One of the most common questions people ask me is “What can I do to boost my collagen levels?” Collagen is one of the crucial building blocks of healthy skin, and it plays a key role in how it looks, feels, and ages. Sadly, however, our body’s ability to produce collagen begins to drop from our mid-twenties onwards, prompting a loss of firmness, elasticity, and radiance. This means that after this time, we must put in a bit of work to stop the collagen levels from dwindling as far as nature intends it to. How? Read on to find out.
What does ‘collagen banking’ mean?
The idea of collagen banking is to stimulate the collagen you have now, so your face will stay firmer for longer. Prevention is always better than cure so it’s far more effective to maintain and grow our collagen supplies before the effects of ageing set in significantly. If we build up a ‘bank’ of collagen while our bodies are still efficient at making it, it will soften the blow when our natural supply starts to dwindle – and we’ll keep our complexion looking firm, plump and youthful for longer.
The best treatments for collagen banking?
Sofwave
Sofwave utilises unique Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology to lift, sculpt and tighten the skin, particularly in the chin, neck and eyebrow areas. The parallel beam technology initiates collagen and elastin production within the deeper layers of the skin and is a popular choice for collagen banking.
RF microneedling
Profound RF utilises a combination of two of the most effective anti-ageing technologies – microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) to treat sagging and drooping skin, jowls, wrinkles and excess fat on the face, neck and body.
The treatment heats the skin’s dermis to precisely 67 degrees Celsius, kick-starting the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in the skin, resulting in firmer, smoother, lifted and hydrated skin.
You’ll see an improvement in contour, and the skin will be tighter, healthier, and more youthful. The complexion will appear smoother, and the pore size will be significantly reduced.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a tried and tested way to stimulate collagen, smooth texture, reduce acne scarring and fine lines and improve overall skin radiance. They utilise acids that exfoliate the skin, improve cell turnover and skin renewal, and they also indirectly encourage collagen and elastin formation.
Profhilo
Administered via a series of precise injections under the skin, Profhilo stimulates four different types of collagen to improve overall skin quality and condition, boost hydration and encourage a smoother, radiant and more youthful appearance.
Is there anything else I should be doing?
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a big advocate of good-quality skincare alongside clinic treatments. And there are lots that you can do to support your collagen levels from home. Retinoids are one of the most effective ingredients for slowing down skin ageing, partly due to their collagen-stimulating abilities.
It helps to reduce the signs of ageing by increasing cellular turnover, promoting new collagen formation, and exfoliating dead skin cells, resulting in smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin.
Protecting your skin from harmful UV light by using daily sunscreen is crucial as sunlight gradually wears down your collagen over time.
If you’d like to find out more about treatments, or if you have any questions, click here to enquire or book a consultation.