Collagen is a protein found throughout our body. In the skin, collagen is located in the dermis (deep layer of the skin)
Collagen provides the structure and support to our skin. It is responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production declines so this is why many anti-aging skin care products target collagen stimulation.
Topical Vitamin A (retinols) has been proven to work by going deep into the dermal layer of our skin & stimulate the production of collagen. This is the reason why I am such a huge advocate of the addition of retinols to all of my clients’ home regimen.
Collagen is damaged by smoking, UV ray exposure & oxidative stress (imbalance between the production of free radicals & our body’s ability to counter their harmful effects). This damages shows up as fine lines & wrinkles.
Not so fun fact about collagen:
Excessive sugar in our body binds to the collagen in our skin, which causes an inflammatory process & ages our skin. This process is called glycation. So, here is yet another reason to decrease your sugar intake!