What Is Collagen?
If we had to name the single hardest-working player in your skin’s lineup, it would be collagen. It’s the protein that keeps everything looking smooth, firm, and bouncy - basically, it’s what makes skin look youthful and healthy. But like most good things, collagen doesn’t stick around forever. Let’s dive into what collagen actually is, why it matters so much, and most importantly, how you can boost it (yes, even if your collagen production has been on the decline for years).
Collagen 101: The Basics
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s a key structural component in your skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Think of it as your skin’s scaffolding like the framework that gives it shape and support.
In your skin, collagen works hand-in-hand with elastin (which gives skin its stretch) and hyaluronic acid (which keeps it hydrated). Together, they create that plump, supple texture we associate with youth.
Here’s the catch: starting in your mid-20s, your body naturally starts making less collagen — about 1% less each year. By the time you hit your 40s and 50s, collagen breakdown starts to outpace collagen production, leading to fine lines, sagging, and thinner skin. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, and environmental stressors can speed up this process, too.
Signs Your Collagen Levels Might Be Dropping:
Some changes are subtle, but over time you might notice:
-Fine lines around the eyes and mouth
-Skin that feels less firm or “springy”
-Thinning skin that shows veins or discoloration more easily
-Hollowing under the eyes or along the cheeks
-Slower healing after breakouts or injuries
It’s not all bad news, though… because while collagen naturally declines with age, you can help stimulate your body to make more!
How to Boost Collagen With In-Office Treatments At Defy Aesthetic:
We offer several in-office treatments that kickstart your skin’s natural collagen production. Each works in its own way, but the goal is the same: healthier, firmer, more resilient skin that looks good now and in the long run!
1. Moxi Laser: Moxi is like a refresh button for your skin. This gentle fractional laser delivers controlled energy into the skin to stimulate your fibroblasts - the cells that make collagen - without significant downtime.
Why we love it:
-Safe for all skin tones
-Improves tone, texture, and early signs of aging
-Can be done year-round (yes, even in the summer)
-Perfect for “prejuvenation” in your 20s and 30s or maintenance in your 40s+
You’ll notice a fresh glow in the days after treatment, but the real magic happens over the next few months as collagen production ramps up.
2. BBL: Most people know BBL as a gold standard for treating sun damage, redness, and pigmentation. But what surprises many is that BBL also stimulates collagen production deep in the skin.
How it works: The light energy gently heats the dermis, activating your body’s natural repair process. Over time, this leads to improved elasticity and firmness.
Why we love it:
-Treats discoloration and texture in one go
-Minimal downtime (you can go back to work the same day)
-Works beautifully as a collagen-boosting maintenance treatment
3. PRP Injections: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy uses a sample of your blood to help your skin heal and regenerate. We spin the blood in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma - the part packed with growth factors - and then inject it into targeted areas.
Why it’s great for collagen: Those growth factors signal your skin to create new collagen and repair damaged tissue.
Popular areas to treat:
-Under eyes (for fine lines, dark circles, and thinning skin)
-Cheeks and jawline (for firmness and volume support)
4. Microneedling with PRP: Microneedling creates thousands of micro-channels in the skin, triggering a healing response that produces fresh collagen and elastin. When we pair it with PRP, those growth factors sink deep into the skin through those channels, supercharging the repair process.
What it helps with:
-Fine lines and wrinkles
-Acne scars and texture issues
-Large pores
-Overall firmness and glow
You’ll see gradual improvements over weeks, with the best results after a series of treatments.
5. VI Chemical Peel: Chemical peels aren’t just for brightening. The VI Peel uses a blend of acids and other ingredients to exfoliate damaged skin and stimulate collagen production beneath the surface.
Why it’s different:
-Medical-grade, but gentle enough for all skin types
-Improves pigmentation, texture, and fine lines
-Stimulates new collagen as your skin heals
Most clients notice smoother, clearer skin within a week - and long-term collagen benefits after consistent treatments.
How to Choose the Right Collagen Booster For Your Goals:
Here’s the thing: the best treatment for you depends on your skin’s needs, your goals, and your timeline. For example:
-If you want a gentle, low-downtime option: Moxi
-If you also have sun damage or redness: BBL
-If you want all-natural rejuvenation: PRP injections
-If you’re targeting texture and scars: Microneedling with PRP
-If you want a quick glow-up with added collagen benefits: VI Peel
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our expert nurse practitioners will look at your skin, talk about your goals, and put together a plan that makes sense for you - sometimes combining treatments for the best results.
Supporting Collagen at Home
While in-office treatments are the heavy hitters, you can support collagen production in your daily routine:
-Wear sunscreen every day to protect the collagen you have
-Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamin C, and antioxidants
-Use medical-grade skincare with retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C
-Stay hydrated to keep your skin plump and healthy
Think of it like this: home care keeps the foundation strong, and in-office treatments help you remodel and rebuild.
Collagen might be invisible, but you’ll definitely notice when you have plenty of it - and when you don’t. The right treatments can help you not only hold on to what you’ve got, but also encourage your skin to make more. At our downtown Bethesda medical spa, we love that collagen-boosting treatments don’t just give you short-term glow - they’re investments in the long-term health and beauty of your skin.
Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Annual Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.