Why is Collagen so Important?
The internet has unlocked a multitude of new conversations concerning skincare and beauty, covering a huge range of topics. In fact, there are so many new terminologies and buzzwords thrown around here and there that sometimes, skincare feels a lot more complex and intimidating than it should. This means that it can be easy to lose track of what matters.
An all-time popular word in the beauty world, but not everyone really knows why it’s so important.
You may have seen it in passing while browsing your go-to beauty and wellness shops. You may have seen it in skincare ads, or heard about it from friends. You may have even come across an article or two explaining its benefits. But the question still stands: what is collagen?
Luckily, we’ve already written down the answers to your questions, plus everything else you need to know about this key anti-aging factor.
What is collagen, exactly?
Collagen is a protein-- but not just any protein. It is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up not only 75-80% of our skin, but is also responsible for being the central building block of important components such as ligaments and tendons, and even muscles, bones, and blood. Collagen makes up three quarters of our skin, and it comprises a third of our body’s overall protein. This is why collagen benefits go far beyond skincare, into the area of healthy living.
Why is it so important?
Collagen’s importance lies in its many functions. First and foremost, it functions like a glue, holding things together. Whenever something like a tissue is damaged in our bodies, an emergency response is triggered in our cells, causing collagen to be produced to help with healing and reparations.
Not only does it bind and heal, but it also applies some elasticity into its subjects, which is why having a healthy amount of collagen in our skin makes it plumper and stronger. This property of collagen, along with its partner in crime, another protein called elastin, is also responsible for keeping fine lines and wrinkles away.
When do we start losing collagen?
The reason why collagen is so connected with signs of aging is because this very important protein diminishes as we age. Its production steadily declines as we grow older, with a rate of 1% every year, starting in our early twenties. It peaks when women are most fertile (in our early twenties), and then decreases steadily, with a production loss of 1% every year. In our thirties, on top of the annual 1% loss, our estrogen starts to dip, and our cell regeneration slows down.
Our forties say goodbye to a lot more estrogen, while the collagen in our skin has gone low enough that moisture and elasticity has reduced, making us more prone to wrinkles. Finally, there is a drastic decline at the beginning of menopause, where we lose a third of our already depleted collagen stock.
Staying under the sun for too long can also contribute a lot to collagen loss, as UV light tends to break down collagen and elastin fibers. Smoking and pollution, as well, can help contribute to collagen breakdown.
Are there ways to help collagen production?
The slow decline of our collagen production levels sounds like a horror story in the making, but don’t let it scare you away! There is a way to kickstart collagen and elastin fibers production without having to go to frequent salon appointments or invasive treatments.
Dive into Radio Frequency Technology
Radio Frequency technology, is a dermatologist-approved nonsurgical method that involves RF waves that provide an even heating effecting to all skin layers in order to stimulate the production of collagen. In turn, this results in tighter and firmer skin, fighting off saggy skin, wrinkles and fine lines.
Using RF to penetrate the skin through its layers makes it a non-invasive and safe method, with immediate and long-lasting results. Some devices that use the ground-breaking Multi-Radio Frequency technology (which delivers faster treatments) are the STOP Vx and the STOP X.
All in all, RF is an amazing way to help give your collagen production a push towards the right direction. It’s safe and effective. The best part? You can don’t have to even leave the house for the perfect anti-aging treatment.
