In an attempt to restore the skin's natural elasticity, you can look for collagen in your skincare products. Or, even better , rely on ingredients that encourage the skin to produce collagen on its own.
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How collagen works in cosmetics
Collagen molecules are large in size, so they cannot penetrate the deep layers of the skin. Therefore, the main effect of such products is mainly moisturizing and creating a protective barrier on the surface of the skin. However, there is an exception – recombinant collagen. It is obtained using biotechnology without the use of animal raw materials. It is biocompatible with the skin, ethical, safe and clean. But most importantly – it increases the production of type I procollagen in fibroblasts, activates the synthesis of collagen fibers, improves skin texture, increases its density and elasticity.
However, the best products work best when they stimulate the skin to produce its own collagen naturally. These include vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, etc. Spoiler: they are all included in the new serum for correcting 16 signs of skin aging, Co-bonding Serum Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16, Vichy.
Co-Bonding Technology
Co-bonding technology is a proprietary Vichy development, presented at the IMCAS international congress in Paris. It is a complex containing peptides, rhamnose, and maitake.
Rhamnose is a natural plant-based sugar that stimulates collagen production and protects the extracellular matrix; Matrixyl is a combination of peptides that enhance collagen production by fibroblasts; and Maitake is a mushroom whose extract protects cells from stress and stimulates collagen synthesis. All of them are contained in the new Co-bonding Serum Liftactiv Collagen Specialist 16. However, it is worth mentioning the peptides separately.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal fibroblasts to activate collagen and elastin production. In addition, certain peptides are able to deliver the necessary active ingredients to the deeper layers of the skin.
In addition, peptides help restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against negative external factors. In the new Vichy serum, peptides fight oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has a reputation as a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals. But its real superpower is its ability to stimulate collagen production and, in addition, to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation.
Vitamin C in various forms, particularly Cg, stimulates fibroblasts — the cells that produce collagen — to become more active. In addition, vitamin C helps enzymes that are responsible for strengthening and maintaining the proper structure of collagen fibers.
So vitamin C supports the “framework” and elasticity of the skin and protects it, providing freshness to the face.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3 )
Known for its ability to improve skin barrier function, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone, niacinamide (nicotinamide or vitamin B3) is a water-soluble form of the vitamin, a widely known “active” in cosmetics. And its key function is to stimulate collagen synthesis.
It increases the content of lipids and proteins in the upper layer of the skin, strengthens its barrier function and provides hydration, creating favorable conditions for collagen production.
Finally, in conjunction with vitamin C, niacinamide works as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals. The latter damage collagen fibers, and the skin's elasticity suffers.
Adenosine
Adenosine is an organic compound naturally present in the cells of the body. It participates in metabolic processes, energy transfer and supports the efficient functioning of cells. Adenosine stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles, smoothing out existing ones and giving them firmness and elasticity. In addition, adenosine in the deep layers of the skin stops the action of enzymes that destroy collagen fibers. Finally, this component soothes, strengthens the protective barrier and activates cell renewal.