Collagen and Its Role In Cosmetics
By Katrina VanDoran
What Is Skin Collagen?
Short Answer: A fibrous protein found in
skin, bone, cartilage, tendon, and other connective
tissues.
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.
Everyday your skin is exposed to environmental
elements such as sunlight and air pollution.
These elements cause free radicals to
form in the skin, which attacks the collagen
layer. This process prematurely ages and
damages skin, resulting in everything
from fine lines and wrinkles to loss of
elasticity and hyperpigmentation. This
process is known as photo-aging.
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. Action C products
provide anti-oxidant protection from environmental
damage.
Using face creams with vitamin C and
Collagen will stimulate skin cells to
produce collagen and can partly reverse
this process. Stimulating collagen synthesis
in aged skin was shown 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.
Action C Skincare is an exclusive 25%
Vitamin C based skincare system, containing
Aceromine, a natural Vitamin C derived
from the Acerola fruit. Acerola is one
of the richest sources of Vitamin C in
the world. In addition, Acerola contains
Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Niacin,
Beta Carotene and minerals. All five products
are non-abrasive and gently exfolliate
to peel away dead skin cells, revealing
a new and more beautiful complexion. Continued
use of Action C products will improve
the overall health and appearance of your
skin, not only now, but also long into
the future.
Colosé Cream Egalisante (Collagen Cream)
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.
Action C and Colosé Collagen Cream are
available at http://www.Make-UpUSA.com
CREDIT BYLINE: Article written by Katrina
VanDoran, Editor of Make-up USA Newsletter:
http://www.make-upusa.com. Ms. VanDoran
is a top makeup artist using Bren Cosmetics
and Colosé Cosmetics and Skin Care products
exclusively.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Katrina_VanDoran
