The skin, a wonder of life that constantly renews itself, consists of three layers. The first, the hypodermis, is the deepest layer. The dermis is the intermediate layer, and the epidermis is the third and last, making up the outer shell that creates our aesthetic appearance.

But the skin also possesses a mysterious structure. This structure serves as a kind of “glue” that ensures that all skin cells adhere perfectly. This perfect glue is called “collagen” and is the most important skin protein.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a group of proteins that together form the building blocks for your skin (and connective tissue); it makes up the majority of the dermis, the layer of skin just below the surface. Collagen gives our skin volume, flexibility and strength, and makes it look healthy and young.

What does collagen do?

Collagen gives skin its firmness, elasticity and resistance, creating important support for facial muscles and preventing the formation of wrinkles in the form of deep furrows. As our skin ages our natural production of collagen changes as well. The ‘glue ages’ and our skin becomes wrinkled – much like a balloon that creases when it loses air.

Now for the other part of the equation…

Collagen is only half the story when it comes to youthful skin – another essential component is elastin, a protein that helps maintain your skin’s elasticity. Your body does not produce elastin after puberty so applying a natural retinol is one of the best ways to support your skins elasticity. It’s important you choose a natural source of retinol to minimise the toxic load on your body.

Retinol is effective because it is naturally absorbed through epidermis to the deeper layers that contain collagen and elastin. Here it helps to improve the production of new skin cell growth and repairs damaged cells caused by the sun, pollution and chemicals.

How to defy ‘ageing’ skin

When we say our skin is ‘ageing’, what we’re actually seeing is the naturally occurring collagen and elastin breaking down. The effects of this are wrinkles, sagginess and lines. LifeCell Collagen Booster capsules contain compounds and antioxidants to help us naturally build up and restore collagen. They contain three of the most powerful anti-ageing agents: collagen, of course, plus resveratrol and hyaluronic acid. Combined, these superheroes not only make us look younger, but feel younger on the inside.

For improving skin elasticity without chemicals, I developed CELL Infuse Natural Retinyl. The active ingredient, buriti, is rich in essential fatty acids assisting elasticity and firmness, and it greatly supports the production of collagen. The formulation also includes Vitamin E-rich beta-carotene and Vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants. CELL Infuse Natural Retinyl penetrates deep down into the lower layers of the epidermis to support collagen production and deeply moisturise your skin, making it look fresh and vibrant, no matter what your age.

Have you noticed more fine lines and wrinkles? Do you have any further questions about the role of collagen and elastin? Do let me know!

Yours in good health,
Judy and the LCA Team