What Can You Do To Increase Collagen?

Collagen and what you can do to increase it

You will notice collagen is mentioned everywhere these days. You will also notice many aesthetic treatments will have a tie-in with increased collagen production. Why? Because collagen is one of the most important components found within the skin, and increasing its production will provide great anti-ageing effects. 

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that acts as the main structural component of your skin, providing it with strength and elasticity. In simple terms, think of it as the scaffolding that keeps your skin firm and youthful. There are several types of collagen, but type I collagen comprises about 90% of your skin’s collagen, playing a crucial role in maintaining skin health.

Collagen, Skin Health and Ageing

As time goes on, your body's collagen production will gradually decrease. Cue the common signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and less elastic skin. The rate of this decline varies, but typically, by 40, people will produce about 1% less collagen in the skin each year. This reduced collagen level affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture and elasticity, having a direct influence on how supple and vibrant your skin appears.

External Factors

Apart from natural ageing, external factors play a significant role in collagen degradation. UV radiation from sun exposure can break down collagen faster, contributing to premature skin ageing. You may have heard that smoking and exposure to pollution can introduce free radicals into the skin, further damaging collagen. Also, your dietary choices influence collagen levels; a diet high in sugar, for instance, can lead to glycation, a process that weakens the collagen in your skin.

Natural Collagen Production in the Body

Your body produces collagen by combining amino acids with nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper. This process is vital for repairing skin damage and maintaining skin structure. The efficiency of collagen production can vary based on factors like age, your nutritional status, and overall health. Encouraging optimal collagen production involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in collagen-supporting nutrients, protecting the skin from excessive UV exposure, and avoiding smoking and pollutants.

7 Collagen-inducing treatments at Aesthetica Medical 

We have many treatments that aim to help increase collagen within your skin here in clinic. Which ones might be the best for your skin concerns will be ascertained during your consultation.

Microneedling

Sometimes called 'collagen induction therapy', microneedling rejuvenates by stimulating collagen production. It targets fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring and improves overall skin texture and tone. The treatment is designed around your individual skin types and concerns. All can benefit from its regenerative effects​. The tiny needles used in microneedling create micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's natural healing response. This process stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, leading to improved skin texture, firmness, and overall rejuvenation.

Best for: Patients of all ages looking to rejuvenate and repair their skin.

NuEra Tight

This non-invasive procedure employs Focal RF technology to enhance skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It's a versatile treatment, suitable for all skin types, contributing to overall skin health and appearance​. One of the best skin tightening treatments available. NuEra Tight uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating collagen and elastin production. The thermal energy causes the existing collagen fibers to contract and tighten, while also encouraging the formation of new collagen, resulting in firmer, more younger-looking skin.

Best for: Mature skin seeking revitalisation and improved elasticity.

Polynucleotides (Ameela®)

Polynucleotide treatments stimulate the skin's natural healing processes by offering a natural and safe approach to skin rejuvenation and increasing collagen. They're effective in improving hydration, reducing inflammation, and enhancing skin tone and elasticity, with results lasting up to a year. This treatment targets free radicals, supports tissue regeneration, and increases local vascularisation, making it ideal for those seeking a holistic approach to skincare​. Polynucleotides, like those used in Ameela®, are chains of nucleotides that serve as building blocks for DNA and RNA. When injected into the skin, they stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. This treatment also promotes tissue repair and regeneration, leading to improved skin quality and reduced signs of ageing.

Best for: Those aiming for natural skin rejuvenation and hydration.

Profhilo

Profhilo is an innovative treatment that harnesses high levels of hyaluronic acid to moisturise and reduce wrinkles and significantly enhance collagen and elastin production. Profhilo supports the skin's structure and elasticity by stimulating these vital bodily proteins. This treatment stands out for its ability to improve skin quality extensively, making it an excellent choice for those looking to combat signs of ageing with minimal intervention. Profhilo is a unique hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment that, when injected into the skin, spreads evenly and stimulates collagen and elastin production. The slow release of HA provides long-lasting hydration, while the collagen and elastin boost helps improve skin firmness and elasticity, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Best for: Combating early signs of ageing and enhancing skin hydration and quality.

Bright Eyes and Face Protocol

A treatment unique to Aesthetica Medical combining microneedling and polynucleotides, the Bright Face & Eyes Protocol offers a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. It's designed to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, reduce signs of ageing, and enhance skin hydration and elasticity. Safe for all skin types, it utilises FDA-cleared techniques for a safe and effective treatment experience​. The combination of microneedling and polynucleotides in the Bright Face & Eyes Protocol works synergistically to stimulate collagen production. The microneedling process creates micro-channels in the skin, allowing the polynucleotides to penetrate more effectively. This dual approach enhances the skin's natural regenerative processes, leading to more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Best for: Comprehensive facial rejuvenation across all skin types.

Hydra-Needling

Another two-stepped treatment starts with a HydraFacial and then microneedling. It enhances skin texture and tone while providing deep hydration and minimal discomfort. Suitable for a wide range of skin types, this treatment promotes collagen production and offers immediate improvements in skin texture and hydration​. The HydraFacial component of Hydra-Needling cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin, preparing it for the microneedling process. The subsequent microneedling treatment stimulates collagen production by creating micro-injuries in the skin, which triggers the body's healing response. The combination of these two treatments leads to more effective collagen induction and improved skin quality.

Best for: Immediate hydration and texture improvement in all skin types.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Utilising the patient's own blood platelets, PRP therapy is a natural treatment that stimulates collagen production to reduce wrinkles, plump up sagging skin, and improve complexion. It offers long-lasting results in treated areas, with many patients experiencing improvements that last up to a year or longer. PRP is minimally invasive with quick recovery, allowing for an efficient and effective treatment for various aesthetic concerns​​. RP therapy involves extracting platelets from the patient's own blood and injecting them back into the skin. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate collagen production and promote tissue repair. When injected into the skin, these growth factors activate fibroblasts, leading to increased collagen synthesis and improved skin texture and firmness.

Best for: Mature skin seeking natural revitalisation and anti-ageing effects.

Your Choice

Each of these treatments is designed to stimulate collagen production in your skin, offering a range of options for patients looking to improve skin health and combat signs of ageing. With minimal downtime and tailored to individual needs, these treatments effectively enhance skin quality and achieve a youthful appearance. Get in touch today if you want more information, or just take the plunge and book in with us for a complimentary consultation.