Looking younger or aging gracefully is what every woman wants. It's impossible to go back in time, but it is possible to be happy in your age's skin. As we age, our skin changes and it is necessary to adjust our skin care routine. The goal is not to change our appearance, but rather to support it as best as possible in its aging process..^{1, 4}

Aging of the skin

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and protects us from the outside world. It is our first immune barrier. It allows the excretion of waste while ensuring the regulation of our body temperature. Over the years, the skin undergoes various changes including aging which is a natural phenomenon influenced by internal and external factors. These changes can be visible from the twenties, and become more marked with age.^{1, 4}

Skin aging is a natural process that begins in your twenties, and which accelerates particularly around the time of menopause.

Skin in your twenties

Signs of wrinkles or fine lines can appear as early as your twenties. Note that skin aging begins even before their appearance. This “damage” which accumulates and will only appear later.

The main culprits of these changes are environment, genetics, natural aging and lifestyle.

During this slice of life, collagen production begins to decrease by 1% per year, which thins the skin and promotes the creation of fine lines and wrinkles. Not to mention the skin's moisture barrier, which weakens and causes it to dry out.

Starting a skin care routine early promotes long-term beauty of your skin.^{1, 4}

The challenges of your thirties

Understanding skin aging allows you to act proactively to preserve the beauty and health of the skin.

In your thirties, signs of the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, loss of firmness and dryness of the skin begin with a drop in the production of collagen and elastin (proteins essential to the firmness and elasticity of the skin) and a slowdown in cell renewal. The first fine lines may appear around the eyes and mouth. This is when we observe an uneven complexion and a lack of radiance..^{1, 4}

Visible signs of aging (around 40-50 years old)

As the years pass, the skin loses more collagen, leading to more sagging, especially in the cheeks and neck. Wrinkles become deeper and more visible, and sebum production decreases, making the skin drier. Brown spots (age spots) also start to appear due to sun exposure.^{1, 4}

Skin sagging (around age 60 and beyond)

Beyond the age of 60, we face a more visible relaxation. Lack of collagen and elastin leads to greater sagging of the face and body. The barrier function of our skin weakens, making the skin drier and unable to retain moisture. Wrinkles are more pronounced, and the skin may appear thinner and fragile. The cell turnover process also slows down, making the skin more prone to infections and dehydration.^{1, 4}

Hormonal changes and skin after menopause

In women, menopause has a significant impact on skin aging due to decreased estrogen levels. This can lead to a loss of density and structure in the skin, making it more fragile and more prone to wrinkles. The skin also becomes drier due to a drop in sebum production..^{1, 4}

External factors

Although skin aging is largely genetic, several external factors can accelerate this process:

Excessive sun exposure and UV damage

UV rays are the main cause of premature aging of the skin. They degrade collagen and promote the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.^{1, 2, 3, 4}

Tobacco: Cigarette smoke reduces the oxygen supply to the skin and accelerates its breakdown.^{1, 2, 4}

Exposure to chemicals, drugs, medications, etc.^{1, 2, 3, 4}
Endocrine disruptors

They are omnipresent in our environment. We find them in our creams, our clothes, our cosmetic products, our detergents, etc.

They can pass through our skin and interfere with the functioning of the endocrine system. Which can negatively influence the health of our skin, our sleep, our growth, our reproductive system, etc.⁸

A good skin routine

Food

A diet low in green vegetables and high in caffeine, black tea, soft drinks, etc. All these poor nutritional causes can alter the quality of our skin.^{1, 2, 7}

It is essential to provide a balanced diet to our body to be healthy.

At least 50% varied vegetables of all colors
A plate of 25% cereals and/or unrefined starchy foods
2 to 4 tablespoons of quality oils per day for fatty acid intake
Nuts and oilseeds, a good source of good fats and fiber
Animal proteins, fish and/or vegetable proteins (tofu, legumes, etc.)
Fruits and berries for the antioxidants present.^{1, 2, 7}

Stay hydrated enough

Water is the best drink for hydration, it serves to provide nutrients and remove waste from our body.

Hydration serves to strengthen the skin barrier naturally. This water contained in the layers of our skin helps maintain its different components and ensures its firm appearance. A lack of water, even slight, leads to sagging of the skin which could result in the appearance of wrinkles.

Staying hydrated improves skin elasticity, balances sebum levels, fights against the appearance of breakouts, prevents skin aging, etc.

In addition, dehydration leads to especially sweet snacking.

Drink water in all its forms with chlorophyll, herbal teas (nettle, oat straw, Labrador tea, etc.), in broth, etc.^{1, 2, 7}

Sleep

A lack of sleep (not enough hours of sleep) and insufficient sleep (not enough quality sleep) can weaken the skin barrier, which can affect its appearance and texture. After a bad night, dark circles appear, in addition to a paler complexion and puffy skin around the eyes. The skin appears dehydrated.

It is while we sleep that the skin repairs itself and recovers from the attacks suffered during the day. It’s after a good night’s sleep that skin looks healthier and more beautiful.^{1, 4, 6}

Physical activity and stress

Physical activity helps to naturally regulate the production of certain hormones including cortisol (stress hormone). Thus, it reduces its production which, in excess, can have harmful effects on the skin (dryness, sensitivity, accelerated aging, etc.).^{1, 9}

The structure and function of the skin

The epidermis is the superficial layer of the skin, relatively thin and strong.

Dermis and epidermis

The dermis has 3 layers: the papillary dermis, the reticular dermis and the deep dermis, which is composed of water, elastin, fibroblasts, glycoproteins and collagen. The dermis provides support, flexibility and elasticity to our skin. It provides nutrition to the epidermis and plays an essential role in healing.

