Last Updated December 2023

Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in the health and appearance of the skin. As people age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of elasticity.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that is the main structural component of the skin and other connective tissues in the body, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It is produced naturally by the body and is responsible for giving the skin strength, elasticity and firmness and is made from amino acids, the most abundant of which is glycine.

Fibroblasts are the cells in the skin that produce collagen. These cells are found in the deeper layers of the skin, called the dermis. They produce collagen fibres which are then arranged in a specific way to form a network that gives the skin its strength and elasticity.

How to stimulate collagen production in your skin

Rejuran 

Comprised of Polynucleotides extracted from salmon DNA, Rejuran stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin by triggering the skin’s regenerative mechanisms in the upper layers. Rejuran enhances the production of collagen and elastin for overall skin rejuvenation, targeting concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture.

Bio-remodelling

Bio-remodelling injections are a cosmetic medical procedure to increase collagen production and hydration in the skin. The procedure involves injecting the bio-remodelling product, containing hyaluronic acid, into the skin which triggers collagen production. Over the following weeks, new collagen and elastin fibres are produced, resulting in a thicker and more elastic skin.

Profhilo treatment before and after

Bio-stimulators

Bio-stimulator injections are a type of collagen-stimulating injectable treatment. The solution contains poly-L-lactic acid, which stimulates collagen production by triggering the skin’s natural healing response within the deeper layers of the skin. This collagen production helps to improve the skin’s elasticity, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and restore volume and fullness to the skin.

sculptra Bio stimulator injections stimulate collagen

IPL skin rejuvenation

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment stimulates collagen production by delivering light energy to the skin. The light energy heats the deep layers of the skin, which triggers the skin’s natural healing response and stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. This increased collagen production can help improve the skin’s texture and tone, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, and restore a more youthful appearance.

Infini RF Needling

Infini RF needling treatment combines skin needling with radiofrequency energy. Radiofrequency energy is used to heat up the dermis to trigger collagen production, immediately tightening and shrinking the treated area. This jumpstarts the skin’s natural healing process, leading to increased elastin and collagen production.

Threads

Facial threads are typically made of biodegradable materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO). When the threads are inserted under the skin, they create a slight mechanical injury or trauma. This stimulates the body’s natural wound-healing response, which includes the activation of specialised cells called fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are responsible for producing collagen, a protein that provides structure and support to the skin. As the fibroblasts become activated in response to the threads, they start synthesising and depositing new collagen fibres in the treated area.

Topical retinoids

Vitamin A skin care products, such as retinoids, stimulate collagen production by increasing cell turnover and promoting the production of new cells in the skin. They also help to increase the production of collagen and elastin fibres, the proteins that give the skin its strength and elasticity. Vitamin A-based products can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance the overall health and appearance of the skin.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), Retinoic acid, BHA (beta hydroxy acid) or Trichloroacetic acid increase collagen production. Chemical peels are a method of regenerating and resurfacing the skin by inducing a controlled wound. They remove the top layer’s skin to help induce collagen remodelling and, therefore improve sun-damaged skin, skin pigmentation problems, wrinkles, skin texture, and the overall appearance of the skin. The new cells are rich in collagen and elastin fibres, increasing the skin’s strength and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and improving skin texture, tone and overall appearance.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen helps to prevent collagen loss in the skin by blocking harmful UV rays that can cause damage to the skin’s collagen fibres. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to collagen and elastin fibres breakdown. By protecting the skin from UV damage, sunscreen helps preserve the integrity of these fibres, preventing collagen loss and keeping the skin youthful, smooth and firm.

Why is collagen important?

When collagen is abundant in the skin, it provides a plump, hydrated appearance. As a structural component of the skin, collagen helps skin remain elastic and prevents skin sagging. Furthermore, it plays an important role in wound healing by helping to repair damaged skin tissue. Collagen also helps to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, pollution and other environmental factors. Overall, collagen is an essential component of the skin that helps to maintain a healthy, youthful appearance.

The production of collagen decreases as we age, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of elasticity in the skin; this is why it’s important to stimulate and boost collagen production to maintain a youthful, healthy and radiant appearance.

What causes collagen loss?

Collagen loss in the skin can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Ageing: As we age, the body’s natural collagen production begins to slow down, leading to a gradual loss of collagen in the skin.
  2. UV damage: Sun exposure can cause damage to the skin’s collagen fibres, leading to a loss of elasticity and an increase in wrinkles and fine lines.
  3. Environmental toxins: Exposure to pollutants and other toxins can cause damage to the skin’s collagen fibres, leading to a loss of elasticity and an increase in wrinkles and fine lines.
  4. Inflammation: Inflammation caused by chronic skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema can also lead to collagen loss.
  5. Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to collagen loss.
  6. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, and certain medical conditions can also lead to collagen loss.

It’s important to note that any factors that cause inflammation can damage collagen in the skin, which then affects the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate. Therefore, it’s essential to take care of your skin, maintain a healthy lifestyle and use skin care products to support and boost collagen production and prevent collagen loss.

Where to get collagen stimulating treatments in Melbourne?

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute we have a variety of collagen stimulating treatment options available. We also have a wide range of skin care products that are specially formulated to nourish and protect the skin, to support collagen production and promote healthy skin. 

Our team of Cosmetic Doctors, Nurses and Skin Therapists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Phone our friendly Customer Care team on 1300 862 824 or book your consultation online.