Advisory Board Our Mission Advertise Search Wrinkles.org
Find a Wrinkle
Treatment Specialist
 
Before & After Photos
Who's Behind
Your Laser?
...It matters.
[Learn Why]
The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication providing information about general skin care in , . The information presented is written and provided by some of America’s foremost dermatologists and laser surgery experts. Let us help you find a qualified provider near .
>>More About the Patient's Guide
Collagen Resources Collagen Resources

What Is Collagen?
  • Collagen: 80% of Your Skin
  • Sun Damages Collagen
  • The Sun 'Flips' the DNA Switch

    • Collagen: 80% of Your Skin

    A full 80 percent of the dry weight of your skin consists of the protein collagen. It's therefore the most prominent of the three main components to your skin's extra cellular matrix — the tissue that gives skin its structural support. The other components are elastin and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

    Sun Damages Collagen

    Collagen gives skin its strength. Elastin fibers give skin its ability to stretch and recoil (the source of the term elasticity). With repeated sun exposure, both collagen and the elastin fibers become damaged, causing skin to lose its structure and, eventually, to wrinkle and sag.

    The Sun "Flips" the DNA Switch

    As we expose our skin to the sun over time, the sun's ultraviolet rays activate genes that are already in our skin, causing them to function in an abnormal way, producing damaged-looking skin. Skin treatments may reverse this process by creating newer-looking skin.

    Wrinkle and anti-aging treatments include the following: Laser Skin Resurfacing, Fractional Laser Resurfacing, IPL, Radiofrequency Rejuvenation, SmartSkin and Injectables/ Dermal Fillers.

    Last modified: October 27, 2009
     Find an Energy Treatment Specialist
     
     
    Videos
    St. Louis skin care expert Dr. George Hruza discusses dermal fillers.
    How Did Treatment
    ChangeYOUR
    71% Life?
    of reviews werePositive
       (68 reviews)

     Excellent so far

    I have never had anything done before - ever. As this is my ...[more]
    Santa Barbara, CA Jul 03, 2010

     I switched.

    I have been using Botox and decided to try dysport because o...[more]
    Denver, CO Jun 12, 2010

     Great Dysport Experience

    Dysport was a great decision, because it was something I wan...[more]
    Plano, TX May 18, 2010
    Write a Review
    Ask the Doctor
    Q: What can Botox treat?
    Botox is an outstanding drug, one that I have been injecting... [Read More]
    Q: What is hyaluronic acid?
    Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found throughout the... [Read More]
    Q: What is Restylane and what is it good for?

    Restylane is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler that... [Read More]

    Wrinkles Treatment Specialists
    Not Your Location?
    Search for specialists near you.
    Zip Code:
     
    Find a Doctor: Find a Wrinkles Treatment Specialist Near You | Search by City/State
    Reviews/Feedback: All Reviews | Write a Review | Give us Your Feedback | Terms of Use | Review GuideLines
    About Us: Patient's Guide Mission Statement | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Statement | Advertising Policies