Throughout our blog posts, we have used the word collagen extensively – almost to the point where it may seem that we worship this mysterious protein. Well, the truth is that at this cosmetic clinic in Darwin we do have the utmost respect for the role of this important protein in your skin’s health and appearance. Therefore, we dedicate a great deal of our effort to maintaining the most advanced medical and technical knowledge to nurture it.
Collagen Structure and Basic Function
So, what exactly is collagen? It is the most abundant protein in the human body and accounts for more mass than all of the other proteins put together. It is made up of the building blocks of protein called amino acids. Although it has many jobs throughout the body, it may be easiest to think of it primarily as a type of fibrous matrix or “glue” that helps the body hold together and keep its shape.
In the skin, its primary role is to support the firmness, and elasticity of the body’s largest organ as well as serving as a scaffolding for the “birth” of new skin cells. It is important, however, not to overlook its role as part of your body’s defences. Collagen protects you by preventing the absorption and spread of pathogens, toxins, and cancer cells.
Anatomy of a Wrinkle
We have discussed the basics of what this miracle substance does. Now let’s find out how that translates directly into the overall health and appearance of your skin. Simple, this wonder substance naturally decreases as we age due to slowed production and UV light. Weaker cell structure means thinner and more fragile skin that is more prone to sags and wrinkles. We have previously discussed the three layers of skin – the epidermis, the dermis, and the hypodermis. Decreasing collagen has the greatest proportional impact on the middle layer – the dermis, and what complicates matters more is the loss of fat in the deeper hypodermis.
So what exactly is a wrinkle? There are several mechanisms for the formation of wrinkles, but the loss of collagen and fat in the deeper layers of the skin is the easiest to understand. Imagine for a moment making a bed using a King sized fitted sheet to make a Queen sized bed. No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to get all of the wrinkles out of the sheet because the underlying structure is smaller than the cover. The analogy here is that the dermis and hypodermis are the mattresses, and the epidermis is the sheets. If the thinner epidermis is saggy due to a lack of its collagen and it is being stretched over a “mattress” that has lost some bulk, there will be extra skin left over, and wrinkles will form.
Cosmetic Injectables Darwin to the Rescue!
Most of our popular treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma, Skin Needling, and deeper Chemical Peels are designed to stimulate the production of collagen and help thicken and strengthen the underlying layers of skin to address common causes of wrinkle production. Dermal fillers can also assist with the stimulate collagen production, helping to bind collagen and elastin (the skins elastic) together to help prevent future loss.
Still have questions? Ring us on 0484 087 745 or send us an email using the “Contact Us” tab on the website. We are confident that our 23 years of combined healthcare experiences in clinic settings across QLD and the NT will put your mind at ease. Let us prove that we have the knowledge and passion for bringing your skin back to life!
