Collagen
Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found in skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and other connective tissues. It is a key structural component of the lower layer of skin. Collagen bunches together in packs throughout the dermis. It accounts for roughly three-quarters of the dry weight of skin. In addition to the weight of skin, collagen is responsible for the skin’s strength.
As a connective tissue, collagen is the cement that binds everything together. It holds all of the smooth muscle tissue together, such as:
- Blood vessels
- Digestive tract
- Heart
- Gallbladder
- Kidneys
- Bladder
In addition, collagen is a key structural component of:
- Bones
- Cartilage
- Tendons
- Skin
- Lung tissue
- Blood vessels
It gives structure and firmness to the body tissues. Elastin gives the same tissues flexibility.
When people age, the proteins in cells hook together or change shape. This prevents the proteins from doing their job correctly. This results in less collagen and less firmness in body tissues, eventually leading to wrinkles. As a result, an important target of wrinkle prevention and elimination is the amount of collagen and increasing its supply.
It is possible to stimulate skin cells in a way that produces collagen which can reverse this aging process. One of the key ingredients to this is vitamin C. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps to reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. When Vitamin C is makes it to skin cells, there is a good chance that wrinkles can be reduced and skin texture improved.
Taking large amounts of Vitamin C orally is of little benefit. It would be very difficult to obtain a high enough concentration of vitamin C by taking a vitamin C supplement.
Contact a Houston Botox Provider
For information on reducing the appearance of wrinkles when they’ve already been formed, contact the Houston Botox providers of Dermagenix by calling 713-662-3376 today.
