Collagen is a strong, flexible fibrous type of protein that is found throughout our bodies, including our bones, muscles, tendons and in the middle or dermis layer of the skin. Under a microscope, collagen looks like bands of rope bound together or stacked logs. It acts as the skin’s support structure or scaffolding that helps maintain skin’s shape. In fact, 70% of our skin is composed of collagen.
As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases. The cells in our body that produce collagen, called fibroblasts, are no longer able to produce it as efficiently as they once did, and existing collagen becomes fragmented, bent and frayed.
Age-related collagen loss weakens the skin’s inner structure, reducing its ability to maintain elasticity and moisture. Gradually, skin loses its youthful bounce, leading to lines, wrinkles, and folds, as well as a loss of skin volume and support. Think of collagen like springs in a mattress. Over time, the springs weaken and the mattress on top starts to sag and crease. Similar changes in our skin happen as a result of both natural aging and sun exposure.
WHEN DO WE START TO LOSE COLLAGEN AND HOW MUCH?
Collagen loss is a normal part of aging and happens to everyone. In fact, we lose about one percent of collagen per year after the age of 18. And by age 50, we can lose up to 30 percent of our collagen. Just how much collagen you lose and when, varies from person to person. Facial aging actually starts in our 20s, when skin firmness begins to decrease as a result of both internal factors like genetics and natural aging, and external/lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, and pollution.
CAN WE REPLACE LOST COLLAGEN TO HELP IMPROVE THE LOOK OF SKIN?
GOOD NEWS: IT’S POSSIBLE TO HELP BOOST THE SKIN’S OWN NATURAL COLLAGEN PRODUCTION
Sculptra Aesthetic works subtly and gradually over time within the deep, dermis layer of the skin, correcting shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds such as smile lines for a more youthful-looking appearance. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, which work immediately upon injection to fill in lines, wrinkles and folds,10 Sculptra Aesthetic is made from Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which helps stimulate your skin’s own natural collagen production over time, helping to reinforce skin’s inner structure and increase facial volume that has been lost to aging. Poly-L-latic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable substance that has been proven safe and has been used in medical products, including dissolvable sutures, for more than 30 years. The typical treatment regimen for Sculptra Aesthetic consists of three injections over three to four months. Results appear gradually over a period of a few months, and are long-lasting, more than two years.
