Collagen is the main structural component that determines how well our bodies retain their shape and firmness as well as making up around 30% of the body’s total protein. Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Kellie Reed, explains, “It’s naturally occurring and made from amino acids, helping to form the connective tissue that supports and holds all the body’s components together, from teeth to tendons.”
There are cosmetic advantages to having proper collagen production as well. “Collagen plays a huge role in the way our skin looks and feels, providing the firmness and shape that give off a youthful appearance and glow,” notes Dr. Reed. Collagen rests under the surface layer of the skin where it forms a scaffolding that, combined with elastin, helps the surface layer retain its structure and accommodate movement without wrinkling.
“Like all bodily systems, collagen production slows down over time. Not only does the simply body make less of it as we age, but what does remain becomes weaker due to lack of support.” Dr. Reed shares. As a result, it begins to break down, which can result in a variety of changes including wrinkles and sagging skin.
Cosmetic procedures like microneedling and dermal fillers help to stimulate natural collagen production and rejuvenation of the skin. Microneedling uses a small instrument to cause mirco-wounds in the skin which triggers the body’s natural healing systems and ability to repair the skin, pushing collagen to the wounded areas and smoothing out the skin’s appearance. Dr. Reed describes “Dermal fillers work in a similar way, boosting the skin’s supply of hyaluronic acid, often with a soft injectable gel.”
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For more information about collagen and which revitalizing procedure may be best for you, contact us at Sanova Dermatology today!
