Let’s Talk About Collagen

Let’s talk about collagen! I often hear people say it’s genetic so there is nothing that can be done! While I absolutely agree that genetics determines how we look, I am happy to say that we can choose how quickly we age. Studies show that 97% of aging is extrinsic and though there are probably studies out there that disagree, for the purpose of change let’s go with that! So let me help you, because the time is now to start taking care of the largest organ in your body! The time is now to understand the importance of collagen and how to improve collagen production! 

Collagen is damaged by the sun, so wear your SPF every day. The best action you can take to protect collagen is using SPF, the good news is it doesn’t start breaking down until you are exposed to the sun, so now you have no excuse,  throw it on in the morning and it will still work until you have gotten your sun exposure. Always reapply often when basking in the rays. Wear a hat and avoid direct sunlight. 

Collagen is the scaffolding of your skin it gives skin that bounce, plumpness, and strength. Collagen makes up 75% of healthy young skin. 

The steady decrease in the ability to defend from the sun, free radicals, decline in cellular turnover, & collagen production is why it’s crucial we step up our game each year to be more successful at battling the wrinkles! 

The younger you start caring for your skin the better off you are! Hydration is key to skin looking its best so be sure to drink lots of H₂O! 

If you are concerned about breakouts talk to your skin care specialist you might be surprised by what you learn. Often over exfoliation and drying of the skin can cause your skin to overreact producing more oil to battle dryness leading to more breakouts. Moisturizing the skin is a good thing.

What’s the difference in over-the-counter skin care vs. professional products? Over-the-counter products are limited in how active their ingredients can be. This means when you buy professional products you are receiving products that are packed with active ingredients focused on helping you get the results you desire. 

Smoking leads to 20% less collagen synthesis and exposure to free radicals.

Sugar is another enemy of youthful skin, glycation is when sugar leads to hardening of skin structure, including collagen. It’s important to keep this in mind when drinking alcohol or overindulging in sugary treats. 

During the first 5 years of menopause, you can experience a 30% loss in collagen.

Studies show that using collagen supplements and topical collagen products noticeably reduces the signs of aging, wrinkles, and improves hydration. 

Best tips for taking care of your skin:

1. Drink lots of water.
2. Wear an SPF daily, and a hat, and avoid direct sunlight.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
4. Use professional products that support collagen and elastin, and focus on a serum it is made up of smaller molecules to penetrate deeper.
5. Cleanse daily to remove pollution on your skin and improve the absorption of your skin care products.
6. Drink a collagen supplement.
7. Get sleep and reduce stress
8. Finally, try out some professional services listed below to make your anti-aging goals a success! 

Let’s put our best face forward.