Have you ever wondered what the fuss is about collagen? Is it necessary to apply, and will it benefit your skin? Collagen is a protein found naturally in your body, primarily in your connective tissue such as bones and skin. It provides the structure to your skin. Collagen makes up 75% of your skin’s dry weight.[1] As we age, our body produces less collagen; therefore, you will discover more wrinkles and less elasticity – less plumpness. Generally, skin becomes thinner also as you age due to the reduction in collagen. So it’s an essential ingredient in our skin.
Collagen is produced naturally in the body by utilising a number of nutritional elements; Proline which is found in egg whites, cabbage and mushrooms; Glycine, which is found in pork and chicken skin and gelatin; Vitamin C found in citrus foods; Zinc found in beef, lamb, shellfish, and lentils; Copper found in organ meat cocoa powder and sesame seeds. With these nutritional ingredients, you are able to improve your body’s ability to create pro collagen from the amino acids. A bone broth is possibly a good choice to improve nutritional intake via its amino acids. The body uses the amino acids and other healthy nutrients you put into it to create its own collagen.
As a cosmetic ingredient, it has a moisturising effect on the skin. It is also known to make the skin firmer, treat ageing signs such as wrinkles and skin sagging. Natural collagen is converted to a type that the skin can absorb called pentapeptides -small groups of long-chain amino acids that function as chemical messengers throughout the body. Peptides are instrumental in increasing cells in the skin to produce more collagen. Of course, this collagen is not the only anti-aging ingredient added to cosmetics. Many vitamins such as vitamin C, Glutathione, and Retinol also provide an anti-aging advantage.
Retinol boosts the amount of collagen your body makes and plumps out your skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It also improves skin tone and colour and reduces mottled patches to make your skin more even-toned.
Retinoic Acid is a member of the retinoid family, which are compounds derived from vitamin A. So yes, they are the same, but Retinoic Acid is converted from Retinol, hence it is more readily used by cell membranes.
Studies have shown one benefit of Retinoids is to suppress cancerous changes. [6] Retinoic Acid is extensively used to prevent and treat photoaged skin and psoriasis and is a popular skin ingredient. The activation of Retinoic acid receptors in your skin results in collagen production, which is one benefit many seek.[7] Another benefit of Retinoic Acid for skincare is its ability to slough off dead skin cells, so they don’t clog your pores (hyperkeratinisation). [8]
Glycolic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), an organic, carbon-containing molecule. It naturally occurs in sugar cane and fruits. "It is an excellent acid for those with sensitive or dry skin as it acts as an exfoliant and a humectant to attract moisture. Glycolic Acid can increase your sensitivity to the sun's harmful rays, so it's important to use sunscreen while using it. The water-soluble molecules work deep below the skin, promoting a brighter and renewed complexion.
Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that naturally occurs in some plants but is generally made in a lab for the purpose of exfoliation. It exfoliates the skin and helps to unclog pores by dissolving the 'glue' that holds dead skin cells together. It can smooth rough patches and give a baby-soft feel-good exfoliation. Because it is oil-soluble, it removes surface oil that can help acne bacteria to thrive. Hence, it is good for oily type and acne-prone skin.
Witch hazel extract is made from the bark of a small tree called Hamamelis virginiana, also containing 14% alcohol. [5] Witch hazel extract is widely known for its astringent properties, which shrink your pores and soothe skin from inflammation and redness.
It contains antioxidants that are able to neutralise free radicals, which are disease-causing compounds that can build up in your body. It may be useful in the treatment of acne, eczema or psoriasis by applying it topically neat or within a cream. [3] Studies have shown that witch hazel can suppress erythema — a reddening of the skin caused by injury or irritation— by up to 27%. [4]
Grapeseed extract is made from the seeds leftover from the winemaking industry. It’s significant to note that grapeseed oil contains more vitamin E than other oils like olive oil, which can contribute to a healthy diet.
The high levels of vitamin E contain high antioxidant properties and have shown to contribute to the reduction of damaged cells from free radicals in the body. This oil may contribute to better skin and reducing UV damage. [2]
There are natural enemies to our skin and collagen production. These include excessive sun exposure, smoking, and overeating sugar and refined carbs, as well as stress and lack of sleep. So be wise when looking to improve your skin on the outside by considering your lifestyle choices and what you put inside.
Complexion Medline adds these ingredients to a serum rather than a wash to allow better absorption as it stays on longer. It is well understood at Complexion Medline that their clients want to see results quickly. That is why they use a med-line quality of more potent and active ingredients on the skin. You will see results in the fastest time. Use the serum to lighten and renew your skin quickly. It helps target pigmentation, pimples/acne, acne scars and marks, dull and aged skin, melasma, dark circles under the eyes, sunspots, and all related sun-damaged skin. Wow, that's a tremendous help.
This skin lightening formula now in a serum, targets pigmentation, pimples/acne, acne scars and marks, dull and aged skin, melasma, dark circles under the eyes, sunspots, and all related sun-damaged skin.
It is suitable for acne prone oily skin because it’s packed with extra salicylic acid and witch hazel extract that destroys the p. acnes bacterium that causes acne. Also, it is topped with Glutathione vitamin to nourish and infuse your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. For skin lightening it is best used in combination with Complexion Face Cream, which you can get in the Trio Pack. It can be used long term due to its natural key ingredients listed below. Complexion Medline advise to always avoid sun exposure and use SPF when outside.
A must-have to create and maintain a "glowy- radiant" complexion. You can use this Face Serum long-term due to a safe and natural key ingredient included. Recommended for skin with hyperpigmentation, dull and aged skin, sun-damaged skin, acne-scarred skin. This serum is a must-have before invasive skin lightening dermal therapy procedure. Apply this 1-2 weeks pre-treatment and as a post-treatment care after that. It's available in the trio pictured.
Complexion Medline also have created a lotion for all over the body. It has the wonderful health promoting ingredients of:
This intensive skin lightening lotion is infused with concentrated Glutathione and Kojic acid. It can give you an even complexion while keeping your skin smooth, hydrated, and healthy-looking. This one is designed for a normal skin type. It can also be used for significant maintenance during your IV Therapy infusion. It is also suitable for a home-care pre-treatment before full body scrub, exfoliation and peeling. It can be used as skin lightening maintenance for the long term due to its safe skin lightening ingredients. It’s not tested on animals, and is made with certified organic ingredients.
To purchase the products listed here go to the Complexion Medline Shop. Enjoy healthy even-toned skin!
[1] https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961619P0009X
[2] https://www.webmd.com/diet/grapeseed-oil-health-benefits#2
[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/witch-hazel-benefits-uses#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9621139/
[5] https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/hamamelis
[6] https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Retinoic-Acid.aspx
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16598786/
