Importance of Collagen and the Best Treatments
At a certain age, you start experiencing the effects of aging - fine lines around the eyes and mouth, the skin starts to become less elastic and firm, wrinkles start appearing, and your energy levels begin to decline. All these can be signs of collagen degeneration.
But what does collagen do, and why is it essential to staying youthful. Read on to find out.
What is Collagen?
Collagen constitutes the majority of proteins in the human body, allowing all parts of your body to function optimally. This protein can be found in the tissue and organ in the body, including bone, skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
It also accounts for around 30% of the protein in our body, contributing to tissue support and adhesion. A major function of collagen is to provide structural strength to the body's connective tissues — such as tendons and ligaments — so they can withstand stress. For example, collagen also helps repair torn tissue, like when you sprain an ankle.
As far as aesthetics and beauty are concerned, collagen's benefits for preventing aging are irreplaceable.
It makes up to
80% of your skin, particularly the dermis —the layer of skin that gives it strength, elasticity, and structure. Collagen works by increasing and binding skin moisture content by hydrating it with amino acids that deliver antioxidants to the cells of your skin. Preventing damage from free radicals that can cause premature aging.
Collagen also helps skin stay healthy and hydrated by adding elasticity to your skin cells and promoting cell regeneration. This process can help your skin look younger and healthier over time, especially if you have dry or damaged skin. Specifically, collagen reduces cellulite, wrinkles, and stretch marks on your skin.
Although our body makes collagen, it has a limited ability to produce it naturally. As we age, it becomes more challenging for our bodies to make collagen. Research states that you'll lose up to 25% of your collagen by age 45. This decrease in collagen production results in a reduction of skin hydration, giving us dryer skin. It also results in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Fight Signs of Aging with Sculptra Microneedling
While getting the right amount of collagen can help you preserve the youthfulness of your skin, even with all the rich-collagen foods and supplements, there are times when collagen production doesn't go as well as you might like.
Is there another way to obtain our skin's collagen to stay youthful? The answer is YES!
If you need a treatment that can leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, then microneedling is right for you. And among the myriad of available therapies, SCULPTRA Microneedling stands out as your best bet.
An FDA-approved treatment, Sculptra Microneedling, involves delivering poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) through tiny needles that penetrate deeply enough to stimulate the regenerative process without causing any damage to the skin. The PLLA stimulates collagen production in the injected areas and significantly reduces these signs of aging. Additionally, it improves the absorption of topical products like anti-aging serums and moisturizers, allowing them to reach deeper into your skin.
Sculptra Microneedling is best for people with moderate to severe lines around the mouth, under the eyes, or on the forehead. Moreover, it is effective in areas where fat loss (loss of facial volume) has resulted in sunken cheeks or hollows under the eyes.
Unlike most fillers, the results of Sculptra are natural-looking. So, this treatment is a good choice for those who want to appear more youthful - without looking like they've had work done.
READ 'How to Prevent Aging Skin: Know the Secret' for an in-depth look at Sculptra Microneedling.
Other Skin Treatments for Boosting Collagen at Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa
In addition to Sculptra, other treatments available can also regenerate the necessary collagen peptides that your skin requires to look younger, better, and fresher.
Tetra CO2 CoolPeel Laser Treatment
As an alternative to traditional CO2 resurfacing treatments, CoolPeel® is designed to safely and comfortably resurface your skin. It only targets the superficial layer of your skin and stimulates new collagen production, resulting in a fresher, younger appearance.
Using the Tetra laser, CoolPeel can deliver high energy in extremely short pulses. By doing this, you avoid the problems related to heat lingering on the skin and damage to the area surrounding it. This is why this treatment provides excellent skin resurfacing results that are virtually painless and without downtime.
Subnovii Treatment
Skin tightening and lifting procedures using plasma technology can reduce scarring, fine lines, and sagging skin. But not all plasma treatments are made the same. The Subnovii Plasma Pen is the only one to combine plasma and LF technology in a patented power and wavelength combination.
By using advanced technology for fibroblast therapy, the Subnovii Plasma Pen activates the regeneration of cells in the skin. It works by transferring heat to the skin through tiny columns, promoting collagen synthesis deep within the skin. The procedure only causes very small damage to the epidermis, leaving the skin looking tighter and younger-looking upon healing.
PDO Thread Lift
PDO thread lifting (polydioxanone) is a non-invasive technique for achieving a youthful appearance. Not only is it about pulling the skin into a tauter position, but the threads also stimulate the body's natural response, causing it to create collagen, increase blood flow, and pull the skin tighter.
Immediately, you'll notice a firmer appearance on your skin thanks to the threads lifting and tightening sagging skin. Even months after treatment, your skin will continue to improve as your body produces more collagen.
Profound Microneedling
The Profound system is the only radiofrequency microneedling device cleared by the FDA for use both on the face and the body. As a non-surgical solution to aging skin, the Profound system reduces facial wrinkles and improves the appearance of cellulite through RF energy. A clinically proven method creates five times more elastin, two times more collagen, and a greater amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin.
MDPen MicroNeedling
With its ability to activate your body's natural cellular regeneration, MDPen tightens, lifts, and minimizes skin issues. The microneedling treatment dramatically boosts collagen and elastin production in the treatment area, improving skin smoothness, texture, and elasticity. A flow of blood and growth factors is then sent to the area via micro channels, giving the skin a healthy, glowing appearance.
Health Benefits of Collagen
It's not just about beauty. Collagen is most commonly associated with keeping us youthful, but it also plays a role in other parts of our body. This protein plays a much larger role in keeping us healthy. Here are the health benefits of collagen peptides.
Stronger Hair and Nails
Collagen is great for your hair because it helps protect against breakage and split ends by making strands stronger and more elastic. It forms a protective layer around hair follicles and nails, making them more robust and less likely to break.
Supports Healthy Digestion
The collagen in your body plays a vital role in keeping your digestive tract healthy by promoting regular bowel movements and assisting nutrient absorption. If you're having trouble digesting certain foods, adding collagen-rich food and supplements could help make your gut healthier.
Increases Energy Levels
Collagen is high in amino acids, which are essential for energy production. It can help you feel more energetic throughout the day and prevent fatigue that may come from low-carb diets or poor nutrition. Aside from this, collagen can also support brain health.
Helps Joint and Bone Health
Research shows that consuming collagen may help improve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis by supporting cartilage repair and maintenance in your joints. It helps build and repair skin, tendons, ligaments and bones.
May Promote Heart Health
Collagen helps reduce the risk of heart disease by improving arterial function and increasing blood flow to the heart muscle. It also lowers cholesterol levels, which helps prevent strokes by preventing plaque buildup in the arteries.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One benefit of collagen is its anti-inflammatory properties. The amino acid glycine found in collagen can help reduce joint pain due to inflammation while also improving joint mobility and flexibility. This is especially helpful if you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Your Transformation Begins Here!
We hope this article has given you a better idea of the value of collagen and how certain treatments can play a role in maintaining firm, youthful skin. At Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, we offer various skin treatments ideal for building collagen and preserving your youthful appearance.
Find out the best option for you through consultation with Dr David Reid. Contact us at (843) 681-4088, or visit this link to get started!
Hilton Head Plastic Surgery & MedSpa offers a wide range of safe and effective methods for achieving a more attractive and youthful appearance, from non-surgical and minimally-invasive MedSpa treatments to cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
Fax (843) 689-3742
