Collagens are a hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein, the most abundant protein in the human body. Collagens are strong and flexible. They are found in the skin forming long, thin fibrils and contribute to skin strength and elasticity. In the middle layer of skin, collagen helps form a fibrous network of cells called fibroblasts for new cells growing and replacing dead skin cells.
Collagen production declines with age especially after menopause and exposure to factors such as smoking and UV light. If the skin produces less collagen, the integrity of the skin declines, as a result the skin is looser and wrinkles form.
What damages collagen and how?
High sugar: high sugar increases blood sugar attaching to the proteins to form new molecules called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which can make collagen dry, fragile ad weak.
Smoking: chemicals in the tobacco can damage collagens in the skin.
Sun exposure and UV light: UV light make collagen breaking down quickly and damaging collagen fibers. UV light also damage the skin collagen synthesis forming wrinkles.
Aging: With aging the collagen production is reduced.
Unfortunately, collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. So, no cream applied to the skin gives the skin more collagen.
Facial acupuncture can increase skin collagen production by creating micro injury to the skin. As a result the skin becomes tighter and wrinkles are repaired.
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