How to Capture your Youth with Collagen

By Tawa Labs

Is this you? Sandy is a financial advisor. Her pay packet deal with her company is a basic salary with high commission. It worked for her in the past and most of her two-hour meetings with clients were conducted face to face, over leisurely meals in destination restaurants. Regular gym visits toned her body. She could power dress to impress, sport her all year healthy tan and send messages of accomplishment and credibility to potential investors. Documents could be spread on the table for an allround sensate experience – a particularly important strategy in sales. Then Covid-19 came along.

Tech savvy Sandy now thinks it is business as usual with some minor adjustments. Why? ‘I can master the very shortened functional meetings’ she says. ‘It is digital stuff. Suddenly it is not only about content because you are the message too. Sandy does not have the benefit of a TV makeup artist. Fine lines and fatigue on her face are highlighted. Lockdowns exact a price. Her diet and exercise regime have changed as has her previously alluring body image. Her posture lacks oomph, and her hair lack lustre. Sandy is not alone. How you look has become a dramatized event.

Did you know that sociologist, Irving Goffman predicted this cultural ideal 60 years ago and you guessed right – it is not going away. healthy skin which is why it’s crucial to take care of collagen in your skin—no matter what age you are.

Dr Shari Marchbein also backs the use of supplements in her regular column for the New York Times but with one strong proviso. Be prepared for long term use. Select supplements such as collagen are a golden thread throughout your genetic and physical framework, lifestyle choices, brain, and gut health. This golden thread promises to add to quality of life, both mental and physical. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

‘Today is the oldest you have ever been and the youngest you’ll ever be again. ’Those are the words of Eleanor Roosevelt during her tenure as First Lady to USA President Franklin D Roosevelt. Today she would be our best advertisement for collagen. She radiates. ‘Act today’ was her ensuring message which places a spotlight on the combo of youth and healthy aging. She was known for her inspirational wisdom and as a positive instrument for change.

Today’s 7 step message for men and women is about looking and feeling younger. Your daily dose of collagen may be the secret ingredient to promote all round wellbeing and a healthier bank balance.

Square up with collagen and reality. If you are like most people, squaring up to the aging process is avoided – maybe, because it seems a long way off. Wrong approach. Facing up to the ‘now’ prevents a clean-up job later. A clean up means revitalisation of your body and not cleaning out your bank account to pay a host of clinical experts to do repair jobs: plastic surgeons, psychologists, cardiologists, neurologists, and dermatologists to name a few. Regular supplementation of pure collagen is essential for change.

Let a little Collagenin your Life.

Creating a positive identity and image is more than vanity – it is a reality. Use collagen with confidence.

Supplements are part of lifestyle medicine combined with the new science of healthy aging. ‘Collagen’ says Dr. Shereene Idriss a board-certified dermatologist, speaking to Forbes, supports the use of supplements. ‘ Collagen…is the holy grail of

Live Up with Collagen

Look good with collagen. Stop right there if you think looking good is about beauty, because that ideal varies from culture to culture. It is however about how we project a healthy look. Radiated health causes an unconscious response, making us a safe bet for those who want to engage with us for their own survival. But you cannot stop there.

Western ideals about appearance and image may not be desirable but for a century it has held fast because there is an evolutionary bias to healthy looks. Enter the enticing field of neuroscience.

The cosmetic industry is worth trillions of dollars because of aesthetic appeal. Listen to the market. A quick look at health and sport magazines will show you that the male self-care product industry is the fastest growing market with more men conscious of their body image, health, and body sculpting than ever before.

Here’s why. Anything associated with aging gets an unfair rap because it has strong cultural roots, and it is resistant to change. Life is different in the East. The aging process, and the wisdom of the aged are both respected. Digging deeper, did you know that less than 3% of China’s population is obese and maybe that is a secret ingredient of their positive view of each other. Slimmer people are viewed differently. In the West, the subject of aging is avoided in good company. Slimness is also seen as a sign of emotional intelligence: self-discipline. Daniel Goleman has much to say about this. Deep seated fears of aging triggered by physical signs lie within your psyche, like it or not. Wellness expert, Dr Frank Lipman’s favourite subject is obesity and aging.

Aging is associated with unwanted images of chronic physical and mental diseases and Alzheimer’s is one. Western culture is accused of its obsession with ageism: the unfair discrimination against and stereotyping of older people. We can and will be judged. A fact of Western life. Positive emotional triggers are youth, vitality, attractiveness, smooth skin, and athletic appearance. Negative emotional triggers are wrinkles, slow movement, and overall lack of fitness. The media you will notice, continues to promote positive images. Code Up on Collagen

Does your DNA profile give you important insights? If you could prevent early aging and the disorders that often accompany it, would you be interested? Most people say yes. Personalised, prevention medicine, aka functional, integrated medicine. Functional medicine aims at preventing disease with informed decisions. It is the hottest subject around the globe today and it is finally being offered as a university subject. A DNA profile test may help you. One drug or treatment does not fit all says Dr Jeffrey Bland. You are born an original so do not die a copy. You have a unique genetic structure. With a personalized DNA profile, a registered practitioner can help you design your own perfect diet and lifestyle.

The way you synthesise collagen is your own. Your nutrition needs may be totally different from a sibling or a friend. With the help of a trained professional, you can discover a personal code for longevity and perfect health.

Reputable laboratories are now affordable and available. Correctly analysed, they may help you learn about your personal dietary or supplementary needs. Genetic tests belong to clinical medicine and they in turn provide insights into understanding our collagen needs. Once again – only consult a registered DNA profiler who can pinpoint what you need to know to maintain health and a youthful appearance, how to prevent disease and how to slow down the aging process. Know your own body structure and its responses.

