Collagen Loss, Explained

Collagen is a crucial protein in the dermis of the skin and constitutes approximately 75% of the skin’s dry weight. Collagen fibres provide structural support and tensile strength to the skin, giving the skin a plump and healthy appearance.

Factors contributing to Collagen Loss

Intrinsic factors

With the natural ageing process after the age of 20 years old, an individual loses approximately 1% of total collagen each year. In addition, there are genetic factors that can affect how fast collagen degrades.

Extrinsic factors

Chronic sun exposure which includes UVB, UVA, high energy visible light (HEVL) as well as Infrared Radiation can increase the breakdown of collagen and also cause the formation of abnormal elastic fibres.

Environmental factors such as pollution, smoking and poor nutrition will also increase collagen degradation. As a result of collagen loss in the dermis, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in wrinkles and increased skin laxity. Collagen fibres in the dermis support the blood vessels and with loss or alteration of the collagen fibres, the skin becomes more fragile and with the slightest trauma, one will get bruising under the skin (Senile Purpura).

Treatment tips that can help with Collagen Loss

• Sun avoidance, sun protection and the regular use of high factor broad-spectrum sunscreen that preferably contains antioxidants, and ingredients such as iron oxide which blocks high energy visible light (HEVL).
• Choose a diet rich in proteins (which supply amino acids), vitamin C, zinc and copper which play direct roles in the production of healthy collagen.

In-clinic treatment tips for Collagen Loss

• Medical micro-needling with or without platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or topical insulin
• Medical micro-needling with radio frequency (Morpheous 8)
• Non-ablative fractional laser
• Skin booster injections

Skincare ingredients that can help with Collagen Loss

Sunscreens

Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis and are primarily responsible for photoageing, which includes the breakdown of collagen.

Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is unique among antioxidants because of its ability to increase collagen production in addition to it’s free radical scavenging activity.

Retinol

Helps stimulate collagen production and improve cellular turnover in the epidermis, improving skin texture and appearance.

Peptides

These are short-chain amino acids that can signal fibroblasts in the dermis to produce new healthy collagen. Some peptides can also act as building blocks for new collagen formation.

Co-Enzyme Q10

Antioxidant that helps minimise the breakdown of collagen. It protects the skin from oxidative stress and boosts your internal cellular energy production in fibroblasts.

Skincare products that can help with Collagen Loss

Sunscreen

• ISDIN FotoUltra Age Repair SPF 50
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid

Retinols

• Obagi 360 Retinol 0.5
• Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

Peptides

• pHformula AGE Serum
• MartiDerm Krono Age Serum

Vitamin C

• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic®
• MartiDerm Proteos Hydra Plus Ampoules (10 units)

Co-Enzyme Q10

• mesoestetic age element firming cream
• Jorgobé Bakuchiol Face Oil