What is the Role of Collagen in Skin Health?
Posted on 16 December 2021
Conversations around beauty regimens and skincare span a vast range of products, treatments, and routines. One word those who are invested in preserving the youthful glow of their skin can’t seem to ignore is “collagen.” While many people understand collagen plays a vital role in anti-aging regimens and opt for treatments like PPR microneedling, which is directly related to a person’s collagen production, they actually don’t really know what it is.
At NU Youth Medispa, we believe in empowering our clients with beauty and skincare insights. So, before booking your next microneedling procedure, here’s what you need to know about collagen and your skin.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that accounts for approximately one-third of all the protein in the body. It’s found most prominently in the skin, bones, connective tissue. There are many types of collagen fibrils and various cell groups that secrete the protein. In most cases, collagen production occurs in the second layer of the dermis and connective tissue, such as the deep cervical fascia, enabling plumper skin.
As we age, collagen production declines at an increasing rate resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. Treatments like microneedling, dermal fillers and other injectables at a medical spa clinic in Toronto aim to maintain and improve collagen production to minimize and delay the effects of aging.
How Does PRP Microneedling Support Collagen Production?
Various at-home and medical spa clinic treatments aim to preserve, maintain, and amplify collagen treatments. Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment when done professionally. Tiny, microscopic needles pierce the dermal tissue kickstarting your body’s natural healing process. Even the most minor injuries and breaks in the skin signals your brain to rebuild, a process where collagen is heavily involved. Following any microneedling procedure, collagen production is focused in the affected area.
A 2008 study found that scheduling microneedling treatments just one month apart resulted in a 400% boost in collagen and elastin. Of course, everyone’s skin is different. That’s why at NU Youth Medispa, we offer complimentary consultations where we discuss each patient’s unique skin goals and treatment plans.
How Else Can You Boost Collagen Production?
PRP microneedling at a Medical Spa Clinic in Toronto is a great foundation for maintaining good collagen levels. Still, there are additional steps and treatments you can leverage easily at home to amplify results in between appointments at your local medical spa clinic.
- Topical: Retinoids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C are commonly found in skincare products. Retinol, which is exceptionally effective for cell turnover, can be found over the counter.
- Sunscreen: UV rays from the sun are incredibly damaging to your skin. Use moisturizers with an SPF between 30-50 every day, even in the winter. And where there are especially hot days, wear a hat, to shade the ultraviolet light rays from directly contacting your skin.
- Quit Smoking: Toxic smoke from tobacco interferes with healthy blood circulation and oxygen distribution in the skin. Smoking accelerates the aging process by breaking down collagen and elastin faster.
- Sleep: When you sleep, your body takes the time to recover. Skipping out on high-quality rest does more harm than good. The National Sleep Foundation recommends approximately 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Clinical Treatments: Microneedling is a practical choice for boosting collagen production, but there are other products and skin treatments medical spa clinics like NU Youth Medispa on Avenue Road in Toronto can offer depending on your skin.