Do you want younger-looking skin? Want to learn more about which procedures are both effective and safe? Collagen is a protein that is responsible for holding your body together; it’s found in hair, skin, bones, joints, and muscles. This natural substance, which makes up 80% of your skin, is also responsible for helping you stop the clock — or, at the very least, help you slow it down. You may need to replace your decreasing supply of collagen as you get older — the average person starts to slowly lose their natural collagen around the age of 25, and continues to lose about 1% more each year.
Raymund J. Llaurado M.D., with two locations in California, is an experienced plastic surgeon who offers a variety of services to help you look your best.
How collagen helps preserve your youth
Collagen has many health benefits that can help you maintain a younger-looking appearance. Overall, the biggest part of looking younger involves being healthy, inside and out, which collagen can help you achieve. The protein is not only good for your skin, but it also helps protect your organs and the structure of your tendons and joints. It’s found naturally in many foods, such as egg yolks, broths, and meats, and is also available as a supplement.
As we get older, our skin loses its elastic properties. Collagen works in conjunction with another protein, elastin, to help your skin “snap” back if it’s stretched, making it look more healthy and vibrant. Collagen also helps your skin look smoother and more “plump.”
Adding more collagen to your body, whether through lifestyle changes or a procedure called Radiesse®, can slow down the effects of sagging, wrinkling skin that comes with age.
How to preserve your natural collagen supply
Your lifestyle choices have a big impact on your body’s natural supply of collagen. A poor diet, or unhealthy habits such as smoking and tanning, can greatly decrease your collagen levels. These habits can even make you look prematurely older by causing wrinkles or making your skin sag, so that collagen treatments become less effective. You can also help preserve your body’s collagen by making sure you get a full night’s sleep.
Learn more about the youthful benefits of collagen
If you want younger-looking skin, or you want to learn more about how to preserve your natural collagen levels, Dr. Llaurado can help you. To make an appointment at the Arroyo Grande location, call 805-270-2046. To make an appointment at the Santa Maria location, call 805-270-2078. You can also schedule an appointment online. We look forward to helping you look as young as you want to be.