Tuesday 17 April 2018

MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #5


#5 In Salon Collagen Treatments

There are various in-salon treatments that therapists can offer their clients to increase collagen levels naturally. Environ' Collagen Power Facial. is a peptide-packed treatment that boosts collagen, softens fine lines and tightens lax skin. Gentle sound waves and pulsed iontophoresis are used to drive a special nutrient-packed serum deep into the skin to give a plumper, more radiant appearance.

Environ Skincare Treatment


Collagen Stimulation Therapy
The most effective treatment salons can offer is Collagen Stimulation Therapy. which harnesses the body's natural powers of healing to smooth the skin and achieve incredible results, pioneered by Environ' Founder Or Des Fernandes. Collagen Stimulation Therapy (CST) can stimulate collagen production and tighten skin. It combines micro-needling with topical vitamin skincare and involves thousands of tiny needle pricks to the skin. The resultant bleeding initiates the release of platelets which in turn release a cascade of growth factors. This is what stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in a tighter, smoother and younger looking skin. One of the key growth factors released (TGF 83) is normally only found in foetal tissue and is responsible for initiating scar-less healing and regenerating skin.

Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

Monday 16 April 2018

MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #4


#4 Vitamin A and Collagen

Vitamin A influences up to a thousand of the body's genes and it is essential for the normal function of ALL skin cells. It induces the genes for collagen production - healthy lattice-type collagen I and ll. Vitamin A also increases NMF (natural moisturising factors) in the skin, and improves the quality of elastin. According to research, vitamin A is effective in preventing and treating the collagen loss caused by photo damage. It found that treating the skin with vitamin A prevents the loss of type 1 and type 2 collagen caused by UV exposure. Furthermore, the role of peptides, cannot be ignored. Peptides are made up of amino acids, which can help form collagen, elastin and GAGS (moisturising factors). Introducing moisturisers that contain a combination of Matrixyl 3000, Trylaqen and Matrixyl Synthe 6 peptide complexes, can help to smooth out lines and wrinkles and restore collagen levels, making the skin appear plumper and smoother.

Active Vitamin A Treatment


Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

Sunday 15 April 2018

MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #3


#3 Collagen - The Elixir Of Youth?

As we learnt from Meryl Streep in the cult 90's film 'Death Becomes Her', the quest for eternal youth is something many strive for and youthful skin can become the ultimate skincare goal. But unfortunately, ageing IS a natural part of life and as time passes by collagen levels start to decline. From the age of 20, 1 % percent less collagen is produced in the dermis each year. As we age less collagen is produced and both collagen and elastin fibres break, thicken, stiffen, clump together and lose their elasticity.
Without collagen the skin will lose its youthful, plumpness and slowly the signs of ageing becoming increasing Visible. There's no stopping the ageing process. Luckily there are ways to slow it down and prevent some of the visible signs of ageing. One way to preserve youthful skin is to activate or regenerate fibroblast cells ensuring a good supply of collagen fibres and firmer skin.

Collagen and Youthful Looks


Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

Saturday 14 April 2018

MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #2


#2 THE FIVE MAIN TYPES OF COLLAGEN

Type 1: Collagen Type I is the most abundant collagen of the human body. It is the end product when tissue heals by repair and is our best structural collagen.

Type 2: Collagen Type II is found as we grow larger and become more active. It is the main component of cartilage.

Type 3: Collagen Type III is found In adults and mature tissue and IS formed before being synthesised into Collagen Type I.

Type 4: Collagen Type IV is found in the basement membrane.

Type 5: Collagen Type V is associated with Collagen Type I and is found in cell surfaces.

Collagen and the skin

Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

Friday 13 April 2018

MINI SERIES: COLLAGEN #1


#1 What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is found mainly in the skin, muscles, bones, cartilage and all the body's connective tissues. In the skin, collagen is responsible for its strength and elasticity. Collagen is made by the fibroblast cells found in the dermis. In addition to making collagen, fibroblast cells are also responsible for elastin production, as well as natural moisturising factors such as Hyaluronic acid. Fibroblast cells protect collagen by inhibiting collagenase (an enzyme that breaks down collagen) and also make pro-collagenases which destroy old and damaged collagen. Normal, healthy collagen (in lattice-type formation) is incredibly strong. It can be compared to a rubber band as it is extremely elastic and springs back when stretched.
There are several factors that contribute to collagen loss including: natural skin ageing and UV damage. Other key contributory factors to collagen loss include free radicaI damage and lifestyle (i.e. smoking, excess caffeine, alcohol and sugar consumption). If fibroblasts are damaged by UV rays or free radicals they will produce defective collagen.
If deep, long term damage to the structural proteins occur then the skin loses its tone and structure. Therefore it is important to safeguard your natural collagen by ensuring protecting your skin from UV damage and follow a healthy diet and lifestyle.


Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018