COLLAGEN: what it is and why it is important to stimulate it
What is collagen and why is it so important? Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and, contrary to what you might think, it is not only related to the skin but also to bones, joints, cartilage and generally anywhere that connective tissue is present.
Collagen provides strength, structure and support to our bodies, thus playing a fundamental role.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Collagen plays a key role in the health of our organism, particularly the skin. Indeed, it is thanks to collagen that the skin is elastic, toned, glowing and free of signs of ageing.
The benefits of collagen are closely linked to its structural functions, but let’s talk about its main functions as well.
What is collagen good for?
- Collagen gives firmness, elasticity and tone to the skin.
- Collagen slows down the processes of skin ageing.
- Collagen limits the sagging and laxity of connective tissues.
- The production of collagen is closely linked to the production of elastin and hyaluronic acid, all of which are essential for hydrated and plumped skin.
If it is true that collagen is a fundamental support for our skin, it is also true, unfortunately, that our organism is naturally slow down its production. This results in loss of tone, skin ageing, wrinkles and thinning tissues. Is it possible to avoid this?
When does the skin stop producing collagen?
As mentioned above, our body is naturally predisposed to slow down collagen production over time. In general, we can say that this slowdown develops progressively from the age of 25, and affects both men and women.
The progressive reduction in collagen production thus becomes a symptom of many imperfections affecting the face and skin, such as skin ageing, the formation of fine wrinkles, an obvious loss of tone and elasticity, less hydration and a consequently duller and less homogenous texture.
While it is true that the loss of collagen is natural and affects everyone, it is also true that there are various means of significantly slowing down this process, enjoying all the benefits that collagen offers us for longer.
What does collagen loss involve?
After the age of 25, the skin gradually and naturally begins to decrease its production of collagen. The decrease in collagen production comes together with a series of phenomena that are detrimental to the health, appearance and beauty of our skin.
What does the loss of collagen entail?
– Loss of skin tone, elasticity and firmness: collagen is a protein that provides structural support to the skin.
– Consequent loss of radiance and shine: the skin appears duller and with a duller complexion.
– Signs of ageing: the first signs of ageing begin to appear precisely because of the lack of collagen. Whether they are subtle or deeper, the only effective method to counteract them and slow down their appearance is the stimulation of new collagen.
Collagen supplements: are they the solution?
There are many types of collagen supplements on the market today, which one can choose according to one’s specific needs. Although they are certainly an excellent support for the skin, they are not decisive. Collagen supplements should be a supplementary support to targeted and specific treatments capable of stimulating collagen production from within.
Therefore, although many tablet or drink supplements on the market are indeed valid supports, in order to prevent the gradual loss of collagen it is necessary to treat the skin in a specific and targeted manner, stimulating the production of new collagen at the dermal level.
Moreover, collagen supplements have another limitation: some contain gluten, others lactose, sweeteners, nickel or other substances that make them unsuitable for everyone.
It is certainly important to follow a healthy lifestyle and a proper diet. In particular, we recommend certain foods such as goji berries, broccoli, spinach, citrus fruits and other foods naturally rich in vitamin C.
Collagen: how to produce it
Stimulating the production of new collagen results in greater skin elasticity, brighter skin, reduction and prevention of signs of ageing, prevention of lax skin, firmer texture.
Are there treatments to stimulate the production of new collagen?
The answer is yes! Microneedling is absolutely the best treatment for stimulating collagen. Thanks to the way it works, it is able to stimulate collagen production in depth, managing, in a single session, to increase its production by up to 400%!
The functioning of microneedling is actually based on a natural skin regeneration mechanism. Through the creation of a perfectly controlled microtrauma, the skin is led to implement its natural regenerative processes, resulting in an increase in collagen and elastin production.
Thanks to this treatment, therefore, it is possible to immediately increase collagen production, with an immediate and visible improvement in skin, texture, and firmness, with significant improvements even in signs of ageing.
