How is collagen formed – and why is it an important factor in the process of recapturing healthy, youthful skin?
Published on: 29/03/2017If you watch television or read a magazine, it’s likely you won’t be looking for long before you hear or see a mention of collagen. It’s a popular buzzword in cosmetics – and many creams claim to contain collagen itself, or collagen-boosting ingredients. However understanding what collagen is and the active role it plays in the health and appearance of our skin is vital if you are searching for a skincare solution to anti-ageing.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the principle structural protein in our skin, playing a vital role in its function and appearance. There are different types of collagen, found in abundance throughout the body. It is often described as the ‘glue’ holding us together – found in connective tissues, muscles and more.
Why is collagen an important aspect of anti-ageing?
Depletion of collagen is primarily responsible for the symptoms of anti-ageing most of us particularly dislike. These include sagging due to loss of elasticity, wrinkles and lines. If collagen is one of the main aspects of ageing, then it is also the key to anti-ageing. Most anti-ageing skin formulas now include ingredients that claim to replenish lost collagen and prevent further collagen loss. However amongst the only ingredients proven to slow the depletion of collagen and help skin to actively generate more are peptides. Peptides (such as the unique Nefera peptide) have been shown to help the body to recognise when collagen levels have dropped, therefore encouraging it to produce more.
How can I regain lost collagen – or prevent collagen loss?
Slowing the loss of collagen throughout the body and the skin really is an inside-out process. Many lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking and poor hydration can influence the rate at which collagen depletes. Once you start taking care of your inner health, however, there are also additional things you can do externally to care for your skin’s health. These include the use of peptides – with formulas specifically designed to combat the effects of collagen loss and ageing.
How do peptides aid in the creation and replenishment of lost collagen?
Peptides are amino acids – derived from collagen. It’s helpful to think of them as tiny jigsaw pieces, which come together to create a whole. Therefore when peptides are delivered to the skin topically in the right manner they are able to come together to form collagen. Additionally peptides help to strengthen the skin, aiding and bolstering the renewal process as a whole to ensure that it is supple, smooth and soft. Peptides also combat the depletion of collagen as they are able to stimulate the body’s natural immune responses, encouraging it to recognise where collagen has been lost, and produce more to replace it.
How is Nefera’s formula different?
Nefera is a completely unique product. Unlike other crèmes, our formulas contain an exclusive peptide that can only be found in our range. The Nefera peptide, or Ennapeptide M, is extracted ethically from a deep North Sea fish called Black Pollack. In studies it has shown remarkable regenerative properties – even more significant than those demonstrated by other peptides. Ennapeptide M’s constitution makes it a powerful protecting agent against ageing and loss of collagen. As cells are actively magnetised to this peptide it is able to facilitate the production of collagen and repair connective tissues.
Should collagen loss be my primary concern?
Whilst collagen loss contributes greatly to the appearance of ‘aged’ skin, there are other factors that also affect the health and therefore aesthetic of your complexion. The best policy is to choose a range that incorporates holistic ingredients – peptides that actively improve the overall health of skin, as well as boosting collagen.
Where can I discover more about collagen?
Interested in finding out more about the collagen synthesis process? Want to discover the difference the Nefera range could make to your skin condition? Read our story here – or get in touch with us to start a discussion.
Take the first step to better skin – shop our Introductory Set now.
