For some, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are considered a beauty mark of age. Others will try to restore as much youthful appearance as possible. There is nothing wrong with wanting to maintain a healthy look, and many products are available on the market that promise positive results. Consumers should choose carefully, though, before succumbing to miraculous claims.
Collagen
Collagen is a protein-based component that supports several structures of the human body. Collagen is found under the skin, between bones and joints and surrounding some internal organs. Ample collagen under the skin, found more in younger people, is what provides firmness to skin.
Signs
Aging is a natural process that occurs through both genetic factors, the hereditary rate at which a person develops wrinkles; and environmental factors, such as overexposure to ultraviolet light or smoking. The collagen structure of everyone's face slowly begins to break down as people age. The American Academy of Dermatology states that there are several signs associated with aging of the skin, including fine lines and wrinkles; loss of fat found beneath the skin, causing a hollow appearance under the eyes; an increase in translucency of skin; and a decreased ability to sweat.
Wrinkles
A young person has skin that is more elastic and has more collagen available than someone who is older. As a person ages, the supportive structure of collagen begins to deteriorate, causing skin to sag. Years of using facial expressions such as smiling puts repeated pressure on the collagen framework. This results in skin that is less elastic and lines and wrinkles begin to appear.
Benefits of Creams
There are several facial creams available that make claims of reducing lines and wrinkles while firming the skin. These creams contain a type of collagen protein that, when applied to the skin should fill in fine lines and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen facial creams work as a type of moisturizer, as the collagen molecule accommodates moisture well.
Considerations
Facial creams with collagen may moisturize the skin, but applying the product topically will not build up the underlying collagen structure. Collagen is made up of large protein molecules which are not easily absorbed into the skin. The result is that facial cream is applied over wrinkles, where it remains on the surface of the skin. Collagen molecules that have been technically altered to be small enough to infiltrate the skin most likely will not provide enough of a framework to replace natural collagen. The outcome is that facial creams with collagen do not build up the skin as many claim.
Member Comments