When you’re young, your skin is naturally smooth, plump, and full of elasticity, thanks to collagen—the key protein responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. In fact, around 70-80% of your skin’s dry composition is collagen. However, from your late 20s, collagen production starts to decline by about 1% each year. By the time you reach your 40s, this decline becomes noticeable, contributing to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of skin elasticity.
Fortunately, collagen treatments can help restore some of that lost firmness. From non-invasive procedures like HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) to injectables like Sculptra, these treatments are designed to stimulate collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate the skin.
This article will dive into what collagen is, how it benefits your skin, and the various treatments available to stimulate collagen production and improve your skin’s appearance.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, forming the structural foundation for skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining strength, elasticity, and hydration for your skin.
For instance, if you pinch the skin on your forearm and then release it, you’ll notice it quickly springs back into place; this is collagen at work. Whether it’s healing a wound, a surgical incision or even sunburn, collagen plays a key role in the skin’s repair process.
Key functions of collagen include:
Your body produces collagen naturally, and it typically doesn’t need much assistance. However, collagen production declines with age, and existing collagen fibres become thinner and weaker.
As collagen production decreases with age, you may begin to notice:
Beyond ageing, factors like sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet can accelerate collagen loss.
While no treatment can completely reverse ageing, collagen-boosting procedures can significantly improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and restore a youthful appearance. The best treatment for you depends on your needs and goals, so consult a skin care professional to determine the most suitable option.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most effective treatments for stimulating collagen production:
For those seeking to boost collagen production and improve the appearance of their skin without the need for surgery, non-invasive aesthetic treatments can be an ideal method.
Often called the “Lunchtime Facelift,” High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Ultherapy use high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into the skin layers and stimulate collagen production, targeting depths of 1.5mm, 3.0mm and 4.5mm. This non-invasive procedure requires no surgery and has minimal downtime, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an effective and safe solution to lift and tighten sagging skin, especially around the cheeks, jawline and double chin area.
HIFU and Ultherapy work by delivering targeted ultrasound energy to heat the skin’s deeper layers, triggering a natural regeneration process. Over time, this helps tighten and lift the skin while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. However, HIFU may be less effective for individuals with very loose skin who may benefit more from skin tightening procedures like Sofwave.
Sofwave is another non-invasive ultrasound treatment that uses Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam (SUPERB™) technology to rejuvenate the skin. Unlike HIFU or Ultherapy, Sofwave specifically targets the mid-dermis at a depth of 1.5mm, making it particularly effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles and tightening the skin without causing volume loss. This means that Sofwave delivers optimal results for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction, while HIFU and Ultherapy excel at lifting the skin at deeper levels.
This treatment is ideal for those looking to achieve smoother, tighter skin without the downtime associated with more invasive procedures.
Thermage uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to heat the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin. It is commonly used on the face and comes with an individual tip made specially for the eye area.
During the procedure, RF energy heats the collagen-rich layers of the skin, prompting your body to produce more collagen. The result? Smoother, firmer skin with minimal downtime. Results typically improve over the weeks following the procedure as new collagen forms.
Collagen injections aim to restore the skin’s natural collagen levels by delivering collagen-stimulating ingredients directly into the skin.
Sculptra is considered the first FDA-approved facial injectable designed to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production over time. Made from poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra is ideal for restoring lost facial volume, reducing deep wrinkles and improving skin firmness.
It is injected under the skin using a cannula, a blunt needle that minimises bruising and other side effects. This technique ensures even distribution of Sculptra around the face, allowing the PLLA microparticles to be evenly spread under the skin for the best results.
Unlike traditional fillers, which provide immediate but temporary results, Sculptra works gradually, with full effects visible after a few months as collagen production increases. Results can last up to two years, making it a long-term solution for those looking to rejuvenate their skin naturally.
Profhilo is an injectable treatment that uses hyaluronic acid to boost collagen and elastin production. Unlike traditional fillers, Profhilo spreads evenly under the skin, acting more as a hydrator than a filler. This treatment is ideal for improving skin tone, texture, and elasticity, especially for individuals with dull or dehydrated skin. Although it is primarily used for facial areas, the treatment can also be used to rejuvenate the neck, decollete and hands.
Profhilo’s effects are visible within a few weeks of treatment, and results improve over time as collagen production increases. It’s a great option for those looking to restore their skin’s natural glow and firmness.
Before undergoing any collagen treatment, it’s essential to take a few preparatory steps to ensure the best results:
An experienced aesthetic doctor can evaluate your skin condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your goals.
Inform your doctor about any allergies, medications or underlying medical conditions to ensure the treatment is safe for you.
Avoid using strong exfoliants or harsh skincare products on the treatment area for several days before your procedure as these may irritate the skin and it more sensitive.
Your doctor may also provide specific pre-treatment guidelines.
While most non-invasive treatments require minimal recovery time, collagen takes around 10-12 weeks to build. Schedule your procedure at least 3 months in advance of any special events to allow the results of full collagen regeneration to show.
While ageing is inevitable, collagen treatments offer an effective way to slow down its visible effects. Whether you opt for non-invasive procedures like HIFU, Sofwave, or injectables like Sculptra and Profhilo, collagen treatments can help restore skin volume, improve texture, and reduce wrinkles.
Moreover, collagen treatments are not just about aesthetics; they also promote skin health. Improved elasticity and hydration can make your skin more resilient against environmental factors, allowing you to maintain a youthful glow for longer.
By choosing the right treatment and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy firmer, more youthful-looking skin for years to come.
It’s important to approach these treatments with realistic expectations. Results may vary, and a consultation with a qualified professional will help you understand the best options for your skin type and condition.
Get in touch with us today and schedule an appointment to find out which treatment is most suitable for you.
Results vary by treatment, but many can last 12 months or more, depending on the procedure and your skin type.
While some treatments show immediate effects, most collagen treatments take about 10-12 weeks for full results as collagen production increases.
Yes, combining treatments like HIFU and Sculptra can provide more comprehensive results. Consult with a skincare professional to create a tailored treatment plan.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before starting any new skincare routine or treatment, especially if you have existing skin conditions or concerns. Results may vary from person to person, and individual needs may require different approaches.
Dr Tan Ying Zhou, known as Dr YZ Tan, is the founder and Medical Director of Mizu Aesthetic Clinic.
His journey into aesthetics began with a medical degree from St. George’s, University of London, followed by an internship in Dermatology at the National Taiwan University Hospital.
Some of his favourite aesthetic procedures include nose augmentation and anti-ageing solutions, and he also serves as a trainer for emerging aesthetic doctors.
His philosophy revolves around personalised treatments tailored to each individual’s ageing concerns, aiming to transform the ageing process gracefully into a pleasant journey towards confidence and wellness.
Want to speak to a doctor about which skin booster treatment is for you? Drop us a message by clicking on the link below.
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