Collagen Revival: Medical-Backed Ways to Boost Your Body's Natural Production of Collagen

Collagen is the main structural protein in the body, especially in the skin (type 1 collagen), accounting for about 30% of our total protein. It’s made up of ‘building block’ amino acids and influences skin hydration, strength, and suppleness. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to up to a 75% or more reduction in skin thickness and more fragility, known as ‘intrinsic aging’ as apposed to ‘extrinsic aging’ (from sun exposure, environmental damage, etc).

Combined, these factors predispose to a rougher, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, brown patches, sunspots, etc. As the skin thins and loses strength, it can’t support against gravity leading to wrinkles, jowls, etc. Fresh collagen can reduce looseness by thickening and hydrating the skin and prevent further damage by strengthening it.

How to achieve a collagen boost

To achieve this collagen boost, aim to stay ahead of the game (preservation). However once damage has set in, we can (almost) always improve things (rejuvenation). Collagen is a large molecule that can’t be absorbed through the skin or gut, although amino acids can. However unless the body is inclined (which it isn’t) to build these back in to type 1 collagen in the skin rather than other types of protein elsewhere it won’t happen.

Luckily, the skin retains collagen production ability despite aging. We can boost this process it by starting with mild instructions and gradually increasing them. It’s like treating pain, starting with Panadol and adding Ibuprofen if needed. We may be prescribed stronger medications (the ‘analgesic ladder’) if necessary.

We, on the other hand will climb the collagen ladder, usually starting with the  PicoSure Pro laser as it is incredibly effective, non-invasive and with no downtime. Sidesteps on the ladder can be the addition of wrinkle relaxers and fillers or threads to the mix but increased collagen should be the primary aim (100% natural as you are making it after all!) to give longer lasting and natural results.