Collagen

Collagen is essential to sustain tissue structure

Here is why

Collagen is present throughout your body’s organs and tissues as it provides the matrix that sustains the organs and tissues structure. 

Over 90% of the collagen in the body consists of 5 different types. The most abundant type is Type 1, which can be found in your skin, tendons, vascular, ligature, organs and bones. It’s responsible for your skin’s strength and elasticity and is the type of Collagen that we lose over the years. The loss of this Collagen causes the creation of wrinkles and fine lines. The other four types can be found in your cartilage, reticular fibres and cell basement membrane. “The word collagen is derived from the Greek ‘kolla’, meaning glue”, Dr Murad, dermatologist, explains. “To provide some perspective, protein makes up around 20% of the body's mass, and collagen makes up around 30% of the protein in the human body”.

Why do we lose collagen?

We lose Collagen because as we age our skin begins to thin. All three layers of your skin, the epidermis (the layer of your skin that provides a waterproof barrier and protects your skin from external harm), the dermis (contains connective tissues, hair follicles, sweat glands and collagen) and the hypodermis (a subcutaneous tissue made of adipose fat cells and connective tissues) show wear and tear over the years. 

The loss of thickness in your skin means that certain places that are already thin, especially like your hands, are more likely to exhibit signs of ageing. "Collagen production diminishes with age, as well as with exposure to UV radiation and environmental stressors such as smoking and pollution. Typically the decline in collagen production begins in your twenties and drops by about 1% each year," says Alexis Granite, a dermatologist at Mallucci London. "The appearance of fine lines are the first signs, with early wrinkles and crepey skin that doesn't snap back as quickly as it may once have.”

How to restore collagen levels?

It’s possible however to be able to postpone the effects of losing Collagen by incorporating it into your skincare as well as your diet. Granite, recommends using, “Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Resveratrol, Vitamin E [and] Green Tea.” Some people suggest that eating foods that contain plenty of Vitamin C will help to stimulate collagen production. 

If you’re interested in incorporating collagen into your skincare routine, take a look at the following products;

Prestige Pro-Perfecting Collagen Primer Touche Eclat

Essential Pack - Hydra-Bright Collagen Eye Restoring Pads

Collagen Intense Radiance Activator Serum

3-1 Hyaluron-Filler Collagen Eye Formula