Collagen Treatments: Best Facial Treatment for Face & Skin (Our Top 3)

When we’re children, we’re blessed with plush, bouncy skin without a single worry about wrinkles or fine lines.

But as we get older (and subsequently become more aware of our appearance), we actively begin to lose collagen. It doesn’t help that our skin’s collagen also begins to break down from harmful factors like sun exposure and environmental pollution.

Why is the breakdown of collagen an issue? Collagen is the protein in your skin that gives it its smoothness, firmness, and structure.

It’s no wonder why the beauty industry has invested major bucks into collagen beauty products that can turn back the clock a few notches.

Besides skincare products, like retinoids and vitamin C serums, there are a few intensive treatment options that can leave long-lasting results for a more youthful look. 

These collagen treatments for face wrinkles and sagging skin are legitimate and backed by science (and of course, anecdotal evidence).

Ahead, we’ll explore the most popular collagen treatments that women use to give a boost to their natural collagen levels: LED red light therapy, collagen injection therapy, collagen supplements, and a few honorable mentions.

LED Red Light Therapy To Stimulate Collagen Production

Here’s a fun history fact for you: In the ‘90s, NASA (yes, astronauts!) observed that plants were growing faster and fuller under certain wavelengths of light.

They began experimenting with this same effect on the skin in hopes of discovering a safe, non-invasive way to help accelerate the wound healing process in zero-gravity environments (where injuries mend slowly).

They learned that red and infrared light therapy helps speed up the growth of plant cells by up to a whopping 200%.1

It was after this finding when experts and researchers began looking into LED therapy for skin cells to treat dermatological conditions like acne scars, rosacea, and signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) skin therapy, also referred to as phototherapy, works on the same premise as the LED therapy studied by NASA. Basically, phototherapy emits different colors of light which then penetrate your skin. The light can reach even the deepest layers of your dermis, and as a result, prompts various biological reactions to occur.

Red light, which infiltrates skin deeply enough to reach fibroblast cells (the special skin cells responsible for elastin and collagen production), helps stimulate collagen growth and reduce inflammation. Red light can get through up to ten millimeters of skin.

Amber light, which penetrates less deeply, was also found to help stimulate the building blocks of your skin — collagen and elastin.

The deepest wavelength of light is infrared. Infrared light procedures are known to help fast-track healing, alleviate inflammation, and even help skincare products absorb deep into the skin.

The Upsides Of Light Therapy

• As you can tell, it works. If you want to increase physical skin collagen (and the appearance of better-looking skin), LED red light therapy is a solid option.
• LED red light therapy is painless and there’s zero downtime — that means you don’t need to walk around for days with flaky, red skin like some of the other, invasive treatments.

The Downsides Of Light Therapy

• You can get LED light therapy for collagen production through a professional (for a stronger collagen treatment) or by purchasing an at-home device. However, professional collagen facial treatments can cost anywhere between $50 to upwards of $100 per session — and you need to be consistent for at least eight weeks to see results.
• While at-home devices are also expensive (ranging in price from $200 to $1500) many of them are ineffective because they lack sufficient power, are poorly built, or don’t offer enough light intensity for visible safe results. Shop smart!
• If you’re using an at-home device, you normally have to start using it five days a week for up to 30 minutes per session, which takes a lot of dedication and time. 

Collagen Injection Therapy & Dermal Fillers (Collagen For Face Treatment)

Simply put, collagen injections are exactly what they sound like: a dermatologist inserts a substance, either collagen or hyaluronic acid, into the skin to “replace” your natural collagen. It can be used in many ways to prevent signs of aging all over your face, including the most sensitive areas around your eyes, nose, and mouth.

By doing so, the skin looks as if it has more collagen than it actually does which makes it appear significantly more supported, structured, and youthful.

More helpful reading: Get rid of jowls

Popularized in the ‘80s, Zyderm and Zyplast are two of the most popular collagen fillers sourced from cows that were injected into the skin layer underneath the epidermis where your skin's collagen and elastin can be found. Since then, these bovine collagen fillers have been discontinued.

These days there are other injectable options for people who prefer procedures that do not use animal-based skin care products. The most well-known dermal fillers that don’t rely on animal collagen go by the names Juvéderm and Restylane.

These products use hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance found in the skin that reinforces skin support. It can hold up to 1,000x its own weight in water to visibly plump up the skin.

