It’s inevitable as we age that fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and a dullness or loss of skin glow begins to become more apparent. Most often all of these signs of aging can be traced back to a single youth robbing culprit; collagen.
Think of collagen as the support structure of your skin that keeps it plump, tight and wrinkle-free. Collagen is a strong, flexible, fibrous protein that makes up one third of all the protein in our bodies. Below your outer layer of skin (epidermis), is the middle layer of skin (dermis) where collagen helps form a fibrous network that new cells can grow upon. The collagen is a key support structure in your skin and is required in the replacement and restoration of dead skin cells.
Beginning in our 30’s, our production of collagen naturally slows down, which in turn reduces the stability of the skin causing it to show visible signs of ageing - as well as weakening of other cartilage-rich areas such as our joints.
There are many products containing collagen, including creams and powders, claiming to revitalize the skin - however, collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed through the skin. Collagen applied to the skin has outstanding moisturising effects, but it does not strengthen the skin or directly increase the collagen concentration in the skin.
Collagen, like all proteins, is made up of amino acids and must be acquired through the diet.
Nutrients that support collagen formation include:
Proline: found in egg whites, meat, cheese, soy, and cabbage
Anthocyanidins: found in blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries
Vitamin C: found in oranges, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli
Copper: can be found in shellfish, nuts, red meat, and some drinking water
Vitamin A: found in animal-derived foods and in plant foods as beta-carotene
Vitamin supplements can further help. A Multivitamin, Vitamin C and Vitamin D. When you take all of these supplements, your skin health will improve and your body will be able to produce more collagen when you stimulate your skin with IPL treatments.
So, how why is IPL the new fountain of youth when it comes to rebuilding collagen?
IPL treatments are non-invasive and can penetrate deep into the layers of your skin without the worry of needles or potential side effects from derma fillers.
The first way IPL treatments work to increase collagen production is by introducing intermittent pulses of laser light to the skin, passing through the upper layer and down to the lower layer where the collagen structures reside causing the tissue to vibrate and destroy unsound collagen structures. The damaged tissue is then naturally removed by the body and new collagen is produced to replace it.
The second way IPL treatments work is by increasing blood flow to the treated areas. The heat from the IPL is absorbed by the surrounding tissue and causes the blood vessels to expand. This increased blood flow as well as increasing the rate that collagen can be produced.
The last way that IPL treatment works is by initiating the body’s repair process. After the old, less dense collagen tissues are removed and new collagen tissue is produced - the body is better equipped to continue to produce new collagen tissue for a prolonged period after the IPL service.
Good health habits can also effect the quality of your collagen.
A diet high in sugar increases the rate of glycation which can make collagen dry, brittle and weak. This can be easily avoided with a healthy diet using only natural sugars and limiting any synthetics.
Smoking is also terrible for collagen production. Many chemicals in tobacco smoke damage both the collagen and elastin in the skin as well as narrow the blood vessels.
Sunlight is also to be avoided or limited as it causes collagen to break down more quickly as well as the build up of abnormal elastin. Abnormal blasting produces an enzyme that also breaks down collagen.
Not only do IPL skin rejuvenation treatments increase collagen production, it also can reduce pore size, refresh your skin texture, even out colour spots, brighten your skin texture and reduce wrinkles and fine lines - making it a real fountain of youth - and who wouldn't want to look and feel younger?
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If you want to learn more about the Dermalase IPL - the lowest priced, Health Canada approved IPL Laser Hair Removal and Skin Rejuvenation device manufactured and serviced right here in Canada, including training and certification - just give us a call at 604-788-3413 to book your FREE demonstration.
