In addition, there is a third fiber, but the first two are more significant for us. As we age, elastin and collagen begin to break down, which affects our arteries, our lungs, and last but not least, our skin. Join us if you are curious about how they influence the skin aging process and what should be done at this time!
At the age of 20-25, no more elastin and collagen is produced. This does not mean that in a few years the skin will be completely wrinkled and sagging, but rather that no more will be produced. Therefore, it is very important to start conscious skincare and attention to smart aging at a very young age. It is crucial to use sunscreen every day, as UV radiation causes oxidative stress, damages cells, and also has a negative effect on collagen fibers.Antioxidants specifically combat these issues, acting as free radical scavengers, and not least, they enhance the effectiveness of sunscreen, which is why they are recommended for daytime use.
Examples of antioxidants include vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, green tea, and vitamin E. Additionally, it is very important not to forget about proper hydration. It is essential to support the body internally with collagen or the aforementioned antioxidant vitamins as well.
Our collagen and hyaluronic acid serum, our vitamin C serum, and our SPF 50 sunscreens all assist in these processes.
One of the main reasons for the breakdown of fibers is environmental aggressors. As mentioned earlier, sunlight contributes the most to the formation of free radicals. These have a high reactivity, which can easily break down collagen and elastin in the skin.In addition, it can also cause inflammation, which can accelerate
the breakdown of elastin. This process can be best illustrated when a rubber object is left out in the blazing sun, which cracks due to radiation and gradually deteriorates.
Collagen and elastin - What exactly is the difference?
Collagen forms the framework of our skin, composed of strong fibers, which is very important because without it, the outer layers of the skin would not be able to "anchor." It is responsible for the firmness and tightness of our skin, making it resilient. As we age, collagen can no longer perform its function perfectly, which causes the skin to sag and lose its tightness.
Elastin, on the other hand, is the opposite of collagen, as this fiber is responsible for elasticity. When we pinch our skin and it bounces back, all of this would not be possible without the elastin content in the skin.Unfortunately, as time progresses, this will also decrease, causing the skin to sag as well.