Here is good news. You are only 10% of your genes. Helplessly blaming your DNA for your aches and pains is bad science and a cop-out even if you have genetic evidence for weight, poor metabolism, heart disease, and arthritis. The secret is to stop ‘bad’ genes expressing themselves. ‘Genetics loads the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger’ has become a meme because it is true. 90% of the disorders that can impact on your unmanaged life are caused by the environment. Because you can control your environment you can switch your genes on or off. You have choices. Collagen steps up to the plate for you as a valuable aid.

Clean up your act with Collagen Never use age as an excuse.

That is the mantra of 105-year-old Ida Keeling, American track and field athlete who was still doing push ups at the age of 100, her message of perpetual health has earned her global media coverage. Good visibility brings in the business – you should know that. Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder is his best and only PR agent. 85-year-old Gary Player does 1200 push ups a day. He freely shares his lifestyle choices with all who want to listen and learn. Gary publicly stresses the value of nutrition. He couples his dietary requirements and supplements to resistance training.

If you want resilience, visible body tone, a youthful appearance and vitality clean up your act. In a perfect world you would not have to use supplements. Centuries ago, soil quality was more nutrient dense. It was not contaminated by pesticides or affected by the ravages of climate change. Genetics loads the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger. You need access to rich sources of Vitamin C for collagen health. Vitamin C is consumed in the collagen manufacturing process and that is why large quantities of Vitamin C are required in the diet daily.

More information on Collagen and it health benefits it avaialble from Tawa Labs and information on becoming a stockist. Visit: www.tawalabs.co.za

TAWA

The Best Anti-Ageing Products to Use in Your 20s, 30s, 40s & 50s By Dr Alek Nikolic - SkinMiles

As you age, lifestyle factors like exposure to the sun, smoking, and your favourite drinks (we’re sorry) can take their toll on your skin. Not to mention your body produces less and less collagen. Daunting, yes, but not hopeless. Incorporate these simple preventative and corrective steps into your skincare regimen (and call off the search for that fountain of youth).

In your 20s…

Wear Sunscreen You might be spending all the money in the world on anti-ageing treatments, but unless you’re using an SPF, it won’t make any difference. The sun’s rays can wreak havoc on your skin. We all know this. The message? Look after your skin and really step up your defense against ultraviolet rays when you’re in your 20s.

You should be wearing a mineral sunscreen daily (if you aren’t already). Look at the ingredients list for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Not only do these naturally occurring minerals physically block the sunrays radiation, but they also tend to be gentle on the skin. Make sure to apply it liberally every morning (after moisturising, but before foundation).

Start with a Vitamin C Serum Your 20s are full of habits that can disrupt the skin like pulling all-nighters and partying. As fun as this time is, vitamin C helps you counteract damage. It’s known for being one of the strongest antioxidants. A vitamin C serum will lighten lines, firm skin, and brighten your complexion, as well as protect your skin against environmental skin damage through free radicals. Apply a few drops to your face in the morning to see a transformation.

In your 30s… What’s the hype? A derivative of vitamin A, it smoothes skin texture, promotes skin renewal, brightens skin tone, reduces acne, and prevents ageing. What’s the catch? Retinol can lead to flaking, redness, and burning if used too frequently or if you’re using a percentage that’s too strong for you. While there is an adjustment period, it’s not recommended for people with overly sensitive skin. A good recommendation for sensitive skin is to use a retinol esther such as granactive retinol which minimises the potential for a skin reaction.

Here’s how to use it safely (and not have your skin freak out): • Use only at night; • Start with something over the counter products a few times a week; • Don’t use with other exfoliants; • Graduate to more potent prescription retinol every night; and • Don’t forget SPF the morning after.

In your 40s…

Apply At-home Chemical Peels Nothing leaves your complexion looking and feeling as glowing and polished as a chemical peel does. Chemical peels stimulate your skin and break down the so-called glue that holds your dead skin cells together. The result is skin that’s smoother and firmer. Sure, you can get a chemical peel at a dermatologist’s office, but staying at home an option now. When it comes to choosing an at-home peel, look for options with a 10% glycolic acid formula.

Here’s how to safely do a chemical peel at home: • Start just once a week; • Apply after washing your skin; • Follow directions; • Use a timer; and • Follow with a moisturiser. In your 50s…

Try Peptides Simply put, peptides are what proteins are made of. In the world of skin care, when people refer to proteins they almost always mean collagen (or the protein that gives your skin its structure). By applying peptides to your skin, you’re sending an SOS signal to your cells to produce more collagen. Peptides in cosmetic skin products help calm and firm your skin. This trending ingredient is safe to apply at morning and night. Our dermatologists recommend opting for a peptide-packed serum or moisturiser (which will penetrate your skin deeper than a face wash).

Upgrade Your Serum Serums mean serious business. With active ingredients, serums are pricey but their potency makes it oh so worth it. Ageing? Wrinkles? Dark spots? Concentrated serums target skin problems more effectively than other products. Just promise us this: If you invest in one thing, make it a serum.

SkinMiles Tip Consulting a dermatologist, or an aesthetic medical practitioner with a special interest in skincare, or a skincare therapist, will help you to learn what skincare products will be the most beneficial for every age and how to use them safely.

SkinMiles: Your Personal Skincare Destination

SkinMiles opened its doors in November 2015 after Dr Alek Nikolic realised that doctor-only recommended products with active ingredients were difficult to access. Dr Alek also realised that many people are not sure which products or ingredients to use for their skin types and skin concerns. “SkinMiles was created to allow for more convenient access to doctor recommended active ingredients, and to provide honest, reliable and effective advice for a personalised skin regime, to everyone.” Visit: https://skinmiles.com