What Helps to Boost Collagen for Your Skin?
Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that involves making tiny pinpricks in the skin, causing micro-injuries to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production to repair them. AQUAGOLD® Fine Touch™ is a micro-infusion facial device that works in a similar way to enhance the skin. So, is AQUAGOLD® better than microneedling? Our Rockland, Maine-based team at Skin Klinic & Day Spa believe that both are effective, but AQUAGOLD® is ideal for patients who want to not only stimulate collagen production, but also receive carefully chosen medications in the skin.
Why is this important? Collagen is a protein that helps to support the strength, structure, and elasticity of the skin. When our skin produces less collagen because of aging, the skin becomes more susceptible to wrinkles and sagging. According to some studies, it’s estimated that after the age of 40, we will lose one percent of collagen each year—and some skin experts say this starts happening after our 20s! AQUAGOLD® physically prompts collagen production, as well as introduces beneficial treatments to further enhance the effects.
See below for some other methods that are effective for boosting your skin’s collagen to make it smoother and stronger.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that has many benefits for the skin. Since our body can’t make its own vitamin C, we have to get it from our diet. Vitamin C is one of the elements that is most critical for producing collagen, so when we have a vitamin C deficiency, our body may create less collagen. Slathering on serums and other topical products that contain vitamin C each day can also help to prevent sun damage to protect and stabilize existing collagen fibers and increase collagen regeneration.
Retinoids
Retinoids are considered to be the gold standard of anti-aging skincare products. These are derivatives of vitamin A that increase the production of natural chemicals in your skin to boost the creation of collagen.
Consume Certain Amino Acids
A protein-rich diet can help your skin build more of its structural proteins. Our body needs certain amino acids called glycine and proline to build collagen. Proline can be found in egg whites, wheat germ, and dairy, while common sources of glycine include chicken skin, gelatin, pork skin, and bone broth.
If you want a more detailed answer to questions about microneedling, AQAUGOLD®, and more, contact our team at Skin Klinic & Day Spa. Call us today at (207) 594-7003 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation and find out more about the benefits of micro-infusion treatments.
What You Should Know Before Having Laser Hair Removal
With summer here, many of us are thinking of ways to get into our best shape in time for swimsuit season, but all of the shaving, threading, waxing, and tweezing can be a nuisance. There are so many different types of hair removal treatments, but most of us wish we could find a more lasting and less time-consuming option. Getting smooth, fuzz-free skin is much easier with laser hair reduction. Our Rockland, Maine-based Skin Klinic & Day Spa team recommends laser treatments as a long-lasting and more effective method of removing hair from the face and body that’s less likely to cause irritation. Another great thing about this technique is that it helps to prevent ingrown hairs. If you’re considering having laser hair removal, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about it in advance so that you can be sure that this treatment is the right option for you.
It Won’t Cause Much Discomfort
Many people are worried about laser skin resurfacing because they assume it will be uncomfortable. The truth is that laser treatments happen very quickly, and the device has a cooling mechanism that helps to offset any discomfort. Some people describe it as feeling similar to a rubber band snapping on the skin—which admittedly isn’t something you’d seek out for fun, but it also it easy to tolerate. Some areas are more uncomfortable than others. Also note that hair that is darker and coarser causes more discomfort because more energy is absorbed by the hair follicles.
You’ll Need to Avoid Some Things
Tanning and self-tanners should both be avoided prior to any laser hair removal treatment. It’s important that you limit your exposure to sunlight for several weeks leading up to a session because tanning could increase your risk of getting discoloration from lasers. Lasers target melanin (pigment) in the skin, and when the melanin in your skin is increased, it’s more difficult for the light to distinguish between the pigmented hair and pigmented skin. Not to mention, sun exposure makes your skin more sensitive and reactive to heat, so it’s more likely to burn. If you’re having laser hair removal in the warmer months, be sure to wear SPF 30 sunscreen constantly.
Also: No tweezing or waxing two weeks prior to laser hair removal—but please shave the area you would like treated prior to your treatment.
If you want to ditch the razor for good and try laser hair reduction, contact our Rockland, Maine Skin Klinic & Day Spa. Call us today at (207) 594-7003 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation and get to learn more about laser treatments.