Collagen Filler

Collagen is a protein that is used in the body to create connective tissue. It is this connective tissue that ensures the joints work properly and that the skin is smooth and supple. As we grow older, our bodies begin to produce less collagen and our connective tissues begin to deteriorate. This can lead to various different problems, including wrinkles and sagging skin. Collagen fillers, can plump up the skin, erasing visible signs of aging. In order to combat some of the signs of aging that are linked to this drop in collagen levels, it is possible to use collagen fillers in order to replace the lost collagen. There are two types of collagen fillers. One uses injected collagen to fill in lines and wrinkles, the other applies the collagen to the surface of the skin in order to temporarily fill out the wrinkles and plump up the skin. Collagen filler injections can have a more permanent effect than creams. The plumping effect may last between two and eighteen months. There can be side-effects such as swelling, pain and infections, however some people are allergic to the animal collagen that is used in these injections. Collagen can be injected into the skin in order to fill out some of the lines and wrinkles, but it can also be applied as a topical cream in order to fill out these lines from the surface. The collagen molecule is too large to penetrate the skin, but smaller derivates of collagen such as hydrolyzed collagen can make their way into the skin. Collagen filler creams can also contain ingredients that do not need to penetrate the skin in order to reduce lines and wrinkles. The Wrinkle Decrease Collagen Filler from L'Oreal, for example, works by filling in wrinkles using collagen biospheres that work on the surface of the skin. Other collagen filler products do not actually contain collagen, but use other ingredients such as menthol to plump up the skin, to moisturize it, and to stimulate collagen production. The Elemis brand Collagen Marine Cream and Kollagen Intensiv are examples of this type of collagen cream. Collagen fillers are also available that are designed to be used on the sensitive skin around the eyes, which is one of the areas in which lines commonly develop and on the lips. Collagen fillers for lips often contain some coloring as well as ingredients to make the lips appear plumper. Collagen filler creams can help to reduce fine lines, but collagen filler injections can be more effective on deeper wrinkles. There are more risks involved in using collagen filler injections, however.

 

Next >