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

www.skyebluebeauty.ltd.uk

Adapted from an article in the IIAA Bulletin April 2018

Mini Series - Vitamin A Myths #2

MYTH
Vitamin A causes photo sensitivity
The retinol and retinoic acid forms of vitamin A do make the skin photosensitive, but the retinyl palmitate form has extremely valuable photo-protective properties. 
Research by the dermatology department at University Hospital Geneva showed that at high levels, topical retinyl palmitate was as efficient as an SPF20 sunscreen in preventing sunburn. However, UV light breaks it down, so also taking it as a supplement is recommended to support topical application.

Sun Damaged Skin

“Retinol is an alcohol and is more irritating to the skin and photosensitises it”, says Dr Fernandes. “retinyl palmitate, on the other hand, absorbs the energy of UVB and UVA just like a sunscreen does and that is why it disappears in sun-exposed skin and the skin becomes depleted.” 
"It is fundamentally the most important molecule in addressing sun damage and anti-ageing. There is nothing else like it.” 
Environ^® Founder Dr Des Fernandes

Adapted from a post in the September 2017 IIAA Bulletin