What is Collagen All About?

Collagen. You know it's important for healthy skin. You know that it is vital to maintain your skin's youthful appearance. And you know that most age-defying products and laser treatments, such as laser resurfacing, photofacial rejuvenation, laser skin tightening claim to increase its amount in your skin. Even many injectable fillers, such as those used at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic, utilize collagen. But do you actually know what it is?

What is Collagen All About?

Collagen is a natural protein in humans, and in all multicellular animals. Collagen molecules, comprised mainly of amino acids, pack together to take the shape of a long and thin filament, which then group together to form bundles of collagen fibres. These bundles provide great tensile strength in various parts of your body, such as in and around the joints and connective tissue.

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body and exists in different forms. These forms of collagen are referred to as "types". Collagen is responsible for several functions, including strengthening the blood vessels and forming cartilage. However, for those concerned with the effects of aging, collagen is responsible for maintaining and supporting the structure of the skin. In fact, the skin is about 75% collagen, type I.

Collagen in the Skin

Collagen, acting with the other structural protein in the skin, keratin, is directly responsible for strength and elasticity. It repairs the skin to maintain its resiliency, and lies just below the epidermis.

Collagen and Aging

As we age, the collagen naturally present in our skin begins to degenerate. The bundles of collagen fibres slowly break down, becoming rigid and dry. Free radicals in our environment also damage our cells by oxidation, advancing the aging process. As a result, the skin can no longer remain smooth and supple from the contractions of the muscles underneath the skin, the effects of the environment, and genetics. Thus, the skin succumbs to the formation of wrinkles and furrows.

To slow down the formation of wrinkles, food (such as blueberries), topically-applied skin care products, and a healthy lifestyle can help. However, many find that these are simply insufficient in the prevention of wrinkles. That's why injectable fillers which use collagen-based products are available at Toronto Cosmetic Clinic.

It is important to note that some people may be allergic to collagen-based injections. Please consult your Toronto based cosmetic surgeon or doctor before undergoing treatment.