There’s no denying that collagen is the it-girl of the skin health game right now. But what does it actually do? Collagen is a protein that gives skin a plump look and encourages cell renewal to replace dead skin cells and minimises the development of wrinkles. As we age, our bodies will begin to make less and less of it.
While this process is inevitable, there are things we can do to stimulate collagen in the skin. Topical treatments including ingredients such as vitamin C and niacinamide are one way - but if you’re wanting to really see an improvement in that youthful plumpness, the best port of call is definitely in-clinic treatments. Here are our top tips for boosting your collagen levels.
But first, what exactly is collagen and why do we need it?
As mentioned, collagen is the main structural protein found in our skin, hair and nails. It gives us the appearance of plump, youthful skin that prevents skin from sagging. Sadly, as we age, the production of collagen will begin to slow which can result in the skin appearing dull and starting to sag. Collagen will usually begin to become less plentiful from around the age of 20. And, while this is entirely natural - there are some factors that can hasten up the process, such as excessive exposure to the sun without wearing an SPF as well as air pollution. To help boost our collagen levels it helps to have regular skin treatments and really nailing your at-home skincare regime that helps boost collagen levels in the body.
Think about it this way, if your skin was a mattress then collagen would be the springs and the foam in that mattress. It plays a part in pretty much every aspect of your skin's health; firmness, brightness, resilience and contours.
What are the benefits of boosting collagen levels?
There’s a reason collagen is one of the most sought after ingredients in the skincare world. By boosting your collagen levels you can make your skin more supple and smooth, reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles, basically by boosting collagen it can help overall improve the health of not only your skin but also hair and nails - to name only a few.
It will also help your body to retain and continue to produce collagen, which will make your skin appear healthier and more youthful.
Collagen-stimulating treatments available at Caci
At Caci, we recommend that the best way to improve your skin is undoubtedly by incorporating collagen-stimulating topical ingredients into your skincare routine and opting for some more intensive in-clinic treatments.
Luckily for you, Caci is your one stop shop for all of the above, offering a range of skincare packed to the brim with active ingredients, as well as offering all the best in the biz treatments. Here are our top treatments for improving your skin's collagen levels:
Fractional CO2 Laser
This one is for the serious glow-getters! Fractional CO2 Laser is the ultimate in collagen induction as it creates the largest wound response of all Caci treatments. Essentially, this means this treatment creates a good amount of controlled damage which will cause our bodies to start producing all of that collagen tissue we love to be stronger and firmer than before.
To go a little more in-depth, the Fractional CO2 Laser uses a carbon dioxide laser that works to tighten, resurface, and strengthen the skin by removing small plugs of skin. This process helps to address skin elasticity, scarring and fine lines and wrinkles. The small areas of the skin are removed and promote healing. This pulls the skin together and strengthens its integrity. The healing process is the part that helps to create more collagen. *Enter plumper, more resilient skin*. The beauty of these types of treatments is that they work to rejuvenate the skin long-term, and will ultimately do so much more for your skin than a collagen coffee… just saying.
Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy)
Microneedling is an incredible treatment for all types of skincare concerns ranging from acne scars to breakouts, but it is also an amazing option for collagen stimulation. This treatment uses micro needles at varying lengths to penetrate the skin, triggering our body’s own wound-healing response. As we just learnt, when our skin is damaged, it produces new and improved collagen tissue.
Because Microneedling is a slightly more intensive treatment, it’s crucial that you are choosing your provider wisely. Not all machines are made equal, and while it might be tempting to be sucked in by cheap outlets, you really can’t put a price on your safety - or your skin! Be sure to do your research before jumping under the needle to avoid any untoward results.
The best skincare ingredients for boosting collagen
If you want to start your collagen-boosting journey from the comfort of your own home, there are absolutely things you can add to your skincare regime that will do this. While in-clinic treatments are undoubtedly the best option for those wanting to seriously improve their collagen levels, coupling this with some hard-working at-home products is Caci’s ethos with any skin concern. Here are our top picks for your at-home arsenal:
Retinoids
We know them, we love them. Retinoids - Vitamin A in all its forms - is a great addition to your skincare routine to help target the signs of aging, unwanted pigmentation and acne. If you're not familiar, check out our 'beginners guide to retinol skincare' for all the info you need!
