Collagen: Your Skin’s Best Friend?
- Dr. Khor See Ming
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Image from iStock
We all want healthy, glowing skin, right? But as we get older, our skin changes — it might start to lose that youthful bounce, or we notice a few more lines than we'd like. A big reason for these changes is collagen, or rather, the loss of it.
But what is collagen, and why is everyone talking about it? Let’s dive into the science and see why collagen is often called your skin's best friend.
What Exactly Is Collagen?
Collagen is a major structural protein in our tissue. It is a protein that’s basically the building
block for your skin, hair, nails, and even your joints. It works with other substances, such as hyaluronic acid and elastin, to maintain skin elasticity, volume, and moisture. Think of it as
the scaffolding that holds your skin up, keeping it firm and smooth.
When we're young, we produce plenty of collagen, which is why babies and children have
such soft, plump skin. However, as we age, our body’s collagen production naturally slows
down. By the time we hit our mid-20s, we lose about 1% of our collagen production every
year. That’s when the fine lines start showing up, and our skin may begin to sag.
Can We Boost Collagen Naturally?
The big question everyone asks is, "Can I restore collagen levels?" The short answer is yes!
While you can’t stop the natural aging process, there are ways to boost collagen and slow
down its depletion. Here are a few:
1. Eat Your Collagen:
Foods rich in protein like bone broth, chicken, fish, and egg whites can provide amino acids that support collagen production. Plus, vitamins like C and E are critical for collagen synthesis, so eating citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens can help your skin stay vibrant and healthy.
2. Take Collagen Supplements:
Collagen supplements have become super popular, especially in powder or capsule form. The key is looking for "hydrolyzed" collagen. This means the collagen is broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for your body to absorb and use.
Does it really work?
Research is still ongoing, but many studies suggest that collagen supplements can improve
skin hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. You may notice smoother skin after about 8-12 weeks of regular use. This may sound promising, but it is unclear if these skin improvements are actually due to collagen. This is because most of the commercially available collagen supplements contained more than collagen, for example: vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, coenzyne Q10, hyaaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate are among
the additional ingredients.
Skincare with Collagen:
There are also tons of creams and serums on the market with collagen. But here’s the catch
— collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically. So while
these products can hydrate your skin, they won’t necessarily boost collagen levels. Instead,
look for products with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C, which help promote
collagen production naturally.
New Technologies in Collagen Stimulation
Technology is stepping in to help! Here are some of the latest and most exciting treatments
that stimulate collagen production:
1. Microneedling:
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves tiny needles that create micro-injuries on the skin’s surface. These injuries trigger your skin’s natural healing process, leading to increased collagen production. It’s a great way to target fine lines, acne scars, and overall skin texture.
2. Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments:
RF treatments use energy waves to heat the deeper layers of the skin. This stimulates collagen and tightens the skin over time. The treatment is non-invasive and can be done in a clinic setting with little downtime. At Dream Clinic , we have Oligio RF and it is especially popular for firming the jawline and reducing wrinkles around the eyes.
3. Laser Therapy:
Lasers are another powerful tool for boosting collagen. Fractional lasers, for instance, create micro-injuries (similar to microneedling), but they penetrate deeper into the skin. This stimulates more intense collagen production, helping with skin texture, pigmentation, and tightening.
4. HIFU : The Non-Surgical Facelift
HIFU targets the deeper layers of your skin (where collagen lives) with focused heat. The heat causes tiny injuries under the skin (don’t worry, you won’t feel it), which kicks your body into repair mode. The result? Fresh, bouncy collagen begins to form, tightening and lifting your skin over time. People often call it the "lunchtime facelift" because the treatment is quick, with little to no downtime.
5. Biostimulators : Wake up Your Skin’s Collagen Factory
Biostimulators are like a wake-up call for your skin. Rather than just filling in lines or wrinkles, they work deeper to stimulate your body’s natural collagen production over time. The most well-known biostimulator at Dream Clinic is Radiesse, which has become favorite among both patients and doctors. Radiesse uses calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a gel. Not only does it provide an immediate filling effect, but it also stimulates collagen production in the long run. So, as the gel dissolves over time, your own collagen steps in to maintain the skin’s structure.
Lifestyle Tips to Protect Your Collagen
In addition to supplements and treatments, protecting the collagen you already have is key
to long-term skin health. Here’s how to do it:
● Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable:
UV rays from the sun are the biggest culprits when it comes to collagen breakdown. Wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 and above with PA++++ every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy) is one of the best things you can do for your skin.
● Don’t Smoke:
Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and breaks down collagen, causing premature aging. If you're looking for one more reason to quit, let your skin be the motivator!
● Limit Sugar:
A high-sugar diet can cause glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach to collagen, making it stiff and weak. Keeping sugar in check is not just good for your health but for your skin, too.
Is Collagen Really Your Skin’s Best Friend?
In short, yes! Collagen plays a major role in keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy.
While aging is inevitable, taking care of your collagen through a balanced diet, smart skincare, and advanced treatments can make a noticeable difference in how your skin ages.
Whether you’re considering collagen supplements or trying out a new skin treatment, the key is consistency. Give your skin the love it deserves, and you’ll see the results in the mirror.
After all, who doesn’t want a best friend that helps them look and feel their best? Schedule
an appointment today and talk to me - Dr Eunice, at Dream Clinic.
References:
1. De Miranda, R. B., Weimer, P., & Rossi, R. C. (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. International Journal of Dermatology, 60(12), 1449–1461. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15518
2. Pu, S., Huang, Y., Pu, C., Kang, Y., Hoang, K. D., Chen, K., & Chen, C. (2023). Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 15(9), 2080. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092080
