The Importance of Collagen 

Though many things contribute to younger, healthier appearances, one of the most important is collagen. Approximately 80% of our skin is collagen, and is what provides the basic structure. Collagen makes skin stronger, thicker and suppler, which is what makes skin smooth, firm and young looking. But unfortunately as we age our skin looses collagen and our bodies gradually produce less and less.

In young skin, the collagen framework is intact and skin retains moisture and elasticity making it resilient to the many facial expressions we contort daily. But, over time, this vital support structure weakens and wears down causing our skin to become less resilient and tone. Every time we smile, frown or squint, we add stress on the collagen in your skin. The effects of these facial expressions become cumulative and facial lines begin to appear.

Sags and Bags or skin laxity is caused by a decrease in fat cells under the skin, the loss of collagen and elastin support fibers, and gravity weighing on lax tissue.  As a result noticeable transformations begin to occur to the face such as: 
Brow ptosis (droop) the forehead sags and eyebrows drape over the eyelids
Upper eyelid ptosis (droop) and or baggy upper and lower eyelids
Temples become hollow
Hollow look to the eyes
Cheeks appear flattened as fat pads migrate south
Distinct lines form from the nose to the mouth
Jowls appear as jaw line disappears
The upper lip thins and diminishes

Stimulating skin cells to produce collagen can partly reverse this process. Stimulating collagen synthesis in aged skin was shown to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

First, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Adding vitamin C to a culture of skin cells (fibroblasts) dramatically increases the synthesis of collagen. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered to skin cells, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture by helping the synthesis of collagen.