Certain cosmetic treatments can boost collagen production to support healthy skin.
Understanding Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for giving skin its structure, firmness, and elasticity. As you age, your body produces less collagen and existing collagen begins to break down, particularly after menopause. Decreasing levels of collagen can lead to wrinkled, sagging, dry, and crepey skin.
Collagen Stimulators
Unlike traditional fillers, collagen stimulators are a cosmetic injectable treatment that prompt the body to produce more collagen to support healthy, rejuvenated skin. Options include:
- Sculptra is an FDA-approved biostimulator injection containing poly-L-lactic acid that stimulates collagen production to restore facial structure over time.
- Radiesse is a dermal filler that adds instant volume while encouraging collagen production. It is also FDA-approved for treating specific areas of the body beyond the face, such as the chest and the back of the hands.
- EZ Gel PRF utilizes platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) – a natural healing agent derived from a patient’s blood – in the form of an injectable gel to stimulate collagen production without the use of foreign substances.
Benefits and Outlook
By taking a regenerative approach, collagen stimulators support long-lasting skin rejuvenation. The benefits of increased collagen production include smoothed wrinkles; firmer, more elastic skin; a contoured jawline; restored structure and volume; and improved skin quality.
Collagen-stimulating cosmetic treatments are performed in-office by a professional. For the best results, multiple sessions are often recommended, with improvements becoming gradually more noticeable over the course of treatment as collagen production increases.
An Expert Weighs In
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in advertising with the distinction of summa cum laude and served as editor-in-chief of the university’s biannual magazine, The Vindagua. After graduation, Rachel joined CMC Media & Marketing Group as an editor. Today, she serves as managing editor and is responsible for leading the editorial team in the development and completion of content for 17 publications involving health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. In addition to writing, editing, and coordinating copy, Rachel oversees networking and reputation management for the company’s publications. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, attending concerts, trying new restaurants, and traveling with her husband.
