Skin elasticity is determined by two proteins: collagen and elastin. Elastin is a protein secreted by fibroblasts in the dermis, and it confers the skin with stretch and recoil abilities. These abilities are essential because they allow the skin to return to normal after stretching or poking promptly. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing all types of cells with strength and structural stability. Collagen is vital to the skin because, besides giving it elasticity and structural resistance, it also ensures tissue regeneration.
The synthesis rates of both collagen and keratin decrease over time, with keratin synthesis stopping after puberty and collagen synthesis reducing by 1% yearly. As previously mentioned, tobacco smoke only accelerates the degradation of both proteins. However, to aid the keratin and collagen loss in the skin, you can externally provide active forms or boosters of these proteins found in cosmetic products or directly in your food.
Collagen can be found in animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy, and legumes. Extracts of animal or plant collagen and Vitamin C, a very effective collagen synthesis booster, are used for cosmetic purposes. Our Serum for Wrinkles and Loss of Firmness uses Vitamin C and vegan collagen as its principal active ingredients.
Our serum features active plant fragments of type I collagen that stimulate fibroblasts to synthesize more collagen, helping strengthen the skin and reduce wrinkle depth. Additionally, this serum also contains Vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties that neutralize the excess ROS from tobacco smoke, impeding the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers by ROS-induced metalloproteinases. Vitamin C enhances collagen synthesis, leading to a better skin complexion.