Collagen: what exactly is it?

People often talk about collagen boosting to combat skin aging, but do not necessarily know the function of collagen. We are also often told in the clinic, ”How can you stimulate collagen, I don’t have any collagen left in my skin, do I? I’m already too old for that.” To get more clarity on the subject of collagen, in this article we will give you more information and explanation about it.

Collagen, a crucial ingredient

Collagen is a body’s own protein that is part of connective tissue. Connective tissue is found in the skin, as well as in blood vessels, bones, cartilage and teeth. It is a glue-forming protein that provides structure and strength. Young skin contains more collagen than older skin, which is why younger skin looks and feels firmer. During the renewal process of the skin, new collagen is produced each time, this happens under the influence of fibroblasts (main connective tissue cells) in the skin. However, after the age of 25, its quantity decreases and the first fine lines and wrinkles may appear. Under the influence of enzymes, it is broken down. If there is no longer a good balance between production and breakdown, the skin will age and signs of sagging may appear. However, this varies from person to person.

The menopause

After menopause, collagen levels decrease by 2% per postmenopausal year. Collagen levels in the skin are related to estrogen levels. In the first five years, collagen decreases by as much as 30% after menopause. This means that the skin starts sagging very quickly after menopause and also becomes drier.

Multiple factors play a role in collagen breakdown.

Both hereditary, and environmental factors play a role in the process of collagen breakdown. Here you can think of both internal and external factors. By external factors, we mean UV exposure, stress, lifestyle, environment and diet. If you take in a lot of fast sugars, they can start to bind, hardening and damaging collagen. This binding process is also known as glycation.

We come back to the question, “How can you stimulate collagen, I don’t have it in my skin anymore, do I? I’m already too old for that.”

It is important to restore a balance between the production and breakdown of collagen. There are several methods that can help you do this; by using the right ingredients in skincare and/or having stimulating treatments performed. Many studies have been done on the intake of dietary supplements with varying results. We explain the proper use of skincare products and treatments below.

Stimulating collagen through lubrication

Let’s preface by saying that applying collagen directly to the skin will have no effect. This is because it cannot penetrate the skin because it has too large a molecular structure. The only effect it will then have is to put a protective layer on the skin. So how can you ensure that collagen is produced by using products? The answer is by using the right products that contain active ingredients. Here you can think of pure vitamin C (l-ascorbicacid). This causes collagen to be produced, making the skin firmer. In addition, it also acts as an antioxidant, slows the skin aging process and prevents any cell damage. When combined with vitamin E, cells and collagen fibers are protected even better. In addition to vitamin C, provide glycolic acid in higher concentrations, prescription vitamin A acid, retinol and hyaluronic acid also for stimulation.

Alternatively, ingredients can be used that actually prevent the breakdown of collagen. Among other things, peptides have an important role to play here. Peptides provide both collagen production and the prevention of its breakdown. Thus, there are many different types of peptides. Enzyme-inhibiting peptides slow down the natural breakdown of collagen. In contrast, signal peptides send signals to different parts of the skin to actually stimulate collagen. Also, retinol and prescription vitamin A acid counteract the enzymes that cause more breakdown.

Boosting collagen through skin treatments

Both skin products and skin treatments can ensure that it is still created in older age. The little that is still present in older skin can be stimulated so that the skin gains volume. Chemical peelings, microneedling, microneedling with radio frequency, and laser therapy are treatments that can ensure that collagen is stimulated. A combination of skin treatments ensures that the skin will work even more intensively on collagen stimulation. And you get a beautiful result even faster. If you already work preventively on stimulating collagen, after your 25 – 30 years of life, you ensure that you slow down skin aging. And that more is present in the skin later in life, than if you don’t use the right skincare and/or undergo treatments. All in all, it’s important that even well before menopause starts to occur, you’re stimulating your skin to produce collagen. In other words, by taking good care of your skin and giving it the boost it needs, you can age in a more beautiful way.

Boosting collagen through injectables

You can also stimulate your own collagen production in the skin through a filler or Skinbooster treatment. A Skinbooster works on the basis of hyaluronic acid. This is an endogenous substance with a moisturizing effect, in addition it offers a helping hand in stimulating collagen production. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases, causing the skin to lose elasticity and volume. As a result, the skin becomes saggy and wrinkles may appear. By undergoing a Skinbooster treatment, the volume and elasticity of the skin is restored and fine lines fade away. In addition, an injectable treatment with Radiesse® also provide a solution. This filler consists of a substance that is also found in our bones, called calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA). Under the influence of CaHA, fibroblast multiplication takes place. Due to an increase in fibroblasts, the amount of collagen in the skin will increase.

Would you like to know more about which products are best for your skin? Or are you more interested in which treatments can ensure that your skin stays in top condition? Do not hesitate to contact us . We will be happy to schedule a free consultation for you, based on a skin analysis and tailored advice from one of our specialists.