Firmer, Youthful Skin: Non-Invasive Procedures That Can Boost Collagen

Collagen is one important component in maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Present in fat, tendons, and connective tissues, among other places, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides structural support and strength to your body, as well as plays a role in replacing dead skin cells and helping new cells grow. 

With healthy levels of collagen, you are likely to have firmer skin, flexible and smoother-moving joints, and other signs of a healthy, youthful body. Collagen also works together with elastin, another protein essential to skin structure, to give the skin a supple and plump appearance. 

Collagen declines as we age

The production of collagen decreases with age, resulting in signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Aging, furthermore, causes existing collagen to break down at a faster rate. Environmental aggressors such as ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, and stress can also contribute to collagen degradation. 

It is normal to experience a decline in collagen production as we age. And while there is no way to measure collagen levels in the body, there are signs that can indicate that your collagen level is declining. These include:

• Skin wrinkling
• Crepey or sagging skin
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Weak nails and hair
• Digestive issues

What can help stimulate collagen?

At Cutis, we have a number of non-surgical treatments that can help stimulate collagen and promote a firmer, youthful appearance. These include: 
MFU-V – Micro focused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) is a US FDA-cleared procedure for naturally lifting the skin on the face, neck, and upper chest. It heats the skin’s deeper layers with time-tested micro-focused ultrasound energy, which then triggers an immune response that jumpstarts the production of new collagen. 

MFU-V provides a significant yet natural-looking life over a two- to three-month period. It can be used to:

• Treat or improve general laxity
• Tighten loose skin without downtime
• Improve fine lines and wrinkles on the décolletage
• Lift and tighten jawline (or improve its definition)

7D Ultraformer MMFU –  is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) device for facial lifting, skin tightening, and body contouring. Using micro and macro focused ultrasound (MMFU) technology, 7D Ultraformer delivers ultrasound energy at various depths, which then stimulates the production of new collagen over time. 

The results appear over the course of three months, lasting from several months to a  year. It can be used to:

• Lift or tighten sagging skin
• Help improve skin elasticity
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Define areas like the jawline
• Improve the appearance of double chin
• Treat stubborn belly fat and love handles

Titan Skin Tightening – is a US FDA-cleared for non-invasive skin tightening, as well as enhancing skin tone on the face, neck, and other areas of the body. It uses a safe infrared light that heats the weakened collagen in the skin, causing it to immediately contract. It creates micro-injuries in the dermis, jumpstarting new collagen production. 

Initial improvements are seen almost immediately, but significant results appear within three to six months. Titan can be used to: 

• Treat mild to moderate skin laxity on the face and neck
• Tighten the skin on other areas of the body
• Improve jowls, lines, and folds
• Enhance skin tone for a more youthful appearance

NIR Cinderella Treatment – is a non-invasive treatment for skin tightening and contouring, as well as reducing cellulite appearance. It uses pulsed infrared light to heat the deeper layers and water in the tissues, causing the collagen fibers to tighten and contract. It also prompts the fibroblast to repair skin cells and build new collagen. 

You can notice initial improvements soon after the procedure, but significant effects appear over two to three months. NIR Cinderella can be used to: 

• Improve facial laxity
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Tighten loose skin on the neck and other areas of the body such as the arms, abdomen, and thighs
• Reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks

What can help improve or restore collagen?

Certain foods and habits are said to be beneficial in promoting collagen production. Here are a few things that might help:

Collagen supplements – A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that hydrolyzed collagen supplements for three months can reduce wrinkles, as well as improve hydration, and skin elasticity. A 2019 review also concluded that oral collagen supplements can increase skin hydration, elasticity, and dermal collagen density.

Diet – Tweak your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and foods rich in vitamin C and protein. It is best to avoid or limit sugary foods and beverages, as they can cause your insulin levels to rise, resulting in inflammation and contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Aloe vera – Commonly used to heal and soothe wounds, the aloe vera plant is said to increase collagen when applied to the skin or taken orally. It has a cell-growth stimulating property that can aid in improving collagen production. You can use products that contain aloe (like a gel or cream) or take an oral supplement. 

Don’t smoke – Smoking damages nearly every organ in your body and contains chemicals that can trigger and speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin. It also reduces blood flow to the skin, which then limits the oxygen and nutrients needed to keep the skin healthy and supple. 

Protect the skin from environmental aggressors – Prolonged UV exposure accelerates aging and damages collagen. This makes it important to practice sun protection measures such as wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. You should also limit your caffeine intake, as caffeine may negatively affect collagen synthesis.

Schedule a consultation with us

Want to learn more about our collagen-boosting treatments? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor. Let us be your partner in achieving your beauty and skincare goals.