Treatments That Build Collagen And Increase Lipids

At-home and clinical treatments to help boost collagen and increase lipids  

Collagen is the most abundant and primary protein found in our body’s intramuscular and connective tissues. It forms one of the major building blocks of our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as our hair, skin, and nails. There are about 16 different types of collagen found in our body, each with a different purpose. As we age, the ability of our body to produce substantial amounts of collagen decreases. As such, we require external supplements and treatments to boost collagen and help maintain the health of our tissues, muscles, and skin. Lipids, on the other hand, are a family of organic compounds composed of fats and oils. They are molecules that yield high energy and have a chemical composition mainly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Lipids perform three primary biological functions within the body: To serve as structural components of cell membranes, function as energy storehouses, and function as important signaling molecules. Similar to boosting collagen, certain external treatments also help increase lipids and maintain lipid metabolism. Let’s look at some of these treatments that boost collagen and increase lipids.LED LIGHTSThe advancement in scientific technology has enabled LED or light emitting diode therapy to act as a definitive treatment for a host of skin concerns. LED light therapy reportedly helps boost collagen due to its unique properties. While these lights have been around for a long time, they have only recently been employed as a skin treatment. Different wavelengths of the visible light spectrum correspond to different colours of LED lights and penetrate the skin to different depths. Depending on how deeply they penetrate, LED lights are thought to have different biological effects.The treatment essentially uses varying wavelengths of light, including red and blue. Red LED light triggers collagen production and reduces inflammation. When the light is applied to your skin, it acts on the cells known as fibroblasts, which play a role in the production of collagen. The epidermis absorbs it and stimulates collagen proteins. In theory, more collagen means that your skin will look smoother and fuller, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Red LED light is also thought to reduce inflammation while improving circulation, which can give you a healthier glow. Blue light, on the other hand, treats acne by killing the bacteria that causes breakouts. LED light therapy can also help repair cell damage, improve skin texture and brighten your complexion. This therapy and its associated devices have come a long way, with some even offering the same professional technology at home. However, getting the treatment done at a professional clinic always tends to offer the best and safest results. This non-invasive treatment has no downtime, so you can expect to see an instant youthful glow post your first session. In order to sustain the results, it is important to keep up with the number of sessions your doctor recommends.BODY FILLERSAs we age, the collagen and elastin production begin to slow down. Injectable fillers are highly effective at triggering new collagen production, which results in smoother skin and more volume in areas that have started to sag and develop fine lines. Fillers like Dysport, Juvederm and Restylane are among an array of fillers that are available.While dermal body fillers don’t necessarily speed up the cell renewal process, they do help promote skin cell regeneration by offering extra hydration and barrier protection to the skin. This naturally leads to healthier cells and more youthful looking skin. However, like any cosmetic treatment, it is imperative to understand the ramifications of undergoing a body filler treatment and having a realistic approach when it comes to results. According to the FDA, there are four categories of fillers. Each is named for the type of material they’re made with:

• Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced by your body and already found in your skin and cartilage. Generally, fillers made with hyaluronic acid last between 6-12 months.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral that is found in our bones. Fillers made with this material last up to 18 months.
• Poly-L-lactic acid is a biodegradable synthetic material that’s also used to make medical products like dissolvable stitches. These fillers may last up to two years.
• Polymethylmethacrylate beads are the only filler that can’t be absorbed by your body, meaning the results are permanent. They’re only used around the mouth.

Hyaluronic acid is the most popular type of filler due to its hydrating properties. As opposed to more invasive treatments to boost collagen, the results with fillers are considerably natural and subtle, with a visibly definitive improvement. WINTER SKIN EXFOLIATING AND MOISTURISINGWith the onset of the harsh winters, our skin becomes inevitably dry and irritated. As such, proper skincare treatment is imperative to keep it hydrated, soft, and supple. Exfoliation is key when it comes to healthy skin. We all know collagen is a decisive protein that determines skin physiology, by maintaining the skin structure and enabling its numerous functions to take place. But did you also know that exfoliation helps boost collagen? By exfoliating (removing the surface layer of dead cells) the skin is shocked into production of new cells which helps stimulate new collagen production. If we are to breakdown how this works, essentially, the very act of physical exfoliation creates a mild trauma in your skin. This kick-starts your collagen production, which, in turn, activates the fibroblasts, so more elastin collagen is synthesised in the dermis. When your skin is injured, histamine is released by the cells which triggers an inflammatory response. Blood plasma which contains nutrients, oxygen and macrophages, rushes to the injury site, stimulating the wound healing process. By the third or fourth day, the fibroblasts begin to synthesise the collagen fibres, increasing the internal scaffolding within your skin, which keeps your face taut and plump. Simple right? If that wasn’t enough, exfoliation also helps protect your skin barrier. The barrier has something called the lipid layer that contains cholesterol, fatty acids, and ceramides. Interestingly enough, these help protect your skin from external aggressors and stressors, helping to keep it youthful, radiant, and glowing. Try Biolite's DermaSweep Exfoliation Treatment, which features a variable level vacuum that gently lifts the skin surface as the brushes “sweeps away” the dead layer of outer skin in a controlled manner.Post exfoliation, an equally important step, if not more, is moisturising. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, people with properly moisturised skin accumulate wrinkles at just a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin. Opt for moisturisers with hyaluronic acid is an ingredient to help boost collagen and protect the skin barrier. THE BOTTOM LINE The above mentioned treatments are a great way to help your body boost collagen and increase the level of lipids it requires to stay youthful and healthy. Always ensure that you consult a professional medical aesthetician before opting for any of the clinical treatments to ensure best results. FEATURED IMAGE COURTESY: Look Studio @Freepik