How Collagen and Elastin Help Your Skin Look Youthful

Your skin consists of multiple layers of fragile but self-replenishing layers of tissues, including an interlaced network of collagen and elastin. This framework gives your skin volume and flexibility, supporting your top layers of skin and preventing wrinkles or sagging. 

However, over time, your body makes less and less of these critical building blocks. When production of these proteins decreases, