Skincare that's truly skin-deep

Did you realise that our skin is the largest single organ of our body? And that it's a highly-complex structure that has several different functions to perform?

For one thing, it acts as a protection against what can often be an aggressive external environment. For example, it helps stave off infection by providing a front-line defence within our immune system, and it produces the melanin cells that give us a tan, to defend us against the full damage that the sun can potentially cause.

It's through the nerve endings in our skin that we experience our sense of touch. The skin is also involved in how we perceive the external pain of cutting or injuring ourselves. We're aware of changes in temperature through the skin, and the sweat glands it contains help to maintain the correct temperature for the body. Then there's the fact that smooth touchable skin adds greatly to our sexual allure!

It's thanks to two particular proteins – collagen and elastin – that our skin has texture and shape and is so resilient and supple. Basically, collagen keeps the two top layers of the skin in good condition; in other words, the epidermis, which is the outer layer that we can see, and the dermis, which lies just beneath it.

Our skin structure is far from static. New cells are constantly forming in the basal layer deep below the surface, and moving up to the epidermis, changing their shape as they do so. By the time they reach the surface they are flat, dead cells that are shed about every two weeks. Getting rid of these skin cells is what exfoliation is all about!

Collagen has the job of supporting the new cells as they grow – which it does through collagen fibres clumping together to form a matrix, or a mesh-like structure – and of repairing and regenerating skin cells, keeping them moist and supple. It improves moisture retention in the deeper layers of the skin and is vital for repairing skin without leaving scars.

Elastin, as the name suggests, provides the elasticity that underpins movement, allowing us to flex our hands, for example.  Together, collagen and elastin make up three-quarters of the proteins found in the skin tissue. Through them, our skin appears smooth, radiant and healthy looking.

But alas, as we get older we start to lose that youthful bloom, and we have to work harder to keep our skin smooth and touchable. By the time we're in our early 30s the first tiny lines and wrinkles are probably beginning to show, and maybe we're conscious that our skin feels drier and that we're using heavier moisturising creams than we did before.

So what is going on? The body manufactures its own collagen every day but gradually, over time, it does so less efficiently. Slowly, the skin's mechanisms start to deteriorate, leading to changes in the way it handles its various functions. Its immune system defence is weakened, making us more susceptible to disease. The blood supply to the skin is reduced. It's no longer as good as it once was in terms of body temperature control, touch sensitivity and pain perception. Sweat glands and pores get blocked, and the skin does not retain moisture to the same extent.

We produce fewer new cells in the basal layer, and they're less plump, so by the time they reach the epidermis, our visible skin looks increasingly lined and dry. All of this also affects the amount and characteristics of the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin.

It's now known that a key factor here is that molecules under the top layer of the skin start to stick together, setting up a micro-inflammatory cycle that leads to the secretion of collagenese, an enzyme that eats away at collagen. This process also produces damaging free radicals. The end result is that the matrix supporting the skin is slowly destroyed, producing a variety of visible and invisible changes to the skin layer. Our skin loses its tautness and starts to sag.

The natural decline in oestrogen levels that occurs with age is also partly responsible for the changes in the skin, at least in women. And things aren't helped by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, or by cigarettes and alcohol. Even second-hand cigarette smoke prematurely ages the skin.

For years, women have turned to collagen injections to remove fine lines and wrinkles and so restore their once-youthful appearance. Unfortunately, the effects are not permanent and the injections have to be constantly repeated.

Cosmetics companies have taken advantage of the known benefits of collagen injections to claim that their collagen creams produce similar anti-ageing effects. But collagen molecules are too large to pass efficiently through the upper layer of the skin, so these creams are of little benefit.

The Definitive skin repair and anti-aging Skincare

Now, a system was developed, that enables very large molecules such as collagen to pass through the upper layer of skin. This new transdermal system delivers the collagen molecules directly to the basal layer - something that could only previously be achieved with injections. And the collagen it delivers is special, too, produced from the very best natural resources. It is 100 per cent natural, and contains no colouring or perfume: in fact, no additives of any kind. The product is called Natural Collagen NC 5-26 and its effects are noticeable after only a few days.

NC 5-26 is the only living collagen product that retains its active cell structure, the triple helix. It fights the causes - not just the effects - with spectacular lasting results.

Natural Collagen NC 5-26 is suitable for all skin types and can be used by all age groups. It is especially recommended for those over 21, because their skin has already started to age naturally, but in fact it’s good for anyone whose skin shows signs of ageing and loss of moisture.

It will regenerate healthy skin and reduce wrinkles, and restore lustre and texture to the hair. It promotes healthier nail growth, and it can be massaged onto any part of the body that shows signs of ageing.

Natural Collagen NC 5-26 is available in three versions: NC 5-26 Platinum, NC 5-26 Silver and NC 5-26 Graphite.

NC 5-26 Platinum is recommended for use on the face. Before using it, remove make-up and wash the face with face wash or a mild soap. Then apply one drop of NC 5-26 to the brow, cheeks, chin, and the back and front of the neck, rubbing it in to distribute it evenly. Leave for five to eight minutes. You will feel a slight tautening of the skin, which is quite normal. Then apply your usual face cream. The product should not be used for exfoliation more than twice a week.

The Platinum formulation is specially recommended for after-sun care; care of postoperative scar tissue; following facial skin peeling or a facelift; for deep facial moisturising, and to regenerate the skin on the face and neck.

NC 5-26 Silver is designed to be applied to the whole body. Before using it, you need to thoroughly wash and clean your body, then gently massage N 5-26 into damp skin. Follow with your usual body lotion. You should exfoliate the body once or twice a week.

The Silver formulation is specially recommended for sports injuries, such as stresses and sprains; people recovering from injuries; lumbar and spinal pains; overall body massage, and aching joints.

NC 5-26 Graphite is specially recommended for care of the hair and nails.

For hair care, wash the hair thoroughly using a mild shampoo, then massage N 5-26 Graphite vigorously into the scalp and hair. Do not rinse off. Dry the hair at a low temperature by holding the dryer at some distance from the scalp.

For nail care, remove all traces of nail varnish, avoiding acetone-based removers. Wash the hands with warm water and soap, especially around the cuticles and in between the fingers. Then apply NC 5-26 Graphite to damp hands, including around the cuticles. Follow with a moisturising cream.

For all-over benefits, you can add N 5-26 to a relaxing bath. But make sure that the water is at room temperature so that the collagen is broken down in ideal conditions for smaller particles to be absorbed more quickly.

Warning – Natural Collagen products must not be applied directly after using skin cleansers and tonics. Collagen is a protein which will break down in the presence of the acids they contain.

For optimum results, Natural Collagen NC 5-26 should be applied three times a day.

To buy our products, for more product information, or for details on how to become a distributor of NC 5 - 26, please get in touch:

Colway UK Ltd
3 Wells House
Grove Road
London W5 5DR

Tel: (+44) 0208 567 3307
Fax: (+44) 0208 579 1477
Email: collagen@colwayuk.com
Website: www.colwayuk.com