Collagen, present in the dermis, gives the skin its suppleness while elastin allows it to return to its shape after being stretched or pinched.

The beauty of the skin and the absence of wrinkles are linked to appropriate production of collagen since the skin contains 75% of it!

The dermis being real skin, that is to say it does not renew itself like the epidermis does, it remains the same throughout our lives.^{1, 3}

The benefits of collagen on the skin

Collagen plays an essential role in the appearance and health of the skin. It is the most abundant protein in the human body. In reality, skin contains 75% collagen and is responsible for the elasticity, strength and regeneration of all tissues. It also plays a vital role particularly when the body ages since its production decreases over time.

In fact, from the age of 21, skin collagen production decreases by approximately 1% per year. Which invariably leads to thinning of the skin and a gradual loss of elasticity.

It is from him that it draws its firmness, flexibility and radiance. What's more, the absence of wrinkles depends on the adequate production of collagen.^{3, 10, 11, 12}

Collagen molecules are a large family of proteins that are essential constituents of the supporting tissues of the human body and are of animal or fish origin.^{3, 10, 11, 12, 13}

Plant or vegan collagen

So-called vegan collagen does not provide collagen directly, it contains essential precursors such as amino acids (L-glycine, L-proline, L-lysine) necessary to stimulate its production by the body. Certain plant foods that can help stimulate its production by providing the nutrients necessary for its synthesis are used as building materials.^{3, 10, 11, 12, 13}

Collagen peptides induce cellular attraction mechanisms and participate in the repair and regeneration of all tissues including skin, nails, hair and joints.

Collagen is considered the “glue that holds our body together.”

When we talk about collagen, we often associate it with the skin and the role it plays in beauty. However, when we realize that it is present throughout our body, we understand that its role is more than aesthetic.^{3, 10, 11, 12}

28 types of collagen have been identified

Type I is the most abundant. It is found in the skin, artery walls, bones, teeth, tendons and ligaments. It is also present in scar tissue for tissue healing. Type II is found in hyaline cartilage and the cornea. Type III is found in the blood vessels, spleen, lymph nodes, uterus and intestines. The presence of type IV has been observed in the lens and kidneys.^{3, 11, 12}

Collagen may aid injury recovery and improve physical performance. It can also improve bone density and reduce its breakdown. It is also beneficial in helping to heal the lining of the intestine.^{3, 11}

Collagen and cardiovascular health

It also plays a role in cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, which is a higher risk factor in the elderly. Finally, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.^{3, 11}

Collagen, an anti-aging aid

Collagen is an essential molecule for combating the effects of aging and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, important for keeping our joints, skin and bones healthy.^{3, 11}

EtikHA from Revelox, serving your beauty and health

I present to you the EtikHA product from the Revelox company, a formula highly concentrated in collagen precursors, with added hyaluronic acid designed to fight the effects of aging, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.^{12, 13, 14}

Synergy of the best vegan and anti-aging ingredients

The EtikHA product is a vegan collagen that comes in powder form. The active ingredients are glycine, proline, lysine, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silica, zinc and beet powder.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C, best known for supporting our immune system, is also beneficial to the various systems of our body, particularly the regeneration of the skin, because it is involved in the formation of collagen.^{1, 2, 12, 13, 14}

In the diet, plant sources rich in vitamin C: citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), peppers, broccoli, etc.

Proline

Proline is an essential amino acid for the structure of collagen, because it allows the formation of the triple helix which gives collagen its rigidity and stability. It is particularly important for skin and joint health.

Lysine

This amino acid helps stabilize the structure of collagen by promoting cross-linking (i.e. networking) of collagen fibers. It helps in the absorption of calcium, iron and zinc and other minerals for the health of skin, joints, hair, nails, etc.

Wisteria

It is the main amino acid in the structure of collagen, representing about a third of the amino acids that compose it. Glycine is essential for the formation of the collagen triple helix and helps maintain the integrity of skin, tendons and joints.^{12, 13, 14}

In the diet, sources of plant proteins rich in these three amino acids: legumes (lentils, peas, beans), quinoa, nuts and oilseeds, etc.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in our body, particularly in the skin, joints and eyes. It is recommended for its moisturizing properties and benefits for the skin. Taking hyaluronic acid in supplement form can have several benefits:

Skin hydration: Hyaluronic acid can help keep skin hydrated, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote a more radiant complexion.
Joint flexibility: Due to its lubricating properties, it can benefit joint health, especially those suffering from joint pain and stiffness.
Reduction of inflammation: It may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be useful in certain inflammatory conditions.

This elastic molecule is rich in water and acts as a sort of cement which fills the gaps between cells to ensure their cohesion by reinforcing their protection against external attacks. However, with age, the amount of hyaluronic acid decreases, which leads to tissue dehydration and causes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.^{12, 13, 14}

Therefore, it becomes inevitable to hydrate your skin from the inside (the dermis) with the addition of supplementation.

N.B Hyaluronic acid has antioxidant properties which also gives it a protective role against sun damage including UVA rays.^{1, 2, 3, 12, 13, 14}

Silica

Silica is a valuable aid in the construction of collagen and bone mineralization. It also has a positive impact on the health of nails, hair and skin.^{12, 13, 14}

Zinc

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for collagen formation. In addition, it stabilizes the skin's sebum production and helps prevent acne. It inhibits the testosterone 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is responsible for hair loss in women and men.^{12, 13, 14}

N.B. White spots on the nails are a sign of zinc deficiency.^{12, 13, 14}

Beetroot powder

Beetroot powder is antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is rich in vitamin C and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc. It is a perfect ally to the formula since it also participates in the formation of collagen.^{12, 13, 14}