This article is a translation of the original French article “Le collagène, le secret d’une peau ferme” and is intended for the French market. Treatments, availability and prices may differ at our London clinic.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, accounting for around 30% of all the body’s proteins. Produced by fibroblasts, it plays an important role in the structural integrity of the skin, ensuring its firmness and resilience.
It is found mainly in the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments. In the skin, collagen forms a matrix that gives the skin its strength and elasticity. It is also crucial for the repair and renewal of skin cells.
There are at least 28 types of collagen, but it is type I and type III collagens that are present in abundance in the dermis.
The role of collagen in the skin
- Firmness and elasticity: collagen makes up the connective tissue that supports the structure of the skin. A good amount of collagen gives the skin a firm, elastic appearance.
- Hydration: collagen helps to retain water in the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
- Cell regeneration: collagen promotes wound healing and the regeneration of damaged skin tissue.
The decline of collagen with age
With age, the body’s natural production of collagen decreases. From the age of 20, the skin loses more than 1% of its collagen each year, and this loss of collagen is the cause of skin ageing, leading to a thinning of the dermis and a weakening of the skin’s internal structure.
Collagen loss therefore brings about the visible signs of facial ageing, which are characterised by:
- the appearance of wrinkles,
- hollowing of the cheeks,
- hollowing of the temples,
- deepening of the nasolabial folds,
- increased skin laxity
- and skeletonisation of certain areas of the face
Several factors contribute to this decline:
- Sun exposure: the sun’s UV rays break down collagen fibres and accelerate skin ageing.
- Pollution and toxins: free radicals present in the environment can damage collagen.
- Lifestyle habits: smoking, a poor diet and stress can reduce collagen production.
How can you preserve collagen production?
There are several methods to stimulate collagen production and preserve the skin’s firmness.
Collagen supplements such as collagen peptides improve skin hydration and elasticity. A protein-rich diet (such as fish, lean meat and pulses) provides the amino acids needed for collagen production, as well as antioxidants. Fruit and vegetables rich in antioxidants protect collagen from damage caused by free radicals.
Skincare: products containing vitamin C and the daily use of sunscreen protect collagen from breakdown caused by UV rays. And of course, aesthetic treatments that can stimulate collagen production:
- 1. Microneedling:This technique stimulates collagen production by creating tiny perforations in the skin, thereby promoting skin repair and renewal. The micro-needles penetrate the skin to trigger a natural healing response, which increases collagen production and improves skin texture and elasticity.
- 2. Morpheus8:Morpheus8 combines microneedling with radiofrequency to maximise collagen stimulation. The micro-needles penetrate the skin and deliver radiofrequency energy into the deep layers. This combination heats and remodels the subcutaneous tissue, thereby stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. Morpheus8 is effective for treating wrinkles, skin laxity, acne scars and texture irregularities.
- 3. Lasers:Laser treatments, such as BabyFace LaseMD, use beams of light to create controlled micro-damage in the layers of the skin. This micro-damage triggers a healing response that stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Laser treatments can improve firmness, reduce wrinkles, even out skin tone and treat sun damage.
- 4. Emface:Emface uses radiofrequency technology to heat the deep layers of the skin. The heat generated stimulates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. In response, the skin produces more collagen and elastin, improving firmness, reducing wrinkles and firming the contours of the face. This treatment is non-invasive and suitable for all skin types.
- 5. Collagen stimulators:Sculptra injections, which contain poly-L-lactic acid, gradually stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. When injected under the skin, this substance acts as a collagen stimulator, improving the skin’s firmness and elasticity over several months. This treatment is particularly effective for areas of volume loss and skin laxity.
Collagen truly is the secret to firm, youthful skin. Understanding its role and the ways to stimulate its production makes it possible to combat the signs of ageing effectively. Thanks to a combination of supplements, a healthy diet, appropriate skincare and aesthetic treatments, it is possible to maintain radiant, firm skin at any age.
Modern aesthetic treatments offer many options to stimulate collagen production and improve the firmness and appearance of the skin. By combining techniques such as microneedling, Morpheus8, laser treatments, radiofrequency and collagen stimulators, it is possible to achieve significant, long-lasting results.
