February 2021 –
As I began this month’s blog post, I started by googling the word collagen. A topic that has been rather hot lately. What popped up first in my search was images of all different brands of collagen powder, followed by articles on collagen supplements and articles with titles questioning whether it’s a hoax or the secret ingredient to a lifetime of youth. My mom even just asked this question. So, the question is, is it? What is collagen and elastin? How can we achieve and maintain strong, bouncy skin?
WHAT IS COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN?
Our skin has two main layers, the epidermis and dermis. The dermis is our supportive layer that is comprised of connective tissues made up from collagen proteins and elastin fibers, which also supplies our skin with nutrients, as well as oxygen. Collagen is a protein substance of complex fibers, giving our skin strength.
Collagen is what makes up 70% of the dermis and can be produced by our fibroblast cells (cell stimulators!!). Collagen holds us together, keeping the skin bouncy and supple. Elastin on the other hand is a small percentage of the dermis; elastin is the fibrous protein which gives the skin elasticity.
Fibroblast cells – Factory
Amino Acids (including glycine, proline, and lysine) – Workers
HOW DO WE STIMULATE PRODUCTION AND MAINTAIN
STRONG, BOUNCY SKIN?
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Our signature enzyme facial also plays a key role in stimulating collagen. Enzymes remove dead proteins and toxins using reverse osmosis; by “back flushing” fluids that go through the cell walls with the byproduct of a clean and clear matrix. The enzymes in our signature enzyme facial activate the dermis and directly stimulate our mitochondria. Remember how tight the mask feels? That constant downward pressure actually stimulates collagen production. The enzymes increase circulation and with a progressive tightening action. This sends a rush of FRESH, NEW oxygenated blood (This is TRUE oxygen therapy!) Oxygen is essential to our fibroblast cells that produce our collagen. Enzyme therapy will increase collagen production.
Pro Alpha 1 is our AHA, or alpha hydroxy acids and what this does is raises our internal hydration. Not only does this push up plugs and deep blackheads, but it also gives our collagen fibers water to suck all up and become strong. Collagen needs water to make sure they are structurally supported.
Red LED Light therapy has been found to stimulate those fibroblast cells which produce collagen.
Microneedling creates microscopic wounds which trigger collagen production to help heal. Vivace combines microneedling with radio frequency which increases collagen.
COLLAGEN MUST BE PRODUCED BY OUR BODY (FIBROBLAST CELLS)
WHAT DAMAGES COLLAGEN AND ELASTIN?
So, what can damage our collagen and elastin. Well, as we age our collagen decreases naturally. Glycation (Sara’s blog post!) is that excess of sugaring that leads to cross linked wrinkling because there is too much weight of the sugaring on our collagen and elastin fibers causing them to collapse. UV radiation can also break down our collagen and elastin fibers. Protect yourself from the sun, avoid high amounts of sugar, and come see us for professional treatments and at home prescriptive to help avoid damage and strengthen and increase collagen production.
DMK HOME PRESCRIPTIVES THAT HELP PRODUCE COLLAGEN
Delivery Vitamin C
Vitamin C activates the amino acids in fibroblast cells which stimulates collagen production
Beta Gel
Beta Glucan stimulates Langerhans cells; stimulation of these cells can stimulate fibroblast cells to produce collagen
Seba-E
Has the ingredient Phosphatidylserine which accelerates recovery of a damaged barrier by actually stimulating ceramide production; MMP-1 expression is induced by UV and reduces collagen. Phosphatidylserine inhibits this reduction and collagen production will increase
Crème Citrique
Citrus Aurantium Dulais Oil (Orange Oil) works to increase the production of collagen which will work to remove fine lines, as well as work against the formation of wrinkles
Biogen C- “Beauty flash cream”
Increases collagen production and rebuilds the structural integrity of the skin
Nite Firming
Stimulates collagen production and protects our mitochondria. Contains 2 of the most powerful antiaging peptides available (palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide)
Revitosin/Revise A
Retinoic acids help in the process of regulating the number of fibroblast cells and the production of collagen
Eye Tone
Contains Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C) which is collagen boosting, as well as Beta Glucan and Asiatic Acid that improves elasticity
Foamy Lift
Strengthens, tightens, firms’ tissue; Our at-home enzyme contains Aspartic Acid which strengthens the integrity of collagen
Hydrating Masque
Contains retinol which stimulates cell renewal, as well as collagen production