More than 80% of your skin’s composition is made up of collagen, a protein that helps provide structure and connect your skin. Collagen works together with another protein, known as elastin, to give tissue the smoothness and lift valued in your youth.
As you get older, your body’s production of these two proteins slows down. This is in response to the natural aging process and genetics, but also to lifestyle habits and the environment.
If you want to maintain a youthful look, skilled cosmetic surgeon Yaqub Baraki, M.D., of Lansdowne Aesthetic Center can help. He offers treatments, like laser services and dermal fillers, that stimulate production of collagen and elastin to restore your skin’s suppleness and resiliency.
Here’s what he wants you to know about collagen and elastin and why promoting and protecting these proteins is key to good skin health and appearance.
Your skin is made up of three layers – the middle of which is called the dermis. The dermis makes up about 90% of your skin’s thickness. It’s where hair, oil, sweat glands, nerves, and blood vessels reside.
Collagen supports all these cells and tissues with skin repair and restoration. Elastin offers flexibility to tissue. This protein supports skin stretch and contraction – so your skin bounces back and holds youthful contours.
Aging is inevitable, but you can slow its effects on your skin. One of the biggest factors that leads to the breakdown of cells in the dermis is UV (ultraviolet) light from sun exposure.
Collagen and elastin break down in response to prolonged sunlight, experiencing what’s known as oxidation.
Oxidation is the process by which the molecular structure of collagen and elastin. Though sunlight is a major contributor to oxidation, smoke, pollution, chemicals, and certain foods also break down collagen and elastin. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots result from oxidation.
Protect collagen and elastin from the elements with simple habits like always applying sunscreen, even if you aren’t going to be outside for a long time. Higher levels of SPF provide greater protection.
Dr. Baraki also recommends certain antioxidant skin care products to limit the damage caused by oxidation. Sleep also helps promote recovery and repair of your tissues, including collagen and elastin.
At Lansdowne Aesthetic Center, we also provide services that help your natural collagen and elastin production levels. Dermal filler injections, for example, can promote greater production of collagen and elastin as well as mimic these proteins’ effects to lift and smooth your features.
Laser procedures also stimulate collagen production enough to create new tissues, erasing scars and deeper wrinkles. Renuvion J plasma treatments deliver heat under the skin to trigger new collagen production.
If you’re ready to learn more about these treatments and get a customized plan to improve your skin’s look and health, contact us today.
Call Lansdowne Aesthetic Center today to learn more about each procedure and how it can help you achieve younger-looking skin. Alternatively, use the online tool to make an appointment at our Leesburg/Ashburn, Virginia office.
