
Retinoids also prevent collagen degradation by inhibiting enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPS). MMPS break down collagen and elastin in response to UV exposure and aging, so retinoids help protect the collagen matrix from damage.
Skincare with Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules produced by environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, stress and HEV( high energy visible light from screens).
Antioxidants will neutralise the free radicals by donating electrons, preventing the form damaging skin cells. This protects the skin form oxidative stress which is the leading cause of premature aging. Zo’s daily Power Defense is a highly effective antioxidant serum designed to protect the skin form environmental stressors and premature aging.
Vitamin C plays a key role in the production of collagen by acting as a cofactor for enzymes. These enzymes are crucial for stabilising collagen molecules which give the skin its structure and strength. Vit C is a potent antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and is linked to firmer, more resilient skin with fewer signs of aging and wrinkles.
Obagi Professional C system is a skincare line that focuses on utilising the potent benefits of Vitamin C, specifically L’ascorbic Acid, to enhance skin health. Products like Obagi’s Vitamin C Serum and Professional C Microdermabrasion polish and Mask contain high concentration of 30% @-ascorbic Acid which are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin, providing antioxidant protection, brightening effects, and helping with firmness and hydration.