The word collagen practically everywhere these days. From supplements to protein powders, you’re likely wondering what exactly is collagen, and why is it so important?
As our bodies age, collagen production begins to diminish and decrease. As a result of your body producing less collagen, changes in your skin become more noticeable. Environmental damage also causes additional stress on the skin, and with changes in hormone levels, collagen levels deplete.
Fortunately, collagen production can be stimulated, and numerous scientific studies have proven the effectiveness of collagen induction for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein naturally found in the human body. This strong and flexible protein keeps your bones strong and your skin healthy. The network of collagen fibers beneath your skin prevents wrinkles and dark spots from forming on the skin’s surface.
Why Our Bodies Need It
Different forms of collagen are produced naturally by the body, each for a unique purpose. Because of the triple helix form of collagen, this protein can withstand a great deal of torque and force. As an incredibly flexible protein substance, it has many uses, including flexible support for dermal layers and joint cartilage. Collagen also helps to keep our bones healthy and strong and promotes healing of wounds.
How the Body Produces Collagen
Our bodies produce most of the collagen we need. However, external collagen sources can come from the foods we eat or from supplements. Hormones stimulate collagen production, and any interruption of these hormone signals can lead to a decrease in your body’s natural collagen production levels. This is especially true for females during and after menopause.
The Link Between Collagen and Anti-Aging
Collagen is an essential factor in the overall health and appearance of your skin. As collagen production starts to decrease with age, increasing production is your best weapon against reducing the visible signs of aging. Our skin is an incredible organ that resists damage while protecting our bodies. Over time, the skin begins to show signs of the war it has fought for us.
The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery gives the example of collagen being thought of as padding under the surface of the skin, similar to padding under carpeting or a rug. As the padding under the carpeting begins to wear down, the carpet will start to lose its smooth shape. Increasing and replacing the padding under your skin will help to give a healthier and smoother appearance.
How To Increase Natural Collagen Production
Ultherapy Mini Lift
Ultherapy delivers ultrasound energy to loose, aging skin and gives a jumpstart to a new cycle of collagen production. As the fresh collagen is developing, older skin structures are revitalized and thickened. Ultherapy is often referred to as a non-invasive facelift because results give you tighter skin without ever making a single incision.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a facial treatment that utilizes specific chemicals to remove old skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. This in-depth exfoliation process stimulates collagen production underneath the skin while simultaneously removing dead skin cells on the surface. The results are a smoother appearance with a more evened-out skin tone.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion involves evenly removing the top layer of skin. As your skin rejuvenates, your body increases collagen production beneath the surface. While results are similar to a chemical peel, microdermabrasion does not require the use of chemicals to yield results.
Facials
A facial is an excellent non-invasive treatment option that does not incorporate chemicals to revitalize the skin and promote collagen production. Intensely exfoliating the skin and replenishing moisture levels helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL treatments use photofacial rejuvenation technology to diminish the effects of photoaging on the skin. This method specifically targets issues that are derived from sun exposure. Additionally, there is the added benefit of increasing your natural collagen production.
Ready To Boost Your Collagen?
Collagen provides your skin with elasticity and shape. While your body naturally produces less collagen over time, a medical spa treatment can boost production levels in many different ways. Every skin type is different, and everyone has a unique set of needs to be addressed. If you’re ready to learn more about boosting your collagen, contact Radiance Skincare & Laser Medspa today.