We keep talking about Elastin & Collagen and how important it is for your skin. But do we actually know what they are? How to maintain them? Or how to get more? Here is a little insight into that.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissue that helps maintain your skin’s shape and structure. Collagen is found in your bones, muscles, and blood, making up 3/4 of your skin and 1/3 of the protein in your body. Collagen gives the skin the rigidity it needs to minimize stretching. The skin needs collagen to minimize the signs of aging (wrinkles/lines & sagging skin). Most of us will lose 20% of our natural collagen by the age of 40.
What is Elastin?
Elastin is the most abundant protein in your body. It is a stretchy protein that resembles a rubber band. It can stretch out (extend) and shrink back (recoil). Skin elasticity refers to your skin’s ability to stretch and bounce back in place. This happens because there is Elastin in your skin.
Is Collagen and Elastin the same thing?
No. They are both proteins that work together in your connective tissue. Collagen gives the skin strength & resilience. Elastin allows the skin to stay in its original shape AND maintain flexibility of the skin too. Collagen fibers make up 90% of the skin and elastin makes up 10%. Collagen and Elastin is what gives us plump, healthy looking skin. As skin loses its elasticity, it starts to sag and wrinkle. Our skin elasticity is highest when we are young and slowly decreases as we age.
Do we need to worry about Collagen and Elastin?
Yes. To maintain healthy skin structure, we must maintain these two proteins in our skin.
How can we get more Collagen and Elastin?
Leafy greens, food with vitamin C, foods with antioxidants, citrus fruits, berries, fatty fish, nuts. Maintaining a regular skincare routine. No smoking. Minimal caffeine intake. Minimal sun exposure.
Swallowing Collagen?
As of now, there isn’t ENOUGH research showing the true effectiveness of collagen pills/collagen drinks improving the collagen in your body. That may change with time. Im a true believer of research. It has been proven that aesthetic procedures such as PDO threads, Medical Microneeding and PRP actually improve the Collagen and Elastin in our skin.
Hope you enjoyed your insight in aesthetic medicine with Higher Self Aesthetics.
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