Retinol is one of the most studied skincare ingredients available. These studies have shown that topical retinol can have a restorative effect in aging skin. It does this by increasing cell renewal and promoting healthy collagen levels in the skin. Retinol increases collagen levels in the skin by stimulating new collagen production and inhibiting enzymes that break down existing collagen. The overall effect is firmer, younger-looking skin!
Due to the nature of retinol, we recommend applying it only during your nighttime skin routine. If you're wanting an all-rounder that will work with all skin types, try Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol. This age-defying serum is activated with a synergistic blend of retinol + phyto-retinol, enhanced with the protective antioxidant power of SauvigNZ and the plumping effect of sodium hyaluronate. SauvigNZ, which is included in every Skinsmiths formulation, is scientifically proven to help reduce oxidative stress and promote healthy collagen levels.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is the gift that keeps on giving in the skincare world. No matter how you incorporate it into your regime, whether it be an exfoliant or a serum, you’ve probably noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of your skin.
There’s a laundry list of reasons why you should have at least one Vitamin C product in your skincare regime, however, most notably it is known to stimulate the biosynthesis of collagen. Studies show that vitamin C increases the activity of pro-collagen fibres in the skin, as well as overall collagen production.
Vitamin C is a great ingredient to include in your morning regime as that is when it is most effective to protect your skin from environmental damage during the day. Get the 101 on Vitamin C and our product picks (Skin 101: Vitamin C) for more info about Vitamin C.
Peptides
Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed in the skin. They are also known to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and other structural proteins that will make your skin appear fuller and firmer! One particular example of skincare peptide is called ‘Argireline peptides’ - which is also known as ‘Hexapeptide-8’ (tongue twister we know!) - it is a key ingredient in Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum and Murad Targeted Wrinkle Corrector. This peptide works to inhibit muscle movement that is responsible for the expression of wrinkles. It has also been shown to help support collagen levels and boost skin moisture and elasticity. It has also been clinically proven to be able to reduce wrinkle volume and depth after 1 week.
Skin conditioning treatments to support your skin
To enhance and complement your more intensive collagen-stimulating treatments, we also recommend some non-invasive skin conditioning treatments that also harness their own collagen-inducing benefits. Here are our top picks to support you on your journey to ultimate skin health:
Red light therapy
A fan favourite for a reason, Red light therapy is a treatment that stimulates our fibroblasts which stimulates collagen. Fibroblasts are the principal active cell of connective tissue and play a critical role in wound healing.
LED light therapy uses varying wavelengths of light, including a mix of blue light and red light that helps to heal the skin. The blue light is perfect for people who suffer from acne and breakouts, as it specifically targets acne-causing bacteria. The blue light works to slow down the production of oil in sebaceous glands, as well as kill bacteria that can contribute to acne and inflammation. It can also help with current breakouts - so perfect for acne sufferers the weeks prior to a big event!
The Red light penetrates deeper layers of the skin and works to increase collagen and elastin which can minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and signs of ageing. Worked in combination, it works to decrease inflammation and acne while also boosting collagen making the skin appear plump, hydrated and healthy.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion, our popular resurfacing treatment, causes inflammation in the skin. This inflammation results in stimulating collagen to help to rejuvenate the skin. The treatment is an instant pick-me-up that leaves you glowing and refreshed. How does Microdermabrasion work? It works as the tip itself blows fine crystals onto the skin and sucks away the thicker, uneven outer layer of the skin which gives you fresher-looking skin below. The crystals work into your skin with the hand-held device. It's a great treatment to encourage circulation and skin cell renewal! Find out more about Microdermabrasion.
Sonophoresis Skin Infusion
Do you know all those topical skincare ingredients we mentioned above? The skincare infusion basically combines all the very best of them and then uses soundwaves to deeply penetrate those active ingredients into the skin’s dermis. These active ingredients can consist of Vitamin C and peptides, both work to encourage the stimulation and production of collagen.
When you have a Sonophoresis Skin Infusion treatment at Caci, the treatment provider will personally select the recommended serum to infuse your skin needs at the time to boost your skin health. It is very common to hear a slight ticking sound of the micro-currents feeling like small vibrations on the skin. Depending on your current skin concern we have a range of infusion serums that can target these concerns including Anti-Redness, Brightening, Collagen Boosting, Vitamin C and Hydration. Check out our treatment page for more info!
Ready to say hello to happy, healthy skin?
Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the most collagen of them all? Well, you, if you follow our tips from this guide. So, are you ready for a glow-up? Book a consultation at Caci today! and learn more about our skin treatments and Skin Health membership - Reformaskin
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