Let’s talk about collagen: How to unlock the fountain of youth within

globalnews.ca:

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. Collagen is all around—or rather, in us.

It’s the most universal structural protein in our skin. Our fervent quest to preserve and restore it is the fuel driving a multi-billion-dollar beauty supplement and skincare industry.But does it work? Are the collagen-infused coffees and smoothies really making a difference?I decided to consult with Dr. Danny Guo, a dermatologist and the Medical Director at Rejuvenation Medical in Calgary.

We talked about what happens to the collagen in our skin as we age and how to fight against depletion.In his practice, Dr. Guo is asked daily about collagen loss in one way or another. It’s not unusual for a patient to come to the clinic and point to the fine lines on their face, rings on their neck, or crepey skin on their décolleté, inner arms, or backs of hands.

With a flicker of earnestness in their eyes, they ask, “Can you fix this?”This is his cue to launch into a spiel on what collagen is to the skin. He tells me the conversation is similar, regardless of the location of the wrinkles. This vital protein is responsible for our skin’s suppleness, firmness, and texture.

It also protects our blood vessels from damage.The truth, like it or not, is that collagen depletes slowly from the day we are born. Dr. Guo emphasizes, “The rate of decline is really, really low up until age 20.” After that, we lose about one per cent of collagen every single year.