What is collagen?

Collagen is a key protein in our body that helps to keep our skin taut and strong, plus it works to replace dead skin cells. It’s made up of 18 different amino acids which serve as the building blocks of protein that form our hair, muscles, bone and of course, skin. When your body has plenty of it, collagen helps to make our skin look more youthful. Unfortunately, as we age, the body’s ability to produce collagen begins to decline.

How to boost collagen naturally

There is an abundance of emerging research in the skincare industry. A German study conducted in 2014 by the University of Kiel found skin elasticity improved in women aged between 35 and 55 years who took a dietary collagen supplement for 12 months (compared to those who took a placebo).

Increasing your daily intake of all antioxidants, especially vitamin C, is essential to stimulating the production of collagen. As are foods rich in sulphur. Eat as many varieties of fresh wholefoods – kiwi fruit is particularly good, as are oranges, almonds, carrots, avocadoes, garlic and dark green leafy vegetables – as you can at every meal.

We recommend avoiding, wherever possible, sugar, smoking and spending too much time in the sun without sunscreen.

Massage can also stimulate collagen production, so build upwards movements into your daily routine as you apply skincare products.

What about collagen creams?

The collagen molecule can’t penetrate the skin, so you need to look for a product that has includes the amino acids that help to produce collagen. They could be called something like a protein and peptide complex on the packaging. Otherwise, look for products that are high in vitamins C and E, both of which help with collagen production.

Can I get a treatment?

There is some evidence to suggest that microdermabrasion can stimulate the production of collagen, although microneedling and Ultraformer III treatments are better alternatives. The tiny pinpricks made during the procedure cause microscopic injuries to the deeper dermal layers of the skin, which in turns triggers both collagen and elastin production increase to help with healing.

Microneedling is relatively painless but a topical anaesthetic cream can also be used to ease discomfort, and the procedure can take as little as 10 minutes. Afterwards, your clinician will use products high in retinoid (vitamin A) and antioxidants, including vitamin C, to boost skin regeneration.

Improvements in the skin can usually be seen in three to four weeks, with changes ongoing over the coming months. Results can also be improved by combining microneedling with chemical peels and adding platelet-rich plasma during one of our Factor4 treatments.

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While many of us fear anti-wrinkle treatments, The Harley Clinic has multiple tips and tricks that allow you to control the process. 

How are wrinkles formed?

Young youthful skin is full of collagen that keeps your skin plump and elastic. As we age, the structure of the collagen weakens and becomes less elastic.

Additionally, sun damage as well as all the smiling, laughing, squinting and frowning we do places greater stress on the production of collagen, thus producing fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the best ways to prevent the ageing process?

There are multiple things that we should be doing to protect and prevent our skin from damage and it all begins with a healthy skin routine.

At The Harley Clinic we recommend that you remove any make-up before going to bed. It is important that you cleanse morning and night, and apply a moisturiser suitable for your skin type as well as using an SPF30+ sunscreen daily.

Additionally, applying anti-ageing serums (rich in vitamins such as vitamin A, B and C) and using face masks regularly will leave your skin feeling supple and glowing.

What treatments are available and how long do they last?

If you find that you have been using these preventative methods for years and you are ready to take the next step, The Harley Clinic can guide you with a free skin consultation. Our highly trained clinicians will complete a thorough review of your current skin regime and build a targeted treatment plan to ensure you start seeing improvements in skin texture, tone and health.

Non-surgical skin tightening

A non-surgical face-lift is a procedure that aims to restore your skin’s texture and facial definition, making you appear more youthful. The Harley Clinic uses only the latest technology – including Ultraformer III.

Ultraformer targets your skin at four different depths, thereby assisting in the stimulation of collagen while tightening your facial muscles.  

We suggest this treatment be repeated after three months. This will extend the life of the results. After these initial treatments we recommend a 12-monthly review and possible re-treatment to ensure the constant stimulation of collagen.

Anti-wrinkle treatments

An anti-wrinkle treatment at The Harley Clinic involves a thorough evaluation of your skin and personal goals. Our medical team has years of experience and training, ensuring that you not only receive the best outcomes, but your safety is paramount. We only use premium products that are approved for use in Australia.

Anti-wrinkle treatments generally last between 3 to 4 months. To ensure you maintain a more youthful appearance we recommend you book in for treatment at these intervals.

Dermal filler treatments

Rather than smoothening and tightening the skin, dermal fillers are designed to restore volume loss that occurs as we age. Dermal filler can be used in many areas of the face and can subtly rejuvenate your midface, lips and jawline.

At The Harley Clinic, we only use premium dermal filler and all of our cosmetic injectors have years of experience injecting these products. Again, safety and outcomes are of paramount importance when it comes to these treatments.

Typically, fillers last between 6 to 12 months.

Next steps

At The Harley Clinic we tailor your treatment journey to provide you with the results that you desire. Most importantly we want you to feel happy and confident in your own skin. Our experienced medical team will undertake a comprehensive consultation with you to discuss your desired outcome prior to making any suggestions or commencing any treatment.

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