The Role of Collagen and Elastin in Your Skin

Collagen and elastin are popular buzzwords you’ve likely heard bandied about in health, beauty, and anti-aging circles. But what are they, really? And why are they so important? Could you use a boost of these substances in your skin care routine? What’s the best way to include them? 

Our aesthetic and wellness specialists at Temecula Medical Group can help you learn more about skin care, anti-aging, and general wellness as part of our Concierge Primary Care Membership or aesthetics services. 

Our state-of-the-art clinic in Temecula, California, is equipped with the most advanced technology, and our skilled team provides the latest in aesthetic and health services. 

A vital part of boosting your overall skin health is promoting the increased production of collagen and elastin. Learn more about why these substances are so important and how our team can help you gain luxurious, beautiful skin. 

Collagen 101

Collagen is a protein containing proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are amino acids. It is a primary building block for healthy skin, providing three quarters of the structure your skin needs. Think of collagen as the framework to support healthy skin. It’s also a vital component to support bones and joints throughout your body. 

Many factors can negatively affect the collagen in your skin, including a poor diet, smoking, and UV rays from the sun. The most significant factor that drains away collagen is aging. By age 30, your body’s collagen production slows considerably, and what is produced is of a lower quality. This is the source of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of aging. 

Elastin 101 

Elastin fibers actually resemble tiny coiled springs when viewed under a microscope. Think of the springs in a mattress and you have a good analogy of how elastin benefits your skin. This protein provides the stretching characteristic that allows your skin to spring back into place. We frequently call this skin elasticity. 

Elastin also lessens with age and poor lifestyle choices like diet and smoking. Skin that loses its elasticity becomes loose, limp, and sagging, refusing to regain its original shape. 

Hope for collagen- and elastin-depleted skin

Our medical and aesthetic specialists at Temecula Medical Group offer practical options to help support your skin needs for better health and appearance. Some of these are up to you (but we can help); others are services we can provide at our professional clinic. 

Improve your diet 

How and what you eat has an important impact on collagen and elastin production. Foods that are high in protein contain the amino acids needed to boost collagen and elastin production. Some of these include: 

• Fish
• Meat
• Eggs
• Seafood
• Beans
• Dairy

You can also include supplements in your diet that contain collagen and elastin. Some of these are dietary and some are topical, such as serums or creams. Ask our aesthetics and medical team about recommendations. 

Improve your lifestyle 

Your lifestyle habits have a huge impact on your skin health. Some basic lifestyle improvements to boost your skin health include: 

• Exercise regularly
• Get adequate sleep
• Hydrate
• Quit smoking
• Protect your skin from the sun 

Add aesthetic treatments 

Our aesthetic treatments at Temecula Medical Group are great ways to restore collagen and elastin to your skin. Many treatments we offer stimulate your body’s natural production of these vital substances, helping your body produce more and better-quality levels. Some of our aesthetic treatments include: 

• Cosmetic injectables 
• Chemical peels from PCA SKIN®
• Microneedling with the SkinPen® and ProGen™ platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

Your provider at Temecula Medical Group conducts an exam and asks about your goals for treatment. After gathering this information, they design a treatment plan that aligns with your skin care and health needs.

Take the necessary steps to restore your skin by boosting collagen and elastin production. Contact our team at Temecula Medical Group today for more information or to schedule a skin health consultation. Call us at 951-254-3905 or request an appointment through our website.