A study from the University of Michigan showed that a vegan hyaluronic acid injection was able to considerably stimulate collagen production. This goes to show that hyaluronic acid fillers can be used in more ways than one — while people use them with the intention to make it look like they have more collagen, they can in fact be used as a treatment against collagen loss.2

People get collagen injections and face fillers mainly in these areas to plump up fine lines and wrinkles:

• Marionette lines — creases in the corner of the mouth
• Nasolabial folds — folds between the nose and mouth
• Eleven lines — vertical lines between eyebrows
• Crow feet — crow’s feet are the lines on the outer edges of eyes
• Wrinkles on the cheeks and forehead

The Upsides Of Injections

• The results are immediate, which makes fillers a great option for instant gratification.
• Unlike the injected looks of the ‘90s, a trusted doctor can make your facial improvements look subtle and natural.
• Injections can help with some of the most stubborn or deep wrinkles.

The Downsides Of Injections

• There’s no at-home version, so you have to trek to a licensed professional every time you need it — and if you stop going, the results reverse.
• Depending on the depth of wrinkles and your goals, to maintain results you have to repeat this process after a few months or up to a year, depending on how fast your body metabolizes the filler.
• Because of the immediacy and visibility of the results, you need to conduct substantial research beforehand to find a doctor who knows how to not only inject safely, but also ensure symmetry and an aesthetically pleasing outcome. If you get a botched job, you can’t take it back!
• Some of the side effects of bovine-derived collagen injections can include allergic reactions, swelling, and skin tenderness.
• According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, dermal fillers can cost upwards of $600 per syringe — and most people need multiple.3

Other Collagen Treatment (For Face) Options

Before we dive into our favorite collagen treatment for skin on your face and all over your body, let’s take a look at some of the other ways you can give collagen levels a boost, in and out of the doctor's office:

Collagen Induction Therapy

You may know this skin care treatment by other names like micro-needling or derma rolling, and it’s almost exactly what it sounds like.

To perform this procedure, a dermatologist uses a dermaroller to prick the skin with tiny needles. Each prick of the needle causes micro-damage to your skin. And as a result, your skin tissues immediately start to heal that damage by creating more of its essential building blocks (you guessed it, collagen and elastin).4

If you’re deciding between at-home or in-office treatments, we recommend going to a professional since the equipment that they use is safe and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

While microneedling is completely safe when performed in a professional setting, you may experience red, inflamed skin as a side effect.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Have you ever heard of the infamous vampire facial? It’s one of those popular skincare treatments that had everyone from celebrities to beauty gurus buzzing about its benefits.

You shouldn’t be intimidated by the name — unless blood makes you squeamish.

Vampire facials, otherwise known as PRP facials, are essentially microneedling treatments taken to the next level.

Here’s how it works: After your face has been thoroughly pricked and poked, a layer of platelet-rich plasma (a solution made from your own blood) is applied to the surface.

Why do people do this exactly? Your blood vessels contain high levels of growth factors that can boost cell turnover and increase collagen production to diminish signs of aging.5

And, to answer your final question: Yes, this treatment is done in broad daylight.

Vitamin C Skincare Products

Whether it’s lightening hyperpigmentation or fighting damage from sun exposure, vitamin C is one of those antioxidants that you need to have in your skincare routine.

Not only can this powerful antioxidant work its magic on the surface of your skin, but it can also go deep into the layers of your dermis to support and stimulate collagen production.

It works in more ways than one to reverse time and keep your skin tissues looking healthy.

Collagen Supplements To Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Collagen supplements are everywhere these days — in collagen liquid, powder, and tablet forms.

The premise is simple: consume collagen (whether it’s sourced from cows, pigs, or fish) to trigger the growth of new collagen in the skin and repair the existing damaged collagen.

We experience collagen loss every year after the age of 30 (specifically, between one to two percent of our total collagen levels). Supplementing with collagen can help minimize that loss. You can think of it as being equivalent to taking calcium for your brittle bones or estrogen after you hit menopause.

Don’t believe us? There’s a lot of science to back up the many powers of collagen (in fact, there are over 60 published studies!).

One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that regularly taking collagen peptide supplements “significantly increased skin hydration” after eight weeks and "collagen density" after four weeks.6

Another study reported that after nine weeks of collagen intake, there is was a significant reduction in the depth of wrinkles and an increase in skin hydration and elasticity.7

The challenge with collagen supplements is that just any won’t do. The studies, such as the ones mentioned above, relied on participants taking 10,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen a day for 8 to 10 weeks.

Hydrolyzed collagen isn’t your average collagen protein. The word “hydrolyzed” signifies that the normally-large protein molecules have been broken down into smaller-molecule peptides to enter into your blood vessels and get to work throughout your muscles, bones, and skin.

