What is collagen?

 

Collagen is the most abundant protein present in the human body. It is one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, tendons, and muscles. It can be thought of as the glue that holds all these things together. In the skin it provides structure, strength and elasticity. It helps fibroblasts to form in the dermis (middle skin layer), which helps new cells grow. It also plays a role in replacing dead skin cells.

 

What happens to collagen as we age?

 

As the body ages, it starts to lose collagen and produce lower quality collagen. By the age of 40, your body can lose 1% of collagen each year.

Other than age, diet, smoking, alcohol and sun exposure can also contribute to loss of collagen through generation of reactive oxygen species (what antioxidants work against). The loss of collagen accounts for skin appearing less firm and supple.

 

How can we boost our collagen stores?

 

Skincare

Using collagen topically as a cream is ineffective as the molecule is so large that it sits on top of the epidermis (top skin layer) rather than penetrating through. Topical retinoids such as tretinoin have significant evidence showing that they are effective at promoting collagen formation. Vitamin C is a very effective antioxidant that can reverse the inflammation that causes damage to collagen in the skin. We know that ultraviolet light breaks down collagen so it is important to wear sunscreen daily to prevent this.

 

Skincare will provide a good foundation, however, if you are really wanting excellent results, laser, light and injectable treatments will take you to the next level.

 

Injectables

Filler injections have been found to boost the amount and quality of collagen in the skin and enhance skin elasticity. There are also a number of collagen-stimulating injectables (biostimulators) available, which are injected superficially under the skin, not to provide volume, but to improve overall skin quality. Unfortunately we are not permitted to name the substances these are made from on this platform, but we can always discuss in person.

 

LED light therapy

Various studies have found that LED light may increase collagen growth and improve wrinkles and skin elasticity. If using LED for this, it needs to be done consistently.

 

Broadband Light (BBL)

BBL treatments aim to improve skin quality and can be used to treat superficial pigmentation and redness. Using controlled heat and multiple passes, BBL also stimulates the body’s own ability to produce collagen. Studies have found that regular BBL treatments actually result in skin age reversal.

 

Fractional ablative and nonablative lasers

These lasers work by creating microscopic columns of heat damage in the skin. By creating columns, rather than all over damage, this helps to speed up wound healing, decrease side effects, and reduce downtime. They help to treat superficial pigmentation, sun spots, age spots, and scars, but also, with time, stimulate collagen and elastin formation. Ablative fractional lasers create full thickness injury to the skin, whereas nonablative fractional lasers leave the very top layer (the stratum corneum) intact.

 

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency delivers advanced thermal heat to the deeper layers of the skin to rebuild collagen and skin tissue without causing damage to the top layers of the skin. This treatment is considered “colour blind” as it can be used in all skin types.

 

Q-switch laser

This laser treatment delivers sound waves, rather than heat and is used most frequently in our practice for treatment of melasma and other pigmented disorders, however, it can also be used to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin via a “laser toning facial”. This treatment can improve acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and help to reduce pore size. It is also safe and well-tolerated in most skin types.

 

Combination treatments

Often we will combine devices for the best results.

 

Most of these treatments are not one off – generally an initial course of treatment is performed and then your dermatologist will advise on how often you should be undergoing maintenance treatments.