Book Appointment
352·332·7873 Book Appointment
Blog

How to Stimulate Collagen Production With Microdermabrasion

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many changes – one of them being skyrocketing amounts of people opting for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, like microdermabrasion. In fact, some research has shown cosmetic procedures have increased by over 50% since 2019.

The shift to working from home seems to be the biggest reason. Being able to relax at home post-procedure would usually require having to take at least a couple of days off, but for a lot of us, that’s no longer the case.

One procedure that has seen increased demand is microdermabrasion. If you’re wondering how to stimulate collagen production, this is it. We should note that your body naturally produces collagen, but it decreases with age. That’s where microdermabrasion comes in.

Microdermabrasion initially came to the United States in the 1990s. Since then, it has soared up the charts to become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.

If you’re interested in learning more about stimulating collagen production through microdermabrasion, then read on!

Microdermabrasion History

How did this common cosmetic procedure start? Technically – the Italians were using it about a decade before it made its debut in the United States.

By 2005, it had already broken into the top five charts for cosmetic procedures. However, if you want to be really technical, the Egyptians were using a similar approach way back in 1500 B.C. At that time, technology was a bit more limited and sandpaper was used over the face – Ouch.

In the 1950s, similar strategies were used to remove the upper layers of skin using wire brushes controlled by a motor.

And you thought the sandpaper technique was brutal.

Luckily, there have been a lot of advances in technology and the industry since then.

The initial machine that was developed by the Italians focused on using a technique that removed dead skin cells while placing them in a separate container. This concept is still used to this day with over 100 different machines on the market.

Modern Microdermabrasion

How does the modern era look for microdermabrasion? Luckily, it is much safer than it was seventy years ago.

Nowadays, qualified aestheticians use a small applicator that gently removes dead skin cells from the outer surface of your skin. Other techniques use certain sprays coupled with suctioning. Both treatments have the same end goal – rejuvenate your skin and stimulate collagen growth.

There are largely three main types of microdermabrasion, including:

  • Crystal
  • Diamond-tip
  • Hydradermabrasion

Crystal microdermabrasion sprays tiny aluminum oxide or sodium bicarbonate crystals on the face before exfoliating and suctioning away dead cells.

The diamond-tip handpiece (like the DiamondGlow) is one of the more common ones and provides exfoliation and suctioning. This technique gently removes dead skin cells and immediately disposes of them – similar to the technique first invented in Italy.

Hydradermabrasion (like the famous HydraFacial) is the most recent type of treatment. It uses exfoliation while infusing your skin with healthy products. The ultimate goal of this design is long-term collagen production.

Skin Conditions

Microdermabrasion also helps with other skin conditions including reducing:

  • Sun damage
  • Wrinkles
  • Age spots
  • Acne scarring
  • Enlarged pores
  • Uneven skin tones
  • Melasma

Microdermabrasion is safe and effective for most people, skin types, and skin colors. However, with any procedure, there are some side effects.

Some of the more common side effects following this procedure are:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Burning sensation
  • Sensitivity to sunlight

These side effects should disappear after a few days. During this time, make sure that you exercise caution with going out in the sun and use sunscreen frequently.

What is Collagen and How To Stimulate Collagen Production

Collagen treatments are widely used in today’s cosmetic procedures. But what exactly is collagen and how does it help your skin?

Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced in your body. While it is largely known for its benefits to your skin, it is also found elsewhere in the body. You can find collagen in bones, muscles, intestines, and blood vessels.

Collagen tends to decrease with age. As this happens, your skin starts to lose elasticity. Another side effect of declining collagen levels is stiff joints.

Does this all sound like part of the aging process? Unfortunately, it is.

Higher collagen levels result in smooth and firm skin. How are ways that you can boost collagen growth? Collagen does not increase from only applying certain lotions or creams.

While over-the-counter products suggest applying collagen directly, you are most likely wasting your money. Collagen increases from the inside out.

Boosting Collagen

One simple way to make sure you keep your collagen levels up is by incorporating foods high in hyaluronic acid. Beans and soy are two common foods with this.

Vitamin C is also critical to boosting collagen – luckily this one is a bit easier to incorporate or find as a supplement. Aloe vera is another strategy to boost collagen that researchers are recently finding out about.

While most people use aloe vera as a treatment for sunburns, researchers had study participants ingest a small amount of the extract. What were the results? Collagen almost doubled.

Many antioxidants are also helpful to the overall health of your skin. As you can see – many methods to boost collagen happen naturally with healthy diets.

However, sometimes it is hard to get the right nutrition, or it’s not quite enough to combat the effects of declining collagen levels. What’s next?

This is where minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, like microdermabrasion, help.

How Does Microdermabrasion Boost Collagen?

Microdermabrasion targets the epidermis. It usually only affects the outermost layer of this region, but some studies show that the benefits spread beyond the outer layer.

If microdermabrasion only treats the outer layer of the epidermis, then how does it benefit beyond the outer layer (the dermis)?

The dermis is where collagen and elastin are located. Immediately following treatment, the epidermis is essentially “injured.” This is different than other typical injuries and is fairly minor. Ultimately, this starts the healing process.

In the epidermis, you start seeing thicker, new cells. These cells are what make your skin look smooth and firm. Just under the outer layers of the epidermis, the cells restructure themselves in a smoother pattern. Studies show that the microdermabrasion treatment positively affects the dermis by increasing the amount of collagen, improving and increasing elastin, and increasing fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are important to long-term collagen growth. As you can see – there are more than just superficial benefits of this cosmetic procedure. As more research comes out, microdermabrasion shows potential for long-term benefits.

While microdermabrasion may seem easy to have done, make sure you are going to a professional for treatment. You want to ensure that your skin is given quality care and treatment.

Youthful Skin

Hopefully, you are no longer wondering how to stimulate collagen growth. The answer is simple – healthy dieting and microdermabrasion.

Our microdermabrasion technique restores the youthful appearance of skin without chemicals, laser, surgery or extended periods of irritation and redness. If you are apprehensive about taking the next step, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our skilled and professional staff members are standing by and ready to educate you on microdermabrasion and complementary cosmetic procedures that will leave your skin looking youthful and rejuvenated. Get in touch today!

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. — Thich Nhat Hanh