COLLAGEN: UNIQUE STRUCTURES IN THE DEEPER LAYERS OF THE SKIN
Collagen is the most important structural protein in the human body. It consists of fibers and accounts for more than 30 percent of all proteins in the body. Collagen is an essential component of bones, teeth, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin. 80 percent of young skin consists of this structural protein.
Sun exposure, smoking, hormonal changes, and diet all affect the body’s collagen balance. In addition, collagen production slows down from the age of 25 and continues to decline throughout life.
RECOGNIZING REDUCED COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
Low collagen production noticeable and visible throughout the body
Reduced collagen production in the skin often first becomes apparent on the face. However, the neck, décolleté, back of the hands, and upper arms are also often affected by visible effects. The middle layer of skin (dermis) is particularly important here, as it contains a lot of collagen and hyaluronic acid (hyaluron). Collagen forms the basic structure of the network (matrix) in the deep layers of the skin, which is crucial for the appearance, tone, and firmness of the skin and connective tissue.
Consequences of hormonal changes
Reduced collagen production can also be related to hormonal changes. Hormonal balance can change, especially during menopause or pregnancy, which can affect the appearance of the skin and collagen levels. During menopause, estrogen levels in particular drop significantly, with immediate consequences for the body’s own collagen production. Studies show that the collagen content of the skin decreases by around 30% in the first four years of menopause and then continues to decline by about 2% annually.
Structural change in the collagen network
The illustration shows the difference between a weakened and a strengthened collagen network. In the left-hand image, the network is weakened, which can lead to deeper wrinkles. The targeted intake of vitamin C in combination with bioactive collagen peptides can stimulate collagen production in the dermis and allow the collagen network to slowly rebuild itself. This scenario is illustrated in the right-hand image.
The comparison shows that the skin structure is strengthened, the skin surface is smoother, and the wrinkles appear less deep.
WHAT CREAMS CANNOT DO: Collagen for the skin must come from within.
Collagen in skin care products has so far only been applied to the skin’s surface. This is not enough, as it only remains in the uppermost layer of skin.
This is because the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid mainly takes place in the deeper layers of skin.
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STRENGTHEN CONNECTIVE TISSUE WITH ELASTEN® Drinkable Collagen
To strengthen connective tissue, ELASTEN® should be taken at an early stage. Its excellent tolerability allows it to be taken over several months or even permanently. This principle is called “collagen banking” – i.e., the targeted, early-stage build-up and maintenance of the body’s own collagen reserves before visible signs of skin aging appear.
Source: Laing, 2022; Bolke, 2019
