Preserving Your Skin's Structure

Aging is a natural process which all of us face.

For some, the aging process can begin as early as our 20s, when our skin begins to decrease production of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and sebum. As we approach our 40s, cell production decreases and thus cell turnover also decreases. Couple this with the above-mentioned famous four -- collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and sebum -- and one begins to see thinner, dryer skin. Dark circles begin to form because of this thinning of our sensitive under-eye skin. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear due to less elastin in the skin which normally helps it to bounce back. In addition, less collagen equals a less firm skin structure, and less hyaluronic acid results in a decrease of that youthful skin plumpness. As if all of that weren't hard enough on us, our skin also begins to lose some of its immune response, which makes us more susceptible to infections, skin cancers, and more.
 

What exactly is collagen: First off, it's a protein, and one of the most abundant in the body a nt that. I like to think of collagen as the scaffolding of the skin. It gives support, holds things up and in place, and creates the structure of the skin. Our bodies contain over 16 different types of collagen peptides. However, the majority are type 1, 2, and 3. Think of collagen like the steel framework within the skin.

What exactly is elastin: Elastin is another protein that is vital to our connective tissue throughout the body. As its name suggests, it gives elasticity and tensile strength to our skin. Elastin is what allows the skin to return to its original shape after being stretched or when pressure is applied.

What can we do about these changes in our skin structure? 

 1) Take collagen supplements

• Collagen peptides directly affect collagen structures known as fibroblasts

2) Apply hyaluronic acid often

• Helps promote collagen production

3) Stay up on your vitamin C intake, both in diet and in skincare

• Essential for collagen production. Our body does not produce vitamin C and therefore we need to continually ingest in through healthful foods and apply it topically
• Try our vitamin C-containing Splendor Serum HERE

4) Eat foods high in antioxidants

• While they don’t actually build collagen or elastin, antioxidants help protect the skin and collagen-producing sites from harm from free radicals.

5)  Use products containing retinol and carotenoids (vitamin A)

• These help to slow the breakdown of collagen and work to rebuild collagen and elastin fibroblasts.
• Try our retinol and HA-containing Glow Serum HERE. 

Addressing the foundational structure of the skin is a key component to keeping that healthy, youthful glow we all desire. Our products are always designed with this in mind. 

For more skincare tips, be sure you are following us on Instagram, Facebook, and yes, we have hopped on the TikTok wagon! You can find us at @rechercheorganics. Stop by and say hello!

~ Hillari Ladd, founder & chief formulator