Let’s talk about Collagen
The building block of our skin
It’s one of the biggest buzz words in the Aesthetics world-and for very good reasons…
Collagen is the key building-block structural protein keeping our skin youthful, firm and smooth.
Here’s the science behind it-and the treatments to optimise it!
Collagen is a protein that acts as a scaffolder in the skin. It provides:
- Firmness
- Elasticity
- Strength
- Smooth texture
It works alongside Elastin (for stretch) and Hyaluronic Acid (for hydration) to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance. As long as collagen levels remain high, the skin will look plump and resilient.
The bad news?
Collagen starts to decline from around age 25. Production naturally peaks in your late teens and early twenties. From the mid twenties, the body starts to produce 1-1.5% less collagen per year.
This is a normal (sadly) part of ageing but can be accelerated by UV exposure, Alcohol, Smoking, Stress, Pollution, Poor sleep and poor diet.
How quickly do we lose collagen?
On average:
- After 25: 1-1.5% loss per year
- After 40: collagen production drops more rapidly
- After 50 and post menopause: up to 30% collagen loss in the first 5 years due to reduced oestrogen levels.
These biological processes explained why people start to notice visible ageing in their 30s with a more dramatic change in their 40’s and 50’s.
The good news: can collagen loss be delayed or reversed?
The answer is YES! Ok so we cant stop the biological ageing but we CAN significantly slow collagen depletion and stimulate new collagen production.
Here’s what works:
– Daily SPF
THE most powerful anti-ageing product bar none is a broad spectrum SPF, ideally SPF 50. Daily use protects against UV-induced collagen breakdown and prevents premature ageing.
– Active Skincare
- Retinoids: increase cell turnover and collagen production
- Vitamin C: antioxidant that protects collagen and supports formation
- Hyaluronic Acid: improves hydration which enhances collagen’s structural environment
- Peptides: signalling molecules that encourage collagen regeneration
– Aesthetic treatments
Modern aesthetic medicine offers several highly effective collagen-stimulating treatments:
- Microneedling with SkinPenTM: thousands of controlled microchannels are produced in the skin with very fine needles. This microtrauma stimulates collagen production
- Polynucleotides with PlinestTM: regenerative injectables working at the cellular level to repair damaged tissue and stimulate collagen and elastin
- ProfhiloTM Skin booster: a concentrated Hyaluronic Acid injectable that improves hydration and elasticity whilst stimulating collagen and elastin
- Dermal Fillers with TeoxaneTM:
At Dr Fiona Steedman Aesthetics, we specialise in a “skin first” approach and provide personalised treatment plans designed to rejuvenate the skin safely and scientifically.
Ready to book a consultation?
Click the website lin at wwww.drfionasteedman.co.uk or whatsapp.
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