ageing

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It’s a major building block that provides structure, support and strength to various tissues. Collagen can be found in your:

  • Skin: Collagen plumps and smoothes your skin, giving your complexion its youthful elasticity
  • Bones: Collagen provides the framework for strong bones
  • Cartilage: It cushions our joints and allows for pain-free movement
  • Tendons: These tough cords rely on collagen for strength and flexibility
  • Blood vessels: Collagen also plays a role in the structure and integrity of your blood vessels

As we age, collagen production in our bodies naturally slows down – typically from your 20s onwards. This decline contributes to many visible signs of ageing, especially noticeable in the skin.

  • Wrinkles and fine lines: With less collagen to plump and support the skin, wrinkles and fine lines become more noticeable
  • Loss of volume and elasticity: As collagen production dips, skin loses its youthful bounce and fullness
  • Dryness: Collagen helps the skin retain moisture. Reduced collagen levels can lead to drier, less supple skin

It’s important to note that collagen loss isn’t the sole culprit behind ageing skin. Sun exposure, smoking and genetics will also determine how you age.

Can We Boost Collagen?

While we can’t turn back the clock on collagen production entirely, there are ways to support your body’s natural production and minimise collagen loss:

  • Diet: Include foods rich in vitamin C, proline and glycine; the amino acids that make up collagen. Think: citrus fruits, bell peppers, bone broth and egg whites
  • Sun protection: Sun exposure is a major destroyer of collagen – and the number one cause of signs of ageing on the skin. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily… even if you’re indoors, or it’s cloudy outside
  • Lifestyle choices: Smoking accelerates collagen breakdown. Maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep can also be beneficial in slowing its decline

Collagen Supplements

Amanda recommends: Totally Derma and Arella Vegan Collagen for vegetarians

If you’re looking for a collagen supplement that works, both these products have proven clinical trials and data to back up their claims. Totally Derma is bovine collagen, which boasts a small-enough molecular structure to boost your hair, skin and nails through the small intestine. It can also help with reducing inflammation in your joints and improving hydration in mucosal tissue; such as vaginal dryness in women, as well as helping to reduce hot flushes and skin dryness.

The Takeaway Message

Collagen is a vital protein that keeps our bodies functioning well and looking youthful. While collagen production naturally slows down with age, there are steps you can take to support your body’s natural collagen production; whilst minimising collagen loss. Remember: a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, sun protection and good sleep habits goes a long way in promoting overall well-being and maintaining a more youthful appearance.

Book a Complimentary Skin Consultation with Amanda To Learn More

Any questions for us on collagen, skincare products to use or anti-ageing in general? Our expert team, led by Advanced Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner & Prescriber Amanda Azzopardi are on hand to provide you with bespoke skin advice; with the help of our advanced skin scanner, which analyses the deeper layers of the dermis to provide an in-depth, bespoke insight into your skin’s health. Understanding your skin concerns and skin type is key in devising a treatment plan that’ll achieve real results.

Off the back of your results, Amanda can prescribe medical-grade skincare products through our partner, Get Harley, delivered straight to your door. These results-driven products from leading brands complement other in-clinic treatments – such as LaseMD Ultra or skin peels, perfectly.

Book your complimentary consultation at Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics today: it’s time to embark on your unique journey with us, creating true confidence from within. 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amanda Azzopardi, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine Prescriber, specialises in ageing-related changes. With a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, she's trained at the renowned Harley Academy in London and the Level 7 accredited Derma Medical Academy. Boasting over 15 years of global experience in acute medical settings and extensive aesthetic insurance, Amanda combines care, skill, and professionalism to ensure your treatments are in trustworthy hands.

BEGIN THE
PRO-AGEING
JOURNEY

Select your age below and we’ll guide you through a
selection of treatments

RELATED POSTS

How does the sun damage your skin?

The sun releases UV radiation, which over the years, ages your skin, causing its outermost layer (your stratum corneum) to thicken and harden. The result is tough, leathery skin.

How can you protect your skin from the sun?

Regular skin treatments can reduce the damaging effects of the sun but more important than treatment is prevention. This means wearing sunscreen every day to stop the sun’s harmful UV rays from reaching your skin cells.

What is the correct way to use sunscreen?

Wearing sunscreen correctly from childhood is vital to the long-term health of your skin, however, it is never too late to start.

Sunscreen works in 2 ways: by creating a physical barrier using zinc oxide to block the sun, which is why sunscreen forms a creamy, white paste, and by creating a chemical barrier to filter out damaging UV light.

To be effective, sunscreen needs to be frequently reapplied, especially after going in water or sweating profusely. The higher the SPF rating, the longer the protection you get.

The number after the SPF rating (e.g. SPF 10, SPF 20, SPF 50 etc) refers to how much longer you can stay out in the sun before your skin starts to redden compared with if you didn’t wear that sunscreen. For more on SPF ratings, read this from the Australian Academy of Science.

Is SPF makeup effective?

SPF makeup can give you a false sense of security. It doesn’t provide you with all-day protection any more than regular sunscreen does. This means you need to reapply your SPF makeup as often as you would regular sunscreen.

A helping hand

If you’re already struggling with skin problems through sun damage or otherwise, there are tailored aesthetics treatments that can reverse some of the ageing effects of the sun, pollutants and other factors, when combined with good skincare practice.

To find out which treatments will be most effective for your skin, book a one-to-one consultation at Amanda Azopardi Aesthetics by calling 07444 938 248 or 0151 558 0742, or getting in touch here.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Amanda Azzopardi, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Aesthetic Medicine Prescriber, specialises in ageing-related changes. With a Masters in Advanced Clinical Practice, she's trained at the renowned Harley Academy in London and the Level 7 accredited Derma Medical Academy. Boasting over 15 years of global experience in acute medical settings and extensive aesthetic insurance, Amanda combines care, skill, and professionalism to ensure your treatments are in trustworthy hands.

BEGIN THE
PRO-AGEING
JOURNEY

Select your age below and we’ll guide you through a
selection of treatments

RELATED POSTS