The most abundant protein in our skin is collagen, which provides a kind of scaffolding for our skin. Natural aging results in a breakdown of collagen and elastic fibers of the skin. This loss, combined with decreasing hyaluronic acid content, results in the formation of wrinkles, sagging skin, and an overall deflated appearance.
WHAT CAUSES COLLAGEN LOSS?
Collagen production naturally begins to slow after age 35, with loss directly attributable to hormonal changes accompanying the aging process. This process accelerates after menopause. However, the causes of premature collagen loss are multifactorial. They include sun and UV light exposure, tobacco smoking, air pollution, and an inflammatory diet.
TREATMENTS FOR COLLAGEN LOSS
Unfortunately, even though collagen loss can have a dramatic impact on the psycho-social health of individuals, these treatments are not typically considered medically necessary by insurance. As such, collagen loss therapy is considered cosmetic and incurs an out-of-pocket cost.
Hormone replacement therapy, such as estrogen and DHEA supplementation, can help reduce the rate of collagen loss. Injectable therapies, such as hyaluronic acid fillers (i.e., Juvederm and Restylane products), can be used to increase fullness in lips and cheeks, and for facial contouring to decrease the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Fractionated lasers (Fraxel) and microneedling stimulate neocollagenesis (new collagen growth) through micro-injuries that promote the release of growth factors necessary to induce collagen production. There are a plethora of treatments to choose from, all of which should be discussed with a dermatology provider in order to choose the best treatment plan to meet your skincare goals.
