|
The
main structural component of the lower layer of
the skin (Dermis) is a protein called collagen.
Bundles of collagen molecules pack together throughout
the dermis, accounting for three-fourths of the
dry weight of skin. Collagen is also responsible
for the skin's strength. Collagen is produced by
cells called fibroblasts, which are found scattered
throughout the dermis.
Collagen
is a connective tissue and is the cement that holds
everything together-the primary mortar between the
bricks of all of our smooth muscle tissues such
as blood vessels, digestive tract, heart, gallbladder,
kidneys and bladder, to mention just a few. Collagen,
along with elastin, is a key structural component
of bones, cartilage, tendons, the skin, lung
tissue and blood vessels. Collagen provides structure
and firmness to body tissues, while elastin provides
flexibility to those same tissues.
As
aging occurs, cellular proteins hook together or
change shape. These changes keep the proteins from
doing their jobs properly resulting in a loss of
collagen and less firmness to body tissues. This
process eventually leads to wrinkles. Thus, one
important target of wrinkle prevention and elimination
regimen is to reduce collagen breakdown and increase
its supply. This task is achievable but you have
to go about it in the right way.
Stimulating
skin cells to produce collagen can partly reverse
this process. Stimulating collagen synthesis in
aged skin was shown to reduce wrinkles and improve
skin texture.
First,
vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen
, a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin
C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically
increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin
C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage
caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly
delivered to skin cells, there is a good chance
to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Please keep in mind that taking large amounts of
vitamin C orally is of little benefit for reducing
wrinkles because you cannot orally obtain high enough
concentration of vitamin C in the skin to notably
increase collagen production.
Our
Cream Egalisante
contains vegetable collagen from the leaves and
fruits of the Australian Acacia Tree. Beware of
products that contain native collagen as these are
animal derivatives.
|
