Collagen is a structural protein present throughout the body, including the skin, organs, and bone. Collagen exists as many different types, depending on where in the body it is found, design to support a specific function.
The main types of collagen that can be found in the skin are collagen type I and III. Collagen helps to provide structure and strength to skin, by providing integrity, firmness, and elasticity.
As we age, we begin to lose collagen in our skin, leading to visible signs of ageing. Without these key structural proteins, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, and the skin will sag with time.
External factors will also play a part in ageing; smoking and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin structures, including collagen, increasing the rate of aging.
How Can I Get Back More Collagen?
Nutrition
It has been suggested that nutrition has a link the skin aging, and can play a part in slowing the signs of skin ageing. There are different food groups that could potentially help prevent damage from external factors, such as foods high in vitamins A and E, which can help reduce damage from UV rays and air pollution. Many vitamin groups and essential nutrients have been suggested to have positive benefits on skin aging.
There are different foods, such as bone marrow broth or salmon that contain compounds or elements that are required for the production of collagen in the body, and can, therefore, aid in natural collagen production.
Aesthetic Treatments
Surface treatments for the face such as micro-needling with dermarollers or microneedlers can be used to trigger new collagen synthesis. The superficial piercing of the skin encourages a series of events to occur in the skin, eventually leading to an increase of collagen deposition in the skin.
Injectables, such as Ellansé are also an option to help stimulate and regenerate collagen in the skin. Stimulation of the collagen content in the skin is key to the longevity of Ellansé. Ellansé is a unique aesthetic treatment, it provides instant volume and long-term benefits from the collagen stimulation.