To understand the relation between skin wrinkles and collagen, first is necessary to understand what is collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein, mainly present in skin, bones, muscles, and cartilage. Collagen supports and connects organs to the bones. In a easy way to understand collagen we could say that is the "glue that keeps the body together".



There are more than twenty five types of collagen in the body, and it makes up 70% of the dermis (the second skin layer, underneath the top layer of the skin: epidermis).

What about skin wrinkles and collagen?

Collagen and elastin (a protein that gives elasticity to our organs), are responsible for the resilience and elasticity of the skin. Is thanks to them, that the skin is able to stretch every time we make a move, and revert to its original position.

As we get older, the skin begins to lose its elasticity and capacity to retain moisture. Collagen production is diminish and skin wrinkles find a place in the face. Expression lines become more pronounced, due to skin sagging, and those expression lines become wrinkles. The skin begins to sag because it losses its flexibility and resilience. And the older we get, the deeper the wrinkles.

What we can do about skin wrinkles and collagen?

1- To replace loss of collagen, fill out those wrinkles and add volume to the lips, many people resort to collagen injections or other collagen derived injections. Collagen injections are derived from bovine (cow) and are FDA (food and drug administration, USA) approved for some purposes. An allergy test will be necessary, prior treatment. There is no need for anesthetic and the procedure will last about 10 or 15 minutes, depending on area-s treated. Is injected under the skin, with a fine needle and some minor discomfort may be felt. After the injection the skin might be red, swollen or tender, but it will fade within the next few hours or days. they have been proven to be safe, but possible side effects include: allergic reaction, asymmetrical result, skin infection, "trout pout". The result is temporary, lasting from 3 to 6 months.

2- Collagen treatments- If collagen injections are not for you, then you could try collagen facials at the beauty salon. It uses products containing collagen that help to plum up the skin. Collagen treatments are also very effective in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and to give elasticity to the skin. A collagen treatment often consist in some type of laser or electrode treatment, followed by the application of a collagen product with a massage and a collagen mask.

3- Lead a healthier lifestyle. Say good bye to tobacco, stress, sun overexposure, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, dehydration.

4- Feed you skin inside out by eating antioxidant food, that will protect your body from free radical damage. Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts and pulses.

5- Although topical creams that contain collagen won't have much effect on the skin's natural collagen, because they only work on the skin's surface, collagen products will help to keep the skin moisturized and supple. Don't forget to exfoliate the skin, prior applying skin care products, that way it will be better absorbed and wrinkles will be less visible.