Why We All Get “Crepey” Skin & How To Rejuvenate It
You may (or may not) be surprised to learn that your collagen generation decreases about 1% per year after the age of 25 – some sources give you until 30. In truth, it takes many years to really notice the effect, but it is happening all along.
Additionally, as we age, we lose that very beneficial (but mostly unrecognized) small layer of fat underneath the skin surface that resides in the subcutaneous layer. This magical fat keeps everything looking perfect, well, until too much of it has dissipated. And suddenly, we take notice.
While you are still young, and before the crepiness is well underway, it is important to stave off the inevitable as long as possible. Due to a wealth of internet information (that which can sometimes be detrimental or misleading), younger people are now aware of what is to come and how to help prevent it. And like all of us at some point, even knowing what’s to come does not deter us from accepting that it will happen, or encourage us to make the changes to help the reaction come on slower. We’re all guilty of vices that may prematurely age us, but taking advantage of that information is among the best beauty advice we can give!
Preventing Collagen Deterioration
While time is still on your side, we encourage you to take these two suggestions to heart to help maintain your bodies precious collagen. The two main factors that accelerate the downgrading of collagen are excessive sun exposure and smoking. Just remember: a “healthy looking glow” from the sun is simply a misleading term for what is actually “sun damage”. Of course, when we are younger, our collagen is still reproducing more rapidly, so the damage does not appear permanent…yet. And the long-term effects of smoking are well-known and widespread. In consideration of all you might have to do to reverse the effects of smoking, the best advice is to stop.
Rebuilding Collagen
Of course, at some point, time will ultimately help change the collagen makeup of your body. And there is no way to return an older person’s skin to that of a 20 year old’s. But there is hope for certain treatments that show some promise: Sculptra. Sculptra™is a collagen stimulant that can be injected just under the skin to stimulate the regrowth of collagen. We have been using this remarkable product for many years now at the Anushka Cosmedical Centre to help regrow natural collagen and replace tissue loss.
Sculptra™ consists of lactic acid particles: microscopic but sharp. Your body recognizes this as foreign and begins to grow collagen around the particles that are perceived by the body to be foreign, though they are biocompatible and biodegradable. They are reconstituted with sterile water as the vehicle to get them in place. The injected area is massaged after the placement to keep the particles evenly dispersed as the sterile water is absorbed by the body. Because collagen growth takes a while, an initial result is not seen until about 4 weeks post treatment. Sometimes a second treatment is recommended, depending on the severity of the initial presentation.
Areas commonly treated include the face, temples, arms, buttocks (to provide lift), knees, cellulite, and uneven areas post-liposuction. Sculptra™ should not be placed in the lips, directly under the eyes, or on the back of the hands.
Collagen Supplements
You’re not imagining this. Collagen supplements are among the most talked about products on the market today. A plethora of manufacturers and multilevel marketing (MLM) companies tout collagen supplementation to enhance everything from organ health to better skin and hair. Often, no research is presented in the advertising. Aside from glowing reviews from clients who tout their belief of a “healthier” self, little or no meaningful research supports the products. And here’s why…
The Truth About Collagen Supplements
Many collagen supplements are not tested, and the molecules are simply too large to enter the bloodstream in order to go anywhere else and affect change. It is found that native collagen is a large and complex protein. In order for the body to synthesize it, it must be denatured with heat, then hydrolyzed (cut by enzymes) into short fragments – only two to three amino acids long. These peptides are mainly made up of proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.
Collagen supplements are often derived from bovine, porcine, or marine sources. The marine sources, from the skin and scales, have a lower molecular weight making them more absorbable, and more sustainable, since those parts of fish are mostly not consumed as food.
Which Collagen Supplements Work?
When purchasing collagen supplements, it is necessary to do your research. While we are talking mainly about skin in this feature article, there are two hair supplements that contain this type of collagen. Nutrofol™ and Viviscal™ both contain marine collagen peptides. They can be purchased at the Anushka Cosmedical Centre to improve hair growth.
Healthy Skin Is In
It is never too late to take care of your skin. Avoid sun exposure, eat healthy meals, and take a collagen supplement demonstrated to be absorbable into the blood stream. Remember: If it can’t make it there, it can’t go anywhere!
Book An Appointment
To schedule a complimentary consultation, you can call our West Palm Beach, FL office at 561-820-8055. The Anushka Cosmedical Centre is located in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida at CityPlace. Our private valet is always complimentary. We look forward to helping you achieve your desired de-aging goals!
