Collagen is a form of protein that is abundant in the human body. Its function supports most tissue and gives cells structure from the outside. However, collagen is also found inside certain cells. Collagen has the ability to stretch and bend without breaking, and is the main component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and skin. Along with soft keratin, collagen is responsible for skin strength and elasticity,
The foundation of our skin is made up of collagen, elastin and fluid matrix (called the “ground substance”). In healthy skin, the composition of collagen is 80% Type I in the upper layer of skin, and 20% Type III in the lower layer on the skin. As we age, we lose about one teaspoon of Type I, which is equal to 20% collagen per day. When we gain collagen, it is normally in the form of Type III at a rate of 4%. It is only natural then that as we age, our cells become damaged from external factors like ultra violet (UV) thus losing collagen. As a result, our skin appears wrinkled and we experience volume loss and sagging. This is due to the way collagen is lost and regained.
Now, what can we do to stimulate skin rejuvenation and re-establish the 80/20 rule to enhance skin’s appearance? There are laser services available, (i.e. Laser Genesis photo facials performed at medi-spas such as Lotus Skin Care Center and Medi-Spa located at 5368 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758; 516.798.0200; www.lotuslasertreatments.com). There are also injectables (such as Juverderm, Radiesse and Beletero) a service also offered by Lotus Skin Care Center and Medi Spa (www.lotuslasertreatments.com). Plastic surgery may also be an option to obtain a fresh canvas.
Now fast forward. Post treatment what should we do to protect our investment? The answer is an At Home Regime that consists of action products with key ingredients that are specifically designed to promote the formation of collagen and/or elastic fibers in the skin. Ingredients such as Vitamin C – L-ascorbic Acid promotes the synthesis of collagen. SkinCeuticals’ CE Ferulic and Phloretin CF have outperformed all other Vitamin C products on the market. Buyer Beware: purchase these products from authorized partners with SkinCeuticals only, such as Lotus Skin Care Center and Medi-Spa (www.lotuslasertreatments.com). You may find a list of authorized dealers on the SkinCeuticals website (http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/members/locate_professional.aspx). Sources that are NOT on this list are dispensing products that are expired or counterfeit.
Another great ingredient is human growth factors. Human Growth Factors are essential proteins that mobilize and stimulate the production of cells within the living. Importantly, they have the ability to initiate cell mitosis. In a nut shell, the human growth factors communicate with the cells in the body to achieve a physiological balance, whereby repairing and stimulating cell rejuvenation thus replenishing lost collagen and elastin fibers. SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex contains 93.6% of 110 pure human derived growth factors in an air tight bottle. A key point to note here is that there is no alcohol, surfactants, or emulsifiers in this product as these ingredients would affect the efficacy of the product. Buyer Beware: purchase these products from authorized partners with SkinMedica only, such as Lotus Skin Care Center and Medi-Spa (www.lotuslasertreatments.com). You may find a list of authorized dealers on the SkinMedica website (http://www.skinmedica.com/find-a-medical-practice). Sources that are NOT on this list are dispensing products that are expired or counterfeit.
