Collagen- The Building Block of Beautiful Skin

Youthful, healthy, beautiful skin is characterized by a plump, radiant, and wrinkle free complexion. Yet as we age, a decline in collagen and elastin production is the culprit for the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, muscle laxity, and weaker bone structure. What exactly is Collagen? Collagen is a protein composed of a large number of amino acids. It is a major component in our bones, cartilage, blood vessels and skin. Collagen is responsible for providing the skin with elasticity, smoothness, and strength. Through diet, lifestyle changes, hormone balance, and non-invasive cosmetic treatments, you can slow down collagen break down and keep your skin and body looking younger.

Vitamin C is a major component in collagen production. Because our body is not able to make Vitamin C, we need to supplement it through a healthy diet. I recommend the intake 500mg of Ascorbyl Palmitate ( a lipo-soluble form of Vitamin C)   twice a day with food. Good quality protein rich in zinc vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, and silica is an important staple of a healthy diet. Beans contain an enzyme able to specifically ward off collagen breakdown. Nuts and seeds, packed with protein, natural oils, and minerals are a vital part of a collagen preserving diet. Vegetables and fruits contain a myriad of antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and a variety of fiber. And finally, it is important that you try to avoid refined or processed foods. They are packed with sugar, trans fats, and chemicals. These types of foods activate an inflammatory response in your body which can lead to an acceleration of protein and collagen breakdown.

Hormones, particularly estrogen are vital for maintaining healthy, supple, and hydrated skin.  It is not a coincidence that after menopause, our bodies get in the “fast lane” of aging. It is well documented that by the time a women is five years into menopause, 40% of her collagen has been depleted from her skin. Bio-identical hormone replacement is a great option for most women heading towards or already in the collagen wreaking years surrounding menopause. Bio-identical hormones stimulate the fibroblast essential for producing collagen fibers, help increase elastin production, and keep natural fats in place under the skin. The level of estrogen in your body can also be increased naturally through diet. Soy products, for example,  contain an estrogen like compound known as genistein.

Finally, one of the best ways to “jump start” your body into producing its own natural collegen again are several non-invasive cosmetic procedures that we offer at our medi-spa. Laser technologies, particularly Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), are a very useful tool in improving collagen production because the IPL penetrates deep below the surface of the skin to stimulate fibroblasts responsible for collagen production. After a series of IPL treatments you can expect to see younger, more radiant skin. Injectable fillers, such as Restylane, Radiesse, and Belotero, also have the ability to stimulate the skins natural production of collagen.