When it comes to maintaining youthful, vibrant skin, collagen is a key player. This protein, found naturally in our skin, provides structure, elasticity, and strength. However, as we age, collagen production naturally decreases leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of skin volume. At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, we specialize in proven treatments designed to boost collagen levels and leave your skin looking (and feeling) its best! Now, let’s get into what collagen is, its role in your skin health, and our favorite treatments to boost its production.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is a key protein that makes up about 70% of your skin’s dry weight. It’s a vital part of the connective tissue in the dermis (the inner skin layer), helping to keep your skin firm and elastic. Collagen levels peak during childhood and adolescence but start to slow in your early 20’s becoming more noticeable in your 30s as skin loses some of its firmness. By your 40s and 50s, the decrease is more noticable, leading to wrinkles and sagging, and by your 60s and beyond, collagen levels are much lower, resulting in thinner, less elastic skin with more visible signs of aging.

What Are Some Treatments to Boost Collagen Production?

At Defy Aesthetic, we offer several collagen-boosting treatments specifically designed to stimulate the body's natural collagen production and restore your skin’s youthful glow! Let’s get into how and why these treatments work: 

1. Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):

Microneedling, best paired with PRP, is a highly effective treatment for boosting collagen for most skin types! Microneedling involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin. These controlled injuries stimulate the skin’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of new collagen and elastin fibers.

When combined with PRP, the process becomes even more powerful! PRP is derived from your own blood and contains a concentrated amount of growth factors that accelerate healing and collagen production. After microneedling, PRP is applied to the skin, where it penetrates deeply to further enhance the skin’s repair and rejuvenation process.

Take a peek inside this recent microneedling with PRP appointment with Lauren!

The Benefits:

-Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

-Improves skin texture and tone

-Enhances skin firmness and elasticity

2. BBL (BroadBand Light) Laser:

If you’ve been following us, you’ve likely heard the buzz about the BBL laser and its glowing results! This proven treatment uses broad-spectrum light to tackle various skin concerns like sun damage, age spots, and uneven tone. By delivering high-intensity light pulses deep into the skin, the BBL laser stimulates collagen production, enhancing skin texture and promoting a youthful, radiant complexion. With regular sessions (we suggest a series of 3, and then maintenance treatments annually for best results), you'll enjoy smoother, more vibrant skin!

The Benefits:

-Improves skin texture and clarity

-Reduces signs of aging and sun damage

-Stimulates collagen production

3. Moxi Laser:

The Moxi Laser is a non-ablative laser treatment, meaning it targets the deeper layers of the skin without harming the outer surface. This innovative treatment is perfect for addressing early signs of aging and skin damage, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture irregularities. Unlike traditional lasers, Moxi uses gentle, precise energy that stimulates collagen production and encourages the skin to renew itself, all with minimal downtime. Ideal for maintaining youthful skin and enhancing overall texture, the Moxi Laser helps keep your complexion smooth and radiant! The best part? It works for all skin types!

Check out our patient’s gorgeous results from a series of 3 Moxi treatments!

The Benefits:

-Enhances skin texture and tone

-Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

-Stimulates collagen production

4. VI Chemical Peels:

Chemical peels are a fantastic way to boost collagen and tackle various skin issues, from acne and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles. The VI Peel is a medical-grade treatment that combines potent exfoliants with rejuvenating ingredients like TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), Retin-A, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C. This powerful blend works to exfoliate the skin, enhance cellular turnover, and stimulate collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more even, and glowing complexion!

By removing the outer layers of the skin, the VI Peel promotes the growth of fresh, healthy skin. As the skin heals, it stimulates collagen production, leading to a youthful, revitalized appearance!

The Benefits:

-Visibly improves skin texture and tone

-Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

-Treats pigmentation issues

Which Collagen-Boosting Treatment Is Best?

Choosing the right collagen-boosting treatment depends on your specific skin concerns, aesthetic goals, and skin type! Our expert Nurse Practitioners and aestheticians offer personalized consultations to assess your needs and recommend the best treatment for your goals! Whether you want to smooth wrinkles, enhance skin texture for a special occasion, or rejuvenate your complexion overall, our team will collaborate with you to craft a tailored plan that achieves the best possible results.

Maintenance and Aftercare:

While these collagen-boosting treatments are highly effective, maintaining your results requires proper skin care and lifestyle habits. Here are some top tips to support collagen health and prolong the benefits of your treatments:

-Hydration: Keeping your skin well-hydrated is important because water naturally helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer (this one is our favorite) prevents dryness and supports your skin’s natural barrier, which is best for optimal collagen function and overall skin health.

-Sun Protection: UV rays from the sun can accelerate collagen breakdown and lead to premature aging. Applying sunscreen daily (and every 90 minutes) protects your skin from these harmful rays, preventing further damage and helping to preserve the collagen you’ve worked to boost through treatments. 

-Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, supports collagen production and skin repair. Vitamin C is particularly important for collagen synthesis, while antioxidants help neutralize free radicals that can damage collagen and other skin cells. 

Avoid Smoking: Smoking contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. By avoiding smoking, you protect your skin from accelerated collagen loss and improve your chances of maintaining the results from your collagen-boosting treatments.

-Consistent Skincare Routine: Following a skincare routine that’s tailored to your skin type and concerns ensures that your skin receives the right care and support. Consistent use of products designed to complement your treatments can help maintain your skin’s texture and appearance, further enhancing the longevity of your collagen-boosting results.

Whether you're interested in lip filler, Botox/Dysport, skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon!