There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation around collagen and the use of supplements. This blog post is the third installation of a three-part series in which we explain the basic fundamentals and clear up some common misconceptions about this important protein. If you have specific questions about collagen, or any other skin health question, please submit them to us (click here) and we will try to answer them in a future blog post.
To read Part 1, please click here.
To read Part 2, please click here.
And now for the final installment:
How can I boost collagen without needles?
Light therapy, specifically IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is another great option for boosting skin collage – and no needles are required! IPL is a group of broadband light treatments which rely on heating up your skin. They are quick, effective and have very little to no downtime. But not all IPL treatments are created equal. They vary in the length of time per treatment, the number of treatments required to achieve desired results, and lastly, they vary in the level of discomfort related to the heat they generate. Some IPL devices must use a separate cooling device, while others have cooling built right in the hand piece to make the treatment bearable.
At this point you may be thinking to yourself… wait, just how painful is this IPL exactly? This is one of the most common questions asked when it comes to laser treatments (yes, IPL is a laser), and the answer is…not very. It feels like a repetitive light snap of a small rubber band against your skin, which is usually tolerable for most. If needed, numbing cream can be applied prior to treatment.
Since there are so many IPL manufacturers out there and machines that have different features, the rest of this blog post will focus on the IPL machine made by Sciton, called BBL. Known as the Rolls Royce of IPL, Sciton BBL has cooling built right onto the hand piece so discomfort is kept to a minimum, giving this machine has the highest satisfaction ratings from clients and technicians alike. This is why we chose the BBL for use at Klodas Medical Aesthetics.
How does BBL actually work?
The light energy delivered by BBL gently heats the upper layers of your skin. The heat absorbed by the targeted areas stimulates your skin cells to regenerate. This process restores your skin to its natural beauty, making it clearer, smoother, vibrant and younger looking. The results get better with time, reaching a maximum effect five to six months after the first session.
SkinTyte, one of the proprietary BBL treatments available, deeply heats dermal collagen while continuously protecting the treated epidermis with sapphire contact cooling for maximum safety and comfort, with no need for a topical anesthetic. Energy is delivered in rapid, gentle pulses to promote contraction and partial coagulation of the collagen, initiating the body’s natural healing process. Following treatment, a new foundation of collagen is created, leading to increased skin firmness. This treatment is ideal for loose, sagging skin in areas such as the neck and jowls, heavy eye lids, lower abdomen, above the knees, or to finally tackle that crepey skin on your upper arms.
As we age, the genes within our cells are programmed to express themselves differently than when we were younger. Forever Young BBL, another brand-named treatment on the BBL machine, reaches deep into the cell and activates certain genes associated with youth, while turning off other genes tied to aging. New skin cells are actually programmed to be younger, giving you beautiful, youthful skin. Forever Young treatment not only gives you a collagen boost, it reduces redness and clear brown pigmented spots from sun damage or aging. Ground-breaking research performed at Stanford University shows that BBL influences gene expression and changes skin at a molecular level. A long-term clinical study showed that patients who received regular BBL treatments (at least one per year) over the course of a decade were judged by doctors to appear 11 years younger than their actual age at the study’s end. In other words, they looked younger than when they started the study! Any area of the body can be treated with no pain and no downtime. Most patients can wear make-up and resume normal activities immediately.
Are IPL treatments safe for everyone?
Unfortunately, most IPL treatments, with the exception of SkinTyte, are not advised for everyone. For people with a history of seizures, those who are light sensitive, have darker skin tones, who are prone to easily burning or to developing pigmentation, such as melasma, these treatments are generally not recommended. Please consult a professional before doing any laser treatment to see if it is right for you.
None of the above-mentioned collagen boosting treatments are a quick fix, often requiring multiple treatments to achieve your best and most lasting results. However, there is a noticeable improvement even after the first treatment, and continuous improvement gradually over time.
Starting collagen boosting treatments in your 30s and 40s is the most ideal for preventative maintenance so you avoid wrinkles in the first place. However, this does not mean that you cannot start later in life – you will simply require more sessions to achieve fabulous results.
In summary,
Don’t believe the hype around collagen supplements. Be good to your skin: don’t smoke, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive exposure to all UV rays. Eat a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and cut out the super refined carbs and added sugars. And if you feel that you still need a collagen boost, talk to your trusted medical aesthetician if PRP injections, collagen induction therapy or IPL treatments are right for you.