Posts Tagged ‘collagen injections’

Replenishing The Collagen In Your Skin

Collagen is a type of protein found in our body which is responsible for the framework of the tissues. Degradation of collagen is mainly responsible for the visible effects of aging on our skin and body.

The skin has two layers, epidermis and dermis. Epidermis is the external layer and is chiefly a protective layer. The lower layer is dermis, of which collagen is the main component. As such, collagen acts as the support structure for our skin. When we are younger, the collagen framework is intact, which in turn keeps our skin moisturized as well as elastic. With time, the stores of collagen in our body diminish, which leads to the loss of tone in skin and eventually the formation of wrinkles.

There are many methods of replenishing the collagen and encouraging its production in our body. A healthy lifestyle and balanced diet go a long way towards maintaining youthful looks.

Certain foods also prevent the breakdown of collagen and stimulate its production. Foods rich in vitamin C belong to this category, as they help metabolize collagen. There are many topical anti-aging products available that contain collagen. However, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin and reach the dermis.

Therefore, these products only provide a temporary and superficial anti-aging solution. There are certain other products that actually stimulate the production of collagen as well as dietary collagen supplements. These can be used for anti-aging as well as for medical problems arising from the deterioration of collagen.

There is another method of imparting collagen to the body and that is in the form of collagen injections. Creams cannot reduce the effects of collagen loss. They just help keep the skin supple and fresh looking. Collagen injections contain collagen-based filler which is injected just below the skin. It replenishes the collagen in the skin and is also used to repair facial imperfections, treat scar tissue, and fill hollow cheeks.

Since collagen injections promote a smoother and plumper look, it is a popular choice in cosmetic treatments such as to plump thin lips. The effects of collagen injections can last anywhere between three to six months.

Most natural collagens derived from animals or humans are biodegradable and break down after a while. Synthetic collagen is produced by combining natural collagen with chemicals to produce a type of collagen that takes longer to break down.