The 411 on Collagen Production

Collagen–If you’re not stimulating it, you’re losing it. But what is the best way to help your body produce this anti-aging protein? Keep reading to find out all about collagen and the gold-standard in anti-aging treatments.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that is found throughout our bodies.  It is made up of amino acids and acts as the glue that supports and keeps our organs/tissues together.  There are many different areas that collagen can be found within the body.  Each structure containing collagen serves a different purpose.  Some examples include ligaments, skin, muscle, cartilage, & bones.  Specifically, our skin contains collagen which keeps it firm and youthful looking.  That bouncy, supple, and tight appearance is mostly attributed to an abundance of collagen! As we age, our overall collagen production declines significantly which leads to skin laxity, wrinkles, decreased hydration, and change in skin tone.

What are some ways to stimulate collagen formation?

There are many different ways to stimulate the formation of new collagen also known as collagenesis.   In aesthetics, almost everything we do has a common goal of collagen stimulation.  Laser therapy, platelet rich plasma injections, polydioxanone threads, filler, radio frequency, and microneedling just to name a few.  At Skin Charm, we love all of these treatments but especially microneedling and Platelet Rich Plasma!  Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma is the gold standard for anti-aging.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is involved in our own body’s natural healing abilities.  It is found in our blood.  Retrieving your PRP will involve, drawing your own blood similarly to how routine blood testing is drawn at your primary care physician’s office. Your blood is then spun in a centrifuge and your PRP is separated and removed. This highly concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into your face, scalp, and/or microneedled into your skin. PRP releases numerous growth factors in response to tissue injury and initiates the natural process for healing.  This allows you to reap all the natural benefits of PRP in the specific targeted areas that you need it.

Platelet-rich plasma can be micro needled or injected for facial rejuvenation, tear trough support, hair restoration, or feminine rejuvenation.  We can use PRP in areas that need healing such as facial hollows, early stage hair loss in the scalp, and to support feminine health. Anywhere that PRP is present, you can expect an increase in collagen production.  PRP contains specific cells called platelets, that can theoretically stimulate cells in the microenvironment of your face, hair follicles, and mucosa.  These special platelet cells promote healing, accelerate tissue regeneration, and help form new cellular growth.

Why micro-needling with PRP?

This is truly the gold standard of anti-aging treatments.  If you want to boost collagen, improve your skin’s texture, and have an over glowing appearance, microneeding with PRP is your treatment.  Microneedling works by causing micro injuries in the skin which then stimulates the skin to regenerate new healthy skin that would not normally have been generated on a daily basis.  Combining microneedlig with PRP allows the skin cell turnover to happen quickly and effectively leading to less downtime.  The growth factors found in PRP speed up the process and bring additional benefits to the treatment.  In an article published by Elle magazine, research shows “according to a 2008 study, skin treated with four microneedling sessions spaced one month apart, produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment”.   That means that you produce about 100% more collagen than you would normally after each treatment.  Like we mentioned before, if you aren’t stimulating collagen, you’re losing it!  Collagen is truly the common denominator for a youthful appearance so it is important to do as much as possible to increase collagen production.  After all, aging gracefully is always the goal and we need collagen to do so.

This procedure usually takes about an hour in our clinic from start to finish. The healthier you are, the better your PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) will work to provide amazing results. Multiple treatments are necessary over the course of a few months.  Treatments should be spaced 4-6 weeks apart. We recommend that you drink a lot of water prior to your appointment and follow a healthy diet so that your plasma is at its best.

What other ways can you stimulate collagen production?

Collagen can be found in many protein-rich foods. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin. If you eat a balanced diet, your body likely makes enough collagen for your needs. If you turn to a collagen supplement improve your skin’s elasticity be forewarned: our bodies have a way of prioritizing where the protein rich amino acid collagen will go. Once we digest and absorb the collagen, it becomes a part of the amino acid pool and get used where they’re needed. So, if we need the collagen for wound healing, that’s going to be the body’s number one priority. This is why microneedling is the #1 option for anti-aging and collagen production.

At Skin Charm we strive to create natural looking results using the best, gold standard treatment options.  Our team is highly trained in the aesthetics industry and look forward to helping you meet your beauty goals.  The “Skin Charm Way” is to enhance your own, natural beauty with our motto in mind, #preservingthepretty . Together, we hope to keep you looking and feeling like the best version of yourself.

To schedule an appointment in our clinic, located in Old Town Scottsdale, you can call 480-687-8996 or visit our website here.  We look forward to hosting you soon!