Objectives: Worldwide, life expectancy is increasing. The “dark side of the moon” to living longer is that antagonists to collagens from our environment, including sun and smoking, diet and stress, pollution and lack of sleep, have more time to act on our body. Thus their negative effects on our health and beauty are more complex.
Collagens are continuously remodeled throughout life. Starting at the age of 21 we lose approximately 1% of our collagens each year, because the ongoing rate of collagen destruction generally exceeds the rate of new collagen synthesis. It is very important to protect our collage

Introduction: Collagens – yes, because we have more than one type of collagen – are strongly connected with our history as humans, and their importance is highlighted by the fact that collagens represent one third of our body’s proteins and are involved not only in structural, but also in other specific and important bodily functions.

Materials / method: Synthesis of collagens is a very complex biochemical process that starts in the nucleus and continues both inside and outside collagen generating cells, i.e. fibroblasts. In fact, tens of genes and several enzymes regulate collagen synthesis. On top of that, numerous vitamins, minerals and amino-acids, as well as energy, are involved in these multi-step processes.

Results: Collagens are continuously damaged by various antagonists. Some originating outside, others inside of our body. The first step in protecting our collagens is awareness of these antagonists. The second step consists in developing an individualized anti-ageing program, based upon lifestyle – attention to sun exposure, sugar and smoking, good sleep and correct skin care – use of specific supplements, backed up by well performed clinical studies, such as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, in addition to the use of laser and other devices.

Conclusion: Both the protection of existing collagen and the stimulation of collagen synthesis should be the pillars of such an anti-ageing program.
A new concept called “Prejuvenation” can be initiated in our clinical practices. It is best to put patients on a specific program of anti-ageing treatments before the clinical signs of ageing, as there are pigmented lesions, wrinkling, enlarged pores etc., become apparent.

Disclosures

Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No

Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): Bio Minerals NV, Belgium

Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No

Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No

This work is presented thanks to the support of: Bio Minerals NV, Belgium