1Imagine…
Imagine a box of glassware surrounded by Styrofoam. Now imagine the extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding your cells and tissues. Composed of various proteins (primarily collagen) and proteoglycan, the ECM of connective tissue provides a foundation for structural support between all your cells.
2Collagen and Proteoglycan
Collagen, the major protein constituent of the connective tissue in the human body(1), plays a major role in the properties of the skin you’re in. Also found within connective tissue, proteoglycans are the group of substances with a protein component which lubricate and provide support(2). Collagen levels are finely controlled based on physiological factors such as aging and wound healing(2),(3).
The Effects of Aging on Skin
Aging causes a decrease in the collagen and proteoglycan content of the skin(4-11), resulting in a reduction of elasticity and resilience and an increase in the physical signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. But besides the skin changes attributable to the natural aging process, the skin is also exposed to a number of both lifestyle and environmental factors such as the harmful rays of the sun, pollutants, smoking and diet, all of which have shown to play a role in the complexion of human skin (12-17).
3Guarding Your Skin
We have included antioxidants in our potent formula to prevent the damage that can be caused as a result of exposure to the above mentioned harmful factors(18). Because antioxidants become more effective when used in combination with others(19), we have specifically included vitamin E and other antioxidant promoting ingredients from a natural plant (gotu kola) to enhance the efficiency of this popular product.
Antioxidants like vitamin E and many others cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be taken up by the diet or via supplementation if dietary means are inadequate(19).
Studies have found that vitamin deficiencies whether due to malnutrition or other factors (malabsorption and genetic defects) are also associated with various dermatological modifications(20), (21). To cover for possible deficiencies, additional vitamins have been added to this potent formula.
4Food for Healthy Skin
Vitamin E | Nuts and seeds Vegetable oils Green leafy vegetables Fortified cereals |
Vitamin B6 | Poultry, fish, and organ meats Potatoes and other starchy vegetables Fruit (other than citrus) |
Vitamin B12 | Beef liver and clams Fish, meat, poultry, eggs, milk, and other dairy products Fortified breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts |
Vitamin C | Citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruit) and their juices, as well as red and green pepper and kiwifruit Other fruits and vegetables e.g. such as broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe, baked potatoes, and tomatoes Some foods and beverages that are fortified with vitamin C |
Sun Protection
According to Mayo Clinic, many of the changes seen in ageing skin are "caused by a lifetime of sun exposure" (23).
The following are advised methods for protecting yourself from the sun24:
Avoid the sun during high intensity hours: the rays of the sun cause the most damage between 10 am and 4 pm, so limit the time you spend outside during these times.
Wear protective clothing: wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers or pants and a hat with a wide brim.
Use sunscreen: choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15 and apply generously about 20 minutes before you go out and then every two hours. Apply more frequently if you go in to water or sweat a lot.
Wealthy Health’s Bioinskin Collagen
Bionskin Collagen’s skin rejuvenating and replenishing capsules are scientifically tested and have medically proven benefits. Each capsule contains demineralised fish proteoglycan extract (fish protein), generous amounts of vitamin E, B6 and B12 and more to ensure that you’re skin gets what it needs. Our products are recognized and registered with the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) to ensure safety and reliability.
5Reference