Collagen and elastin… say what? They might sound like scientific jargon, but they really matter for your skin's health and youth.
Why? Because they're the dynamic duo behind your skin's glow-up game. These ‘building block’ proteins are like the architects and engineers of your skin, keeping it firm, springy, youthful and healthy.
But here's the deal: if you live large all the time, and as you clock more birthdays, their production slows down, leaving you vulnerable to wrinkles, sagging and softening.
So, let's dive into why collagen and elastin are your skin's ride-or-die crew, why you need to show them some love, and how to keep them thriving for skin that stays selfie-ready.
Collagen and elastin: Why they’re your skin's besties
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. Think of it as the scaffolding that supports skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, holding everything together.
While elastin (it’s in the name!) is responsible for elasticity – it’s like the spring that keeps your skin flexible, bouncy and stretchy without losing its shape.
Together, they're the power couple that work to maintain the firmness and suppleness responsible for keeping your skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
Why looking after your collagen and elastin is a must
Young skin is full of C&E, but listen up, squad, don’t take it for granted!
Yes, it’s natural for collagen and elastin production to slow down as we age, but we can speed up the process even in young skin with unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices.
What happens when collagen and elastin get damaged?
When they start to become damaged or depleted, your skin throws up some serious red flags: wrinkles, fine lines, sagging, uneven texture, enlarged pores and slow recovery from damage —basically, all the stuff you don't want to deal with.
So preserving collagen and elastin isn't just for your parents' skincare routine. It's like investing in your skin's future. The earlier you start, the longer you'll rock that fresh-faced vibe.
What damages collagen and elastin?
Several things can damage both the quality and quantity of the collagen and elastin in our skin, which can show up as skin aging long before it should, and it affects the skin's long-term health and appearance:
Sun's UV rays: They're like the ultimate party crashers, breaking down collagen and elastin fibres faster than you can say SPF. This leads to premature aging, wrinkles and sagging. So no more playing the sun bunny, m’k?
Cigs and vapes: Smoking is a major buzzkill for collagen production as the smoke contains many harmful chemicals that age skin. And puffing away can leave your skin dull, ashy and tired-looking.
Poor diet: Is your regular diet labeled J for junk? Sorry to say, high sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can contribute to collagen and elastin breakdown.
Stress: Chronic stress can throw your skin's balance out of whack because it triggers inflammation in the body. This can damage collagen and elastin fibers over time.
City-life pollution: Pollution isn't just bad for the planet; it's a major skin saboteur too. It can trigger free radicals and collagen and elastin damage as it messes with your skin's natural defenses and speeds up the aging process.
Preserving collagen and elastin: What you can do
But fear not, fam! You can totally keep your skin squad goals on point with these tips:
Sunscreen slay: Daily SPF is your skin's best defense against UV damage and collagen and elastin breakdown. Slather it on every morning.
Do a lifestyle edit: Chill Out. Stress less, sleep more, and find your zen. Avoid smoking, and cut the alcohol to the occasional treat. Your skin will thank you.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin plump and hydrated.
Make healthy eating a habit: Swap out sugary snacks and greasy grub for a balanced diet with daily feasts of colorful fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support collagen production and skin health. Leave the junk food for the occasional treat, if you must.
Get picky about your skincare: Do your homework and choose skincare products containing ingredients like collagen, peptides, retinoids, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to promote collagen synthesis and protect elastin fibers.
Our suggestion: Collagen Peptides Serum, our potent blend of vegan collagen, which supports skin elasticity and firmness, and bioidentical cultured vegan peptides. The serum helps prevent and reduce wrinkles and improve hydration and radiance, as it protects your skin against sun damage and pollution.
So, there you have it, squad!
Collagen and elastin might be the unsung heroes of skincare, but now you know why they're the real MVPs. Keep them happy and your skin will be slaying for years to come.