All about Collagen
There’s always so much talk about collagen, but understanding collagen – what it is, how it works, how it’s formed – is the only way in which you can know what treatments and products are really going to benefit you!
(Spoiler alert: it’s not just in your skin…)
Collagen plays it part all though your body:
- Muscles, bones, tendons,
- Skin & hair
- Organs
- Blood vessels & tissue around the heart
Collagen is actually the most abundant protein in our bodies, a form of fibrous protein and the main structural protein found in our connective tissue. In simplest term, it’s the ‘glue’ that helps hold the body together.
Not just about the skin
There are now 28 known types of collagen and it is relevant all through our body. It provides a supportive structure for various body tissues such as muscles, bones and ligaments and prevents them from falling apart. It works with another compound called Elastin to provide strength and firmness to the tissues. Improving your collagen levels can assist in many conditions such as osteoarthritic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, heart health, muscle fatigue, joint paint, flexibility and much more!
Collagen also works to keep the skin looking firm, tight, flexible and youthful looking. Our body’s collagen production naturally begins to slow down as we age. We can thank this degenerative process for “signs of aging” such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint pains due to weaker cartilage in your joints. As such, collagen stimulation leads to a more youthful looking skin. The substance has been used for a long time in combating signs of aging.
The Three S’s
On top of natural decline, collagen’s worst enemies are Sugar, Smoking & Sun exposure!
Collagen and your Face
Over the past decade, intensive research into skin ageing has shown that the major differentiator between youthful and ageing skin is the health and integrity of the collagen matrix in the dermis, the support structure below the skin’s surface.
In ageing skin, the collagen matrix is weakened, broken and fragmented, impairing the structure of the dermis. As the collagen matrix degenerates it becomes brittle, fragile and loses its capacity to maintain hydration.
Maintaining the health and structure of the collagen matrix is key to targeting these skin concerns and can dramatically improve the skin’s youthful, healthy appearance.
Our treatments specialising in Collagen Boosting
Collagen – cellular science
Why the benefits of increased collagen production are long and varied!
The complex protein of Collagen is made up of 19 essential and non-essential amino acids. Amino Acids are the building blocks of life!
The highest percentages of amino acids found within collagen, along with some of their key benefits, include:
- Proline: Proline makes up almost 15 percent of collagen. Proline and glycine, in particular, play a major role in ensuring your body runs smoothly. Proline helps to protect integrity of blood vessels, improve joint health and has various cardiovascular benefits (more on those below).
- Glycine: around one-third of the protein found in collagen is glycine. While size-wise it’s the smallest amino acid, glycine has big effects. To ensure our cells function properly, glycine helps build healthy DNA strands. It’s also one of three amino acids that form creatine, which promotes healthy muscle growth and boosts energy production during workouts.
- Glutamine: Considered to be one of the most important and abundant amino acids in the body, glutamine is both created within our muscles and also obtained from food sources. Research shows that glutamine has benefits for: preventing anxiety, tension, sleep disorders/insomnia, a lack of concentration, poor digestive health, a weakened immune system and low energy. Nitrogen, created by glutamine in high amounts, helps with wound healing and prevents muscle wasting and joint pains.
- Arginine: Arginine breaks down into nitric oxide within the body, which is an important compound for arterial and heart health.