What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that can be found throughout the body. It is an important component of connective tissue.
Where is collagen in the body?
Collagen can be found in the bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, hair, nails, skin, and other parts of the body.
What does collagen do for your skin?
Collagen is an important part of the foundation of your skin. It helps the skin stay firm and maintain elasticity. It also contributes to the production of new skin cells and helps keep toxins out of your body.
What happens to collagen when you age?
Collagen plays an important role throughout your body, but as you get older collagen production decreases. Hair may lose its strength and shine and skin may become thinner and less elastic. Your skin will be more fragile and wrinkles will become more prominent.
What can you do to aid collagen production?
While you cannot completely avoid the changes that come with getting older, you can take steps to preserve your skin’s health and appearance. Exposure to UV radiation and harmful toxins can accelerate the aging process and contribute to the loss of collagen. Do what you can to avoid areas with heavy air pollution, never use tanning beds, wear sunscreen when you’re outside, don’t smoke or use tobacco products, and wear clothing that covers your skin.
If lower collagen levels have left you with lackluster skin, you have options. Some patients opt for a facelift or Botox injections to improve their appearance, other choose dermal fillers. Some dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid, a chemical found naturally in your body. Others like Radiesse stimulate the body’s production of collagen this provides gradual and natural looking results that can last for a long time. Bellafill is a dermal filler that also supports the body’s production of collagen. These kinds of dermal fillers come with natural looking results that are long lasting. Visit Northcoast Laser Cosmetics to learn more.