In the last several years, collagen has become an inescapable part of the conversation when it comes to skincare products, skincare services, and even nutrition! While its importance in our skin and body is indisputable, the efficacy in some over the counter products and treatments is definitely up for debate.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein found in numerous parts of our body. Often times it is referred to as a “building block” for our body because it plays such an important role in our body’s systems. Our connective tissue, bones, teeth, nails, and skin all need collagen and are made with it. As we age, we produce collagen more slowly and in smaller amounts. Cue the marketing of collagen in anything and everything you can imagine.
What happens when I lose collagen?
As the collagen in our body decreases, you may notice changes in your hair and nails, the flexibility and comfort of your joints, and (the biggest concern we deal with at Coco Med Spa in St. Pete) the tightness and firmness of your skin. As collagen depletes in the skin things like lines, wrinkles and sagging can start to occur as a result of less elasticity.
How do I increase my collagen?
The jury is still out in the medical and scientific community regarding the benefits of collagen supplements and similar products. Luckily, when it comes to boosting collagen in the skin there are several approved topical products and skincare treatments as well that provide excellent results for boosting collagen in the skin. Topicals like retinol and tretinoin have been scientifically proven to promote the production of collagen. Treatments like microneedling work at the superficial level and improve fine lines, texture, and scarring with the collagen boost it provides. Treatments like smooth threads in a pdo thread lift provide instant visible results and promote the growth of new collagen over the long term. Some injectable treatments that effectively create new collagen production are hyper dilute radiesse, sculptra, and prf injections. These work in the deep layers of the skin to actually trigger new collagen growth that restores and repairs the skin from within. Please be sure to seek out an educated and experienced injector, like we have at Coco Med Spa in St. Pete, for these treatments. Many of the above services can be combined based on your specific needs to create both long and short term results that keep your skin smooth, firm, and youthful.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you're looking for a med spa in St. Pete. We are happy to provide both education and years of experience that result in wonderful treatment outcomes for our guests. See you soon!
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