Collagen is the cornerstone of the aging process. As we get older, the amount of collagen that our bodies produce slows down and the rate at which we break collagen down increases. The net result is a loss of collagen in our skin. As the amount of collagen decreases our skin starts to lose its elasticity, structure and volume. Moisture also decreases and our skin becomes more dry.
Our body’s collagen starts to decrease sooner than you may think. In fact, collagen production decreases about 1% per year starting in your early 30′s. This is why we start to see the formation of wrinkles and lines. So, now you can see how important it is to maintain our collagen levels if we plan on having youthful skin as we get older. Most anti-aging treatments are focused on stimulating collagen production in order to slow this process down as much as possible. Increasing our healthy collagen levels can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines which are already present, thereby, reversing some signs of skin aging.
So how do we increase the collagen in our skin?
1. Ultherapy
Ultherapy is the best non-invasive way no naturally increase collagen in your skin. Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to deliver focused energy below the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s creation of new collagen. As your body starts forming new collagen you will notice lifting and toning of your skin over time. There are no needles, no incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime involved. Each treatment takes between 1-2 hours and results can be seen with only one treatment!
Ultherapy to produce collagen and tighten skin
2. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels have been used for centuries as a way to rejuvenate skin and give your face a more youthful appearance. There are several types of peels which target different layers of the skin. All chemical peels work by removing the outer layers of your skin to promote an overall improvement in skin texture. By removing the damaged skin cells at the surface of the skin, chemical peels stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. This can cause a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Chemical peels can be used to treat the skin of the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Often a series of peels are required to get the best results. It is important to choose the right chemical peel for your skin type.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Laser resurfacing procedures use concentrated pulsating beams of light to remove the surface layers of your skin one layer at a time. The superficial damaged layers of skin are peeled away and at the same time the deeper layers of the skin are heated and stimulated to create new collagen. The new skin that forms as you heal is smoother and firmer than before. There are a variety of laser resurfacing procedures which range from minimally invasive with minimal downtime, to aggressive with downtime. An in-depth consultation should be obtained to determine which laser resurfacing procedure is right for you.
4. Skin Care Products
The major benefit of skin care products is that they can be used at home and are relatively inexpensive compared to other collagen stimulating treatments. Be careful though, as not all skin care products are created equal. The best skin care creams and lotions to increase your collagen levels are prescription grade and cannot be bought over the counter. It’s also important to know what ingredients to look for in anti-aging skin care products. Products containing Retinoic Acid and Vitamin C have been proven to boost collagen growth and prevent wrinkles. Some of our favorite collagen producing skin care products are Refissa, ELASTIderm, and the Vitamin C system by Obagi. All can be purchased on our online store.
Elastiderm to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles around the eyes
5. Eat Healthy
Studies have found links between certain nutrients and wrinkle reduction, radiance, and acne prevention. Certain foods which contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamin C and copper to name a few can improve your skin’s elasticity and boost collagen production. Learn about more foods that are great for your skin here
Hopefully these tips have helped give you some natural options to boost the collagen levels in your skin and keep your skin looking young and beautiful. If you would like to learn more about how to maintain your skin health, feel free to contact us. We would love to help you look good and feel even better.