The in's and out's of Collagen
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Collagen has been a beauty buzzword for as long as I can remember, but what is it? Collagen is a protein in our bodies that gives our skin strength & elasticity, helps our skin to heal & keeps it hydrated. Collagen makes up about 30% of our body's total protein mass & is found in tendons, cartilage, skin, connective tissue, ligaments, teeth, bones, the valves of the heart and the cornea.
From our mid-twenties, collagen levels decline, which is why our skin transforms from 'baby's bottom' smooth to developing fine lines, wrinkles & sagging as we age. As we know, 'anti-ageing' is a booming business & many skincare brands promote topical products containing collagen. However, the large protein molecule in collagen cannot penetrate the deeper layers of our skin, so it cannot increase the amount of collagen found in your skin.
Here's how best to boost your collagen production & avoid wasting time & money on ineffective products:
Products containing vitamins (A & C in particular) & antioxidants can boost collagen supplies & elastin in our skin. This is great news because ALL of our skincare products are formulated with ingredients that are rich in vitamins & antioxidants.
Cigarrettes; nicotine inhibits the delivery of oxygen & nutrients to the skin, while tobacco chemicals damage collagen & elastin. So ditch the ciggies, simple!
A balanced diet that contains vitamins, antioxidants & omega-3 fatty acids will aid in the preservation of collagen.
Exercise can help to reduce the visible signs of ageing while maintaining collagen levels & contributing to the health of our bones, muscles & joints.
Pollution & free radicals contribute to diminishing collagen. You can help to reverse environmental damage by incorporating products like our Ivory Clay & Berry Boost face mask into your routine.
Exposure to the sun's UV rays breaks down the collagen in our skin, so sun protection should be an essential step in your daily routine.
