The role of collagen, for younger, longer lasting skin!

The role of collagen, for younger, longer lasting skin!

02/05/2021

Collagen is the majority protein in the skin. There are 29 different types known to date, of which at least 12 are found in the dermis, epidermis, epidermal junction and hypodermis. Its structural and biological properties give it an elementary role in the construction and architecture of many tissues. It contributes to the skin's resistance, firmness and smoothness. Light on this protein, which has become an essential part of cosmetic care to counter the signs of aging.

WHAT IS COLLAGEN AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

Collagen is a substance present in large quantities in the human body. It belongs to the family of so-called structural proteins, and is made up of three chains, each composed of a thousand amino acids. This major component of the connective tissue contains fibroblasts, the cells that enable its synthesis.

Collagen is present not only in the skin, but also in muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, teeth, ligaments, cornea... It is the most abundant protein in the human body and forms indissoluble fibres, which give tissues mechanical resistance to stretching. It contains elastin and glycoproteins, responsible for the cohesion of tissues and organs. It comes in the form of fibres and ensures the regeneration of tissues, gives them great elasticity, provides hydration, flexibility and resistance and acts as a kind of binder. In other words, collagen is the natural protein that is the support of the body structure. Without collagen, the body would have absolutely no hold! It is also indispensable in the fight against scars. This is why the more the years go by, the less the skin heals quickly and well.

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STIMULATE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION TO KEEP SKIN SMOOTH

After the age of 25, collagen production decreases (about minus 1% per year and minus 30% per year after menopause). The skin then loses tone and elasticity, and its smooth and plumped-up appearance gives way to slackening and the appearance of wrinkles. Pollution, smoking and excessive exposure to UV rays contribute to this early degradation of collagen. It is therefore necessary to boost its production. There are different techniques for this: massages, cosmetic products enriched with collagen, food supplements or regular consumption of foods containing collagen.

THE MASSAGE

face massage

The production of collagen in the skin can be stimulated by regular facial massages. Indeed, they activate blood circulation, make the facial muscles work, thus improving skin tone. Just a few minutes a day are enough, so don't hesitate to integrate this simple and effective practice into your beauty routine! For a successful facial massage, perform the following gestures:

- start by redrawing the oval of your face. Place your thumbs under the chin, pinch the skin lightly and slide up towards the ears;

- massage the cheeks vigorously with the pulp of the fingers, always moving upwards;

- Place the tips of your index and middle fingers on each side of your nose and smooth the skin up towards the temples;

- make small circular movements with your fingertips all around your mouth; - raise your eyebrows with your fingertips and hold the skin for a few seconds;

- Place your phalanges under the chin, on each side of the face, then smooth the skin of the lower neck up to the ears.

You can perform each of these gestures 3 times in a row. Finish this facial massage with ample smoothing movements, always from bottom to top, from the centre of the face outwards. The skin's collagen will be stimulated and your skin will be shaped and toned!

COSMETIC PRODUCTS

Many anti-aging cosmetic products include marine collagen in their composition. The latter, obtained by extraction from the skin, bones and scales of fish, is very effective in combating the first signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. It helps to protect, moisturize, improve the quality of the skin and maintain its elasticity. Its tensor effects are multiplied tenfold when combined with other active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

Taking food supplements is an excellent way to increase the level of collagen in the body. They are found in the form of dosed capsules of marine or vegetable collagen (such as spirulina, for example, known to boost human collagen production), to be ingested with water. Cures usually last 2 months, and should be renewed regularly. Of course, food supplements should not replace a rich and varied diet. The good news is that collagen is also present in many foods. It is therefore possible to take care of your body while enjoying yourself!

FOODS RICH IN COLLAGEN

lawyer

While daily application of collagen-rich skin care products is good for the skin and helps prevent skin aging, eating foods that contain collagen is an effective and inexpensive way to keep enough collagen in the body. Beyond its benefits for the skin, collagen helps fight joint pain, hair loss and heart problems, supports intestinal health and increases muscle mass.

There is a whole list of foods that help maintain the collagen level of the skin and the body in general: kiwis, carrots, dairy products, spirulina, meat, green vegetables... Here is a non-exhaustive list of foods to be eaten without moderation!

Salmon: rich in zinc and essential fatty acids, it also contains trace elements to activate the proteins essential for collagen synthesis. It is therefore very good for the skin to consume it regularly. Fatty fish in general, such as trout, mackerel, sardines or salmon, contain little collagen, but are rich in lysine, an essential amino acid for its formation.

Green vegetables: asparagus, green beans, broccoli, endives, spinach, sorrel, parsley... green vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that prevent the breakdown of our cells, and therefore collagen!

Avocado: it is a fruit-vegetable (fruit of a plant generally consumed in a salty preparation). It is particularly rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from oxidation, a phenomenon that has a direct impact on the quantity of collagen present in the skin.

Some meats: chicken, veal, beef, pork are meats with a high collagen content, as are giblets, snouts, legs and bone broth, which are particularly rich in collagen.

Garlic: is a natural antibiotic with a high sulphur content, a chemical element involved in the elimination of toxins present in the body. It therefore has purifying properties and contributes to the formation of collagen.

Tomato: this fruit-vegetable is rich in lycopene, a red fat-soluble pigment also found in watermelon. Lycopene acts as an antioxidant in the body and promotes the secretion of collagen.

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Virginie - "I'm 46 and have a few wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes. I really like the silky cream - it has a smoothing effect and my skin looks more supple, less tired.

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