And, due to their high concentration, hydrolyzed collagen produces a visible result in people who want to reverse signs of aging, improve sun damage from UV rays, and create a more even skin tone.

There’s a reason why collagen is used to help treat the skin of burn patients — it’s just that effective when it comes to repairing the skin.

Similar to many vitamins and even the best anti aging supplements on shelves, most collagen supplements are simply not absorbed by the body. Instead, they are excreted out. Thus, your skin can’t reap the benefits. In other words, you’re taking a collagen supplement only to experience “expensive urine.”

What To Look For When Buying Collagen Supplements

When you’re looking for collagen supplements that actually produce significant results, here’s what you should look for: 

Ultra-High Concentration

Just like you can’t expect to feel hydrated after drinking a tablespoon of water, you can’t expect firmer, fuller skin with inadequate amounts of collagen. You need an extremely high dose of collagen (we’re talking up to 10,000mg per day) to trigger your body's wound repair response and start the process of producing new skin collagen.

Highly-Absorbable Fish Collagen

Fish, or “marine”, collagen contains 90% Type I and 10% Type III collagen. These are the two main types of collagen in the skin. Therefore, they are the best types of collagen for eliminating wrinkles and sagging skin.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

When collagen is hydrolyzed, collagen fibers are broken down into small collagen chains known as collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are easier for your body to absorb into its muscles, joints, bones, and skin.

Complete Amino Acid Composition

When shopping for collagen, you’ll notice some collagen supplements are made up of amino acids, but you’ll also notice that they typically only contain a few of them — without complete ratios and concentrations.

For your body to absorb and transport collagen to the skin’s dermis, you need a complete molecule chain (hence, hydrolysis), so you'll want to make sure you look for collagen in its complete form.

The Upsides Of Collagen Supplements

• Yup, the right kind of collagen is backed by science and clinical studies.
• The results are natural since it’s your own body producing its own collagen.
• Because you consume collagen supplements, they work synergistically throughout your body instead of targeting a single localized area.
• It's easy to incorporate into your lifestyle — no fuss no muss.
• After several weeks, you’ll notice tighter skin, improved skin texture, decreased fine lines, wrinkles, and under-eye bags, increased firmness, and radiance.

The Downsides of Collagen Supplements

• As we mentioned earlier, your collagen supplements need to be highly concentrated to effect any change.
• The results aren’t immediate, but they do come as long as you are consistent and patient.
• There are simply too many supplements on the market claiming that they contain hydrolyzed collagen and can help support younger-looking skin. Pay attention to the source of collagen (right type), potency, and ingredients to make sure you are getting the most effective for your needs, without any harmful additives.

Our go-to collagen supplement is our Taut Premium Collagen Drink. You drink a quick (and deliciously orange-flavored) shot once a day — best taken at night on an empty stomach to maximize absorption — to fill your body up with 13,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen. Our concentration contains up to six times more collagen than other brands on the market. And trust us, you can see and feel the difference.

This liquid supplement not only fulfills all of our aforementioned criteria, but it’s also produced under some of the most strict, environmentally-friendly conditions. And, it’s completely devoid of chemicals, preservatives, allergens, and gluten — which is perfect for health nuts like us.

What’s the Best Treatment to Reduce Fine Lines Wrinkles and Look Years Younger?

If you have the means to invest (and are looking for immediate improvements), the ideal combo is getting natural-looking injections from a trustworthy doctor to complement your supplement regimen.

Injections will smooth out your complexion virtually right before your eyes, while the supplements will help you heal faster. It’s a great holistic approach to getting plump and uplifted with multiple sources of collagen!

Plus, collagen supplements like Taut don’t just target one part of your face — they nourish your whole body.

Alternatively, if regular doctor’s visits don’t suit your budget, you can still get naturally radiant and firm skin with Taut’s Premium Collagen Drink Intense Transformation program. It features 3 boxes of bottles that are filled to the brim with collagen and other proven, skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, elastin, grape seed extract, vitamin C, and ceramides to help supercharge, rejuvenate your skin and give you visible results — in as little as 21 days.

Here’s our take: Whatever you choose, supplementing with our favorite Taut’s Premium Collagen Drink is the easiest and most convenient treatment for sagging skin, and it's definitely worth the investment. Your skin has never been more smooth and radiant — and you’ll never look back.

Want to learn more about our collagen treatments, skincare products, and transformation programs? Contact us today! We would be happy to help answer any of your questions and get you on the right path to gorgeous skin.

References:

1. Jama Dermatology
2. Hydrolyzed Collagen and Skin Health 2009 clinical studies results
3. How much do dermal fillers cost?