Aging is a fact of life and the fight against its effects on our skin is ongoing. Although many factors contribute to aging skin, the most common denominator in winning the aging game is the stimulation of collagen. So, what’s all the hype about collagen? Produced from cells called fibroblasts, collagen is the framework of our connective tissue that maintains the structure and integrity of our skin. Collagen also plays a substantial role in the maintenance of the epithelium by constantly turning over dead skin cells. Composed of amino acids, this triple helix is the most abundant protein in animals.
Into our late 20’s and early 30’s is when most people begin to notice the loss of this protein and the effects it has on the youth of our skin. The effects of aging are noticed physically and biochemically. As we age collagen degradation begins to exceed collagen synthesis. As collagen diminishes we begin to experience the effects of physical aging through fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, broken capillaries, and a loss of elasticity. Our skin also suffers biochemically from a loss of collagen and elastin causing a decline to the structural integrity, an imbalance of hormones necessary for collagen synthesis and maintenance, a lack of energy for DNA repair, dehydration because it is unable to bind enough water, and decreased cell turnover leading to the formation of senescent or aging cells.
So what’s the trick to winning the aging game? Slowing the process of collagen degradation and increasing collagen synthesis are keys to your success. This can be achieved through skincare products and aesthetic treatments.
To protect the collagen you already have, using a physical sunscreen that contains Zinc or Titanium Dioxide can act as a barrier against UV rays. Swapping out your current chemical sunscreen, which can absorb UV rays and trap heat in the skin, with a physical sunscreen is an easy change to your skincare routine. When it comes to anti-aging, we recommend Tretinoin and Vitamin C as part of every skin care regimen. Using Tretinoin, also referred to as retinol, retin A or Vitamin A, will aid in skin cell turnover. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and also acts as a source of energy for our cells. By increasing cell turnover rate with tretinoin and feeding those cells energy through Vitamin C, this powerful duo dramatically revs up collagen production and skin cell turnover.
When it comes to aesthetic treatments there are many options. Microneedling, and similar devices, have taken the forefront in collagen therapy. These techniques involve going over the skin with tiny needles which create injury to the skin’s surface and open microscopic channels. Infusion of anti-aging serums offers an alternative to traditional Microneedling. While these microscopic channels are open, products are infused deeper into the skin to help correct the patient’s specific conditions. In response to injury, our body launches its own healing process to repair the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin. Some benefits of these treatments are they can be done on all parts of the body, there is minimal downtime, no heat is involved and they correct a variety of concerns. At MedCosmetic, the medical spa division of Mirabile M.D. Beauty, Health & Wellness, Microneedling with Infusion allows us to combine Microneedling with tailored ‘cocktails’ to correct pigmentation, skin vibrancy, pore size, acne, rosacea, fine lines, skin tone, and hydration.
Learn more about Microneedling with Infusion.
Laura Megee, MA