Carrying out regular microneedling treatments, about every 4-6 weeks, also depending on the doctor’s advice, proves to be extremely effective in counteracting the decrease in collagen production. While, at the same time, it brings numerous benefits to the skin, counteracting many common imperfections.
Up to 400% more collagen with just one microneedling treatment.
Yes, it’s all true! With just one microneedling session, collagen production can increase by up to 400%, while also stimulating elastin production. Elastin, along with collagen, is a protein present in the dermal tissue, and as its name suggests, it provides elasticity to the skin. Its gradual disappearance leads to skin aging and loss of firmness.
Microneedling is a unique treatment that simultaneously stimulates the production of these two essential proteins for the health and beauty of our skin. The results are immediately visible: the skin appears plumper, significantly more radiant and hydrated; the texture is more even and smooth.
Microneedling is a revolutionary treatment not only for the fantastic results it ensures but also for its versatility (it can treat many of the most common and stubborn skin imperfections, from post-acne scars to spots, to stretch marks) and its very short recovery times.
There are many other facial treatments, more or less effective, that have the major disadvantage of significant discomfort for the patient: often, it is difficult to return to social life due to the deep lesions caused by the treatments. This often becomes a source of discomfort for the patient and a deterrent in the decision-making phase: not being able to quickly return to daily life, or at least doing so with discomfort, is not an easy decision to make.
With microneedling, this does not happen: recovery times are very short, and it is indeed possible to immediately return to daily life without discomfort.
In the first few days after the treatment (24-72 hours depending on the depth of the treatment and the sensitivity of the treated skin), the skin may appear red; in the following days, it may tend to peel and flake, a sign of cellular regeneration. In short, nothing that a light foundation cannot cover!
This factor should not be overlooked and should be considered important: taking care of oneself, one’s appearance, and one’s skin must also consider the possible concrete and psychological discomforts the patient may experience.
Radiofrequency and Microneedling: The Perfect Combo for Deep Collagen Stimulation
If microneedling is recognized as the most powerful and effective method for stimulating collagen and elastin, combining it with radiofrequency achieves extraordinary results.
Thanks to radiofrequency, we obtain an immediate tensor effect. Radiofrequency uses heat production which, through tissue impedance and current passage and promotes tissue regeneration. All this leads to increased collagen and elastin production and, consequently, improved skin firmness.
Benefits of Combining Microneedling with Radiofrequency
Combining these two treatments is exceptionally effective both functionally and aesthetically. Utilizing these two technologies synchronously results in significantly improved skin tone and increased collagen production, stimulated simultaneously by both methods.
RFNEED System is a device that allows the combined use of microneedling and radiofrequency. The bipolar radiofrequency of the RFNEED System is distinct from others on the market. Mainly the radiofrequency comes outsided the needles rather than through them. This offers several advantages for the patient.
Pain Reduction. Traditional needle radiofrequency is typically very painful. But the heat emitted by the radiofrequency in RFNEED System makes the treatment completely painless and even pleasant.
Fat Preservation. Needle radiofrequency carries the risk of burning subcutaneous fat, which, especially in facial areas, could result in excessive “hollowness”. Consequently it is necessary to use injectables like fillers.
All-Season Treatment. Needle radiofrequency should not be done in the summer due to its photosensitivity risk. RFNEED System, however, can be used year-round, even in summer, allowing for greater continuity and better results.
Quick Recovery. Traditional needle radiofrequency typically requires long recovery times. RFNEED System works synergistically with these two technologies. This allows a very short recovery times and an immediate return to social life.
Final Conclusions
Collagen is a fundamental protein for our skin, particularly for its appearance and beauty. Stimulating collagen production is essential to ensure visibly youthful skin and reduce signs of aging. It also slow down natural skin aging processes.
In addition to lifestyle care and supplements, regular microneedling treatments become essential for stimulating collagen and elastin production. That is what provide firmness and wellness to the skin.