Look at any fancy skincare advert and you’ll likely see the words collagen and elastin thrown around like confetti. Influencers and celebrities are raging about using these products, holding them up next to baby soft and blemish free skin (hello filters!)... And anti-aging creams promise to reverse the aging process using collagen and elastin, giving the applier everything from perfectly smooth skin to perfectly healthy hair as though it's a magic remedy. The fascia seems to be talked about less but it does play a significant role in skin care so we wanted to include it.
But what IS collagen, elastin and the fascia?
Collagen…
It’s the most common structural protein in connective tissue in humans and animals. It is composed mainly of amino acids arranged into three strands, giving it the triple-helix structure that is characteristic of collagen. It's like the Lego blocks of cells and tissues, building together to make us… us!
And elastin?
If collagen is Lego, then elastin would be rubber bands. Essentially it’s a protein that allows our tissue to stretch. Artery walls contain elastin allowing them to stretch as blood travels; our lungs contain elastin, allowing the tissue to stretch as we breath; our bladder contains elastin allowing it to hold liquid; and of course, our skin contains elastin, helping to keep it looking and feeling firm while we're younger.
What about the fascia?
The fascia is like a spider web - one huge woven structure that covers and connects our entire body, interpenetrating every organ, muscle and bone. A healthy fascia is relaxed and flexible, but with age parts of it become rigid, leading to aching muscles and joint pain, while other parts begin to sag, leading to looser skin.
Our body naturally produces collagen and elastin, and it's found in tendons, bones, connective tissues, organs and our skin. As we journey through life, and particularly after menopause, our skin's collagen and elastin production slows down somewhat (doesn’t everything?)
The fascia is naturally produced too, growing as we do. Over time it naturally wears and breaks down.
This slowing of collagen and elastin production is one of the main causes of fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin. Many skincare companies (not us!) want to cash in on this, creating trendy "must have" products that make big claims.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Despite all the promises, topical application of collagen and elastin isn't particularly effective - it's much better boosted internally through diet - so be wary of all those big claims from the big cosmetic companies! And no skincare product is going to stop the wear of the fascia.
You can help care support your body's collagen, elastin and fascia though!
Eating foods that are high in protein is beneficial for collagen and elastin production, particularly as we get older. Collagen and elastin need vitamin C to create more collagen and elastin so it makes sense to increase this, naturally through diet and also through supplements. Eating a diet high in protein is also essential in supporting your body's collagen and elastin production. Beta-carotene, found in vegetables like carrots, tomatoes and red tomatoes, and dark green leafy veg are high in antioxidants which can help protect the skin against UV damage.
Remember it's not only our skin that is made up of these three important skin components. It's not just about aesthetics - elastin and collagen is important to our whole body, so we need to be mindful of what can harm their production. Air pollution, smoking, drinking alcohol, getting sunburnt and poor diet all contribute to damaging collagen and elastin production, in addition to the natural aging process.
Exercise is one of the main ways to care for the fascia. Mobility and stretching help keep it healthy and supple. Hydration is also super important as the fascia is sponge-like, and when it is dry it becomes brittle and easily damaged!
Looking after ourselves holistically isn’t just skin deep. It’s important to care for the body as a whole. Topical creams and lotions can be highly beneficial in lots of ways, from hydrating and moisturising, to providing much needed vitamins and antioxidants. But be wary when it comes to big promises from big companies, and the throwing around of scientific words without explanation.
At Wild Human Skincare, we don't tell porkies or exaggerate our products' claims to increase sales We don't jump on trends. We just share honest information and make really good, high quality, natural skincare - even if we do say so ourselves! We use natural ingredients, taken respectfully from mother earth, and backed up by science. Simple, honest, healthy skincare.