There are many wonderful things about getting older. We grow wiser and more comfortable with who we are. We come to know what we want and how to get it. The anxieties of youth fade away, replaced by the self-knowledge of time. But alas, these lovely benefits also come with a downside. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and shine, developing wrinkles and fine lines.
It doesn't have to be this way. If you want to reduce the visible signs of ageing and improve your skin tone and firmness, there are skincare options that can help. If you're tired of looking tired, you're in luck. Collagen treatments are in-demand skincare treatments, with many Australians using them to rejuvenate their skin.
We've composed a helpful guide to collagen and its role in your body. In this comprehensive article, we will answer questions like:
- What is collagen?
- Where does collagen come from?
- Are there consequences if I don't have enough collagen?
- What causes collagen to decrease?
We also discuss some of the most effective ways to support your body's natural collagen production, as well as guiding you through therapeutic options.
[content_aside]The team at Victorian Dermal Group have helped countless individuals with loving their skin. We offer skin needling treatment, collagen 360 intensive cream, collagen essence and other superior skincare products that work. Read on to find out more on how we can help boost your collagen.[/content_aside]
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes up about a third of the human body. Found in the skin, tendons, muscles and bones, it's the substance which holds the body together by providing strength, shape and structure. You can think of it as the 'glue' of the human form. In fact, the word collagen comes from the Ancient Greek word meaning ‘glue’.
Where does collagen come from?
The body naturally produces collagen by using the amino acids from dietary protein, in addition to Vitamin C, zinc and copper. Below is a list of foods that contain the building blocks of collagen:
- Fish
- Meat
- Egg whites
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Red and yellow vegetables
- Avocados
- Citrus fruits
- Berries
- Garlic
- Cashews
Many herbs can also help your body to produce collagen include cilantro, Chinese knotweed, horsetail, gynostemma, gotukola, bala and ashwagandha.
What cause our collagen levels to decrease?
There many factors that lead to lower collagen levels in the body. Ageing is the most well-known cause, but stress, caffeine, excessive intake of sugar, sun damage and tobacco use also lead to collagen reduction.
The good news is that can make lifestyle changes to address these causes. Taking steps to eliminate or mitigate these anti-collagen factors can result in a happier skin life. Essentially, common sense steps to greater health will augment and safeguard your collagen.
How does ageing cause a decrease in collagen?
We're all familiar with the basic fact of life that beanbags are a little harder to get out of with each passing year. Similarly, as we age, the machinery of collagen production in the body slows down. It is simply the nature of our own mortality. At this stage, nothing can be done to prevent ageing-linked collagen reduction. But with the right care and treatments, we can delay its march.
Are there consequences if I don't have enough collagen?
Since collagen is such a vital component in our body, lack of it can have significant consequences. Collagen keeps our skin from sagging, lending it a ripe, healthful look. Reduced collagen levels can make our skin appear washed-out and older, as well as causing hair loss and brittle nails.
Appearance aside, because collagen is used throughout the body internally, deficient collagen levels can have other, potentially serious ramifications. Collagen is the scaffolding of our bodies and without it our body cannot repair and restore itself properly. Collagen-deficient people may experience symptoms such as stiff ligaments, tendon and joint pain, weakened muscles and papery skin.
As you age, it becomes increasingly vital that you maintain a healthy diet and minimise anti-collagen risk factors, not just to preserve your appearance but for the sake of your wellbeing and longevity. When you speak with our dermal technician during your consultation, they can help provide guidance on how to go about doing this.
How do topical collagen products work?
Collagen creams, ointments and serums work through being absorbed by the skin. The collagen molecules in these products pass from the epidermis into the dermis, where they will be put to use by the body. The end result is rejuvenation, internal and external.
Is it safe to use topical collagen products?
Topical collagen products are considered generally safe for daily use. A small number of people may experience rashes, inflammation and digestive issues, but the vast majority of people won't experience adverse side effects. Although collagen ointments and creams are typically considered safe, many are created from potential allergens like fish and animal products, so it’s best to steer clear of them if you have allergies.
You should always consult your doctor before beginning or increasing topical collagen products.
What is skin needling and how can it help boost my collagen levels?
Skin needling involves creating tiny punctures by pricking the top layers of your skin. These trigger a rapid wound healing response which causes your body to naturally produce more collagen, leading to brighter, tighter skin with a smoother, more even-toned complexion. It's perfect for rejuvenating your look or to address acne scarring and other skin issues. A further benefit of skin needling is that it will boost the skin's ability to absorb skincare products.
The team at Victorian Dermal group are available to answer all of your skin needling questions. Why not book in a consultation with our dermal technicians today?
Does skin needling have side effects?
You will experience some short term side effects such as redness, swelling and skin flaking. These are all normal and indicate increased collagen production as the skin heals itself. Within a few days, these side effects will disappear and your skin will glow with greater radiance and bountiful shine. In the meantime, most people are able to wear makeup the next day after treatment.
How long does a skin needling treatment take?
Treatment times vary for individuals, but typically sessions will take between 30 and 60 minutes. We are always happy to work to your time constraints and are flexible on appointment times.
Will it be long before I see results from skin needling?
Results are visible within weeks of your first treatment. Your skin will appear more illuminated, as it heals and generates new collagen.
How long do the benefits of skin needling last?
You will enjoy the benefits of our skin needling for an extended period. A 2008 study found that after four monthly microneedling sessions, collagen production was up 400% six months after completing treatment. Nourishing your skin at Victorian Dermal Group will always have a lasting difference.
How regularly should I have skin needling?
The ideal number of session to achieve maximum results really depends on your unique skin type, lifestyle and desires. Our clients usually book three to four treatment sessions for wrinkles and mild scarring. Further sessions may be necessary in the case of different skin conditions.
Do I need to take time off from work after skin needling?
This can depend on the individual and the specifics of their treatment. Should you select Vivace RF microneedling, you can return to work right away. If you're receiving the m-pen procedure, you may choose to recover for the rest of the day and soothe your skin with ice.
Can retinol help boost my collagen?
Retinol — a well-known vitamin A derivative — can boost collagen levels in the skin. We suggest everybody incorporate a retinol serum into their skin care regime.
For a variety of serums and creams that can help you with collagen and fighting ageing, check out our skin care products.
Can you combine collagen treatments to boost the overall effect?
You certainly can, and this is commonly done. Our team at VDG have helped many individuals combine different collagen-promoting approaches. They will be able to advise you on the right procedures and products for you.
