Collagen: The structural foundation of our skin

Here are the basics. Collagen is a protein found in the extracellular matrix, which fills the space between cells and binds cells and tissues together, of the skin. There are as many as 14 different collagen types and they account for 80% of the dry weight (not including water) composition that's held within the matrix of our skin. The most common in our skin are Collagen I and Collagen III.

Bad news, y'all.

We start losing about 1% of our collagen per year starting in our mid 20s.

Collagen gives support to our skin…like scaffolding. Not only do we decrease collagen production as we age, the quality and density of our collagen starts to decrease as well, leaving our dermis thinner. And as if it couldn’t get any worse, the collagen fibers lose the ability to retain moisture, which decreases elasticity, causing wrinkles and sagging.

Oh yeah, we also lose the ability to make more to replace what’s been lost.

Let’s recap. Things that decrease collagen:

• the physiology of aging

• UV light

• hormonal changes during menopause

• pollution

• smoking

• poor diet choices.

So here’s the thing... not all hope is lost and let’s walk our way through slowing down our collagen loss.

Supplements

In one study, 10g of an oral collagen peptide supplement led to significant increases in:

• collagen density (up 9% after 12 weeks)

• Skin moisture (16%/4 weeks and 28%/8 weeks)

• Reduction of fragmentation (17.8% at 4 weeks and 31.2 at 8 weeks)

In another study participants took 2.5g of collagen peptide saw:

• statistically significant increases in skin elasticity

• improvements in skin hydration (11-14%)

Lastly a literature review confirmed:

• improved increased hydration without moisture lost

• improved skin elasticity

• improved skin roughness (by 41%)

• increased dermal thickness and density

• and even after stopping the supplements, skin density continued to improve 4 weeks later

Most studies suggest at 2.5 to 10g with higher dosing giving greater effect and up to 15g/day being safe. Marine preparations gave the most bioavailability, but porcine and bovine are also great options. I use Vital Proteins from Costco, but any good quality collagen peptide would be a great place to start.

Neocutis Bio Serum Firm

Skincare

Products containing growth factors (GF) and proprietary peptides (PP) such as Neocutis Bio Serum Firm (contains the highest amount) and Lumiere Firm eye cream (2nd highest) and any of their products with “firm” in their name support collagen production from the inside out. Products containing hyaluronic acid (HA) can also improve collagen production. Neocutis’ Hyalis is their HA specific product.

While Neocutis is known for their GF and PP technology, SkinBetter Science carries their InterFuse Line specifically, InterFuse Intensive Treatment LINES and their Face and Neck cream, that delivers targeted peptides to support collagen production.

SkinBetter science offers their Alto Advanced Serum which is their antioxidant defense serum which is used to limit the environmental factors that contribute to a decrease in collagen production.

Adding an SPF to decrease collagen degrading sun damage is also important, Skinbetter Science carries an entire line called Sunbetter that are broad-spectrum, mineral active SPF containing medical grade skincare whereas, Neocutis has their, Journee Firm, a tinted SPF that also contains the growth factors and proprietary peptides they are known for.

Soulshine Aesthetics' Skinbetter Science store.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels such as the VI Peel stimulate collagen production by increasing cell turnover and decreasing the loss of skin elasticity. They help make the skin look and feel firmer and helps to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Results continue to improve 4-6 weeks after your peel. Chemical peels should be a regular part of your skincare routine being done around 2-4 times per year, but a series of peels can kickstart your skin rejuvenation and collagen production.

Book your appointment here.

Microneedling with PRP

Microneedling with SkinPen is nicknamed "Collagen Induction Therapy” for good reason. Microneedling is basically a series of controlled micropunctures across the face and skin. These microinjuries signal our skin to go into repair mode. We use the addition of platelet rich plasma or PRP to potentiate the effects of microneedling, which is building new blood supply and increasing collagen, elastin and tissue formation. What's amazing about microneedling is that the results of this treatment continue to improve for 90 days! That's 3 months of continued improvement in your skin. Multiple studies continue to support microneedling, especially in a series as a natural, minimally invasive, little-downtime treatment that yields consistent results. There are way more benefits to microneedling than just the collagen production, but I’ll save that for another blog post. For skin laxity, wrinkles, and acne scars, microneedling is most-impactful in a series every 4-6 weeks. Then can be incorporated into your antiaging routine biannually.

Book your appointment here.

Nutrition

I believe in a holistic approach to most everything, so I wanted to include this last section on nutrition. In addition to incorporating collagen peptide supplements.

Healthline suggests:
Food choices can have some impact on collagen production and they include: Chicken, bone broth, fish and shellfish, citrus, berries, tropical fruits, leafy greens, beans, cashews, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Try to limit sugars and refined carbohydrates as they can cause inflammation and damage collagen.

Wrapping it up

Collagen was the clear topic winner for the first blog post, because I believe it's the foundation in preserving youthful skin. The effects of collagen impact skin elasticity, firmness, texture, and the ability to make a only transient wrinkles in our skin.

It's also super important to talk about it even before we've really started to age because you then can make better choices regarding your sun exposure, diet, and other environmental factors that worsen your collagen degradation over time. Prevention is always better than correction.

But if you need a collagen boost, then we are here for you!

Marianna

References:

Garone, S. 13 Foods That Boost Your Body's Natural Collagen Production. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/collagen-food-boost#why-diet-matters. 2023

Hall, C. Reviewing Collagen Supplements. Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing. 2023

Nair, P. Tandel, J. Microneedling: A Means of Collagen Induction Therapy. Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. 2022