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As a cosmetic dermatologist Haute Beauty expert Dr. Margo Weishar is often asked, “how can I stop my skin from aging?” Of course, many factors contribute to the standard features we see in the aging process… wrinkles, fine lines, and freckles. But the most overlooked factor is the firmness of your skin.

Think about it this way. Whether you are smiling, frowning, or crying, there is a constant push and pull between the muscles contouring your face and producing the expression. Your skin’s ability to move and bounce back without creasing is thanks to your young skin filled with the two most essential components of your skin: elastin (elastic fibers) and collagen.”

Elastin helps with the ability of the skin to stretch and return to its shape, just like a rubber band. Collagen is a structural protein that forms a scaffold in the skin, providing firmness and support. While noting that collagen and elastin play a substantial role in your skin’s firmness and aging process, curiosity strikes. Can you replenish your body with the lost collagen and elastin?

Collagen & Elastin

As you take account of the vitamin shop store shelves, you might spy collagen supplements. Now, whether they work or not is another story. Collagen is a very large molecule manufactured by the body using amino acids and Vitamin C. Therefore, it can’t penetrate the skin’s surface or be replenished by ingesting supplements.

Although you cannot recreate collagen, there are ways to stimulate it and prevent breakdown. Many factors break down collagen, with ultraviolet (sun) exposure being the leading cause. By using effective sunscreen, you can avoid breakdown. Other damaging factors include smoking and excessive sugar intake. Elastic fibers are also affected by the same elements.

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When should you implement stimulation methods?

We lose collagen at about 1% a year starting in our mid-twenties. So this is a prime time to start on a regime to preserve and protect your collagen. Later we will want to promote the rebuilding of collagen that has been lost.

To save collagen, Vitamin C should be used daily. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to help protect the skin from breakdown when exposed to the sun. It also acts as a co-factor in the production of collagen. To use it properly, you should put Vitamin C on the skin immediately after cleansing, followed by a layer of sunscreen and then makeup if you use it.

As you approach your 30s, you may want to add procedures that will help to promote new collagen in the skin. One of Dr. Weishar’s favorite procedures for this age group is Clear + Brilliant laser. This laser is an entry-level device that sends energy into the skin in micro beams, causing cells that make collagen to turn on. It can help produce healthy collagen and maintain healthy collagen by doing these treatments quarterly.

In your 40s and onward, you may require more intensive treatment to help maintain and restore your collagen. These may include laser, radio frequency, or micro-focused ultrasound treatments. Your dermatologist can discuss all options when planning to preserve and protect your skin.

Through these suggestions, you can rely less on Botox and fillers and more on maintaining your appearance. If you’d like to learn more about how to prevent your skin from aging quickly, contact Springhouse Dermatology today.