So you are here because you want youthful skin, great let’s chat about it.

It’s all about collagen!

Collagen is a body protein that binds the skin together just like a glue. It keeps the skin firm, plump, smooth and youthful.

After the age of 20, Collagen production in the body naturally declines. Exposure to factors such as smoking, UV light from the sun and a bad diet makes it even faster.

As the body produces less collagen the structural integrity of the skin declines and wrinkles slowly start to form. Nobody wants to wrinkle fast.

That’s why the search for collagen is women’s greatest quest on earth.

Cosmetic and medical companies are cashing in.

Pills, bills, portions and surgery knives. Searching for something that can easily be found in specific and affordable fruits and vegetables.

The collagen Hunt:

Unfortunately collagen cannot be met directly, you have to meet his agents.

Most of the over the counter creams that boldly proclaim collagen only contains its active ingredients

These active ingredients work by

1. a) Stimulating the growth of collagen
2. B) Protecting the existing collagen in the body from breakdown.

All collagen agents are synthesized from food by-products. Meet the Top three collagen agent:                                       

The top 3 collagen agents and how they work.

These key ingredients are found first in foods. They can then be synthesized into capsules, drugs and creams

Collagen agent :Retinol or Retin A (by product of Vitamin A.)

This is probably the strongest and most used collagen agent . This active ingredient works by fighting free radicals in the body that breaks down collagen, it also been found to effectively unclog pores, reduce fine lines and boost collagen.

This Vitamin A derivative signals to the skin cells to grow at a faster rate, bringing fresher and more youthful skin to the surface more rapidly.

Originally, they were used mainly to treat acne. Over time, many patients began reporting that Retinoids also improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smoothed skin tone, and cleared away blocked pores.

Sources of Retinoid (Vitamin A)

Animal sources contain direct active ingredient Retinol:   liver, eggs yolk, fortified milk

Plant sources have to be converted to Retinol:   Sweet potatoes, spinach, Kale, colored vegetables

Vitamin A is synthesized into creams and capsules as active ingredients for a collagen boost

Collagen agent: Alpha hydroxy acids, (AHA): By product of food acids like Lactic acids and Glycolic acid

 How they work: They assist the collagen production by acting as exfoliates — removing the upper Layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. AHA encourage new cells to rise to the surface, giving the skin a fresher, healthier, more vibrant look

Food sources:  The best sources of AHA are lactic acids (sour milk or yogurt). Grapes, sugar cane apples and pears

colagen agent : Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) 

Vitamin c is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that breaks down collagen. It also has exfoliate properties. It’s a water-soluble vitamin.  It is needed by the body to form collagen in bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels.

Dietary sources of vitamin C include: Oranges and grapefruits.

 Others collagen agents include: co –enzymes Q10 ,  peptides and  tea extracts

 Chasing collagen?  why food is your best bet.

Food is the best, most effective way to stimulate collagen – with no Strings attached

Collagen in creams; Creams that contain Retinol, AHA or vitamin c could cause redness, dryness, itching, skin irritation, sunburn and a burning sensation.

How well the products are absorbed into the skin on a molecular level is under scrutiny.

There are also possibilities that the body’s immune system may even see it as an invader and attack it causing more skin complications

Collagen through surgical procedures

Surgical procedures and techniques like Laser, Chemical peel, Dermabrasion or micro needling mimic the wound and healing process.

These methods destroy the outer surface of the skin by scratching or burning out affected wrinkled areas medically creating a light wound. Because of the trauma to the face the brain would naturally stimulate collagen to promote healing, a new firmer skin replaces the old, wrinkles are gone.

There is a risk of scarring, temporary swelling, redness and bruising in the treated area. The    Procedure may need to be repeated every few months.

Beauty starts on the inside;

Skip all that drama, expensive pills and portions and simply eat your active ingredients.

The best foods for firm  skin would include the following

 Retinoids (Vitamin A)   Livers, eggs, fortified milks, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes and Kale

 AHA:   Yogurts (sour milk facials also work)

Vitamin C;   Orange and grapes

Now grab your purse and hit the stores.

Don’t forget:  No smoking, Use your SPF, avoid sugar ( gosh it kills collagen)

Now go forth, eat healthy & Glow from within

Peace sign!

 

References: Mayo clinic 

  Harvard Nutrition

University of Maryland medical center