Collagen is a word that is discussed a lot in my clinic. A lot of my patients ask:
“How can I increase my collagen production, or how can I slow the loss of collagen so my skin won´t sag as much and I can have a more youthful appearance? “
The bad news is that we do lose collagen every year. The good news is that there are ways you can stimulate collagen production to give a refreshed and rejuvenated look to your face, which looks natural and can last years!
What is Collagen Protein?
We have three layers of the skin – epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Collagen is found in the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. The dermis is directly under the epidermis and is the new skin cell layer. The dermis ranges in thickness from 0.3 mm to 3 mm and is made up of collagen, elastic fibers, and reticular fiber. This layer includes small muscles that are attached to hair follicles, oil and sweat glands, blood vessels, and nerves, which feel pain, itching and temperature.
The most abundant protein in the body is collagen, which accounts for about 30 per cent of all body proteins. You’ve probably heard of collagen as it relates to skin beauty, but collagen is not just found in the skin. In fact, 28 different types of collagens support your body as connective tissues that give shape and strength to cells and organs. Collagen protein serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It keeps skin from sagging, giving it a plumper and youthful look.
The good news is your body naturally makes collagen, peaking at 25 to 34 years old, the bad news is that after this age collagen decreases as we get older up to 1.5 per cent a year, and for women, up to 30 per cent of their collagen can be lost in the first five years of menopause, which can lead to skin sagging, wrinkles, lack of skin luster and plumpness, and reduction of firmness of the skin.
How Can You Slow & Stimulate Collagen Loss?
It’s no secret that there are collagen bio-stimulators out there that can be injected by skilled Doctors, such as Sculptra, HArmonyCa, and Radiesse, as well as machines that stimulate collagen production, such as Morpheus8, Fibroblast Plasma Pen, Microneedling, Radiofrequency to name a few.
As a Doctor of Aesthetic Medicine for the last seventeen years, having seen patients from all over the world, my top two treatments to tighten the skin that do not involve surgery, are Sculptra and Morpheus8.
Why Sculptra:
Sculptra Aesthetic is the number one FDA-approved injectable bio stimulator available that gradually helps to replace lost collagen, with results lasting up to two-plus years.
This treatment works with your body within the deep dermis to help revitalize collagen, elastin, and fibrin production and help restore the skin’s inner structure and volume, working on the underlying structure of the skin to diminish facial wrinkles, tighten and lift the skin, improve skin texture and quality, and give the skin a radiant glow, looking younger every month!
Why Morpheus8:
This clinically proven bipolar RF energy uses a combination of microneedles to puncture the skin. Radiofrequency heats the underlying tissues with burst technology, resulting in controlled injury, which enhances the skin´s overall appearance by promoting repair and regeneration, prompting collagen and elastin production to increase skin firmness, tightness, plumpness, and smoothness, reduce scars, stretch marks, cellulite, and even remodel fat tissue, leaving your skin vibrant and delaying the need for other anti-aging treatments.
How do you know which collagen-enhancing procedure is best for you?
It is best to speak with an experienced professional, a board-certified physician, is best as you know they are up to date with the latest techniques, information, and safety. Discuss with your Aesthetic Doctor your options according to the results you desire most, and enjoy the youth enhancing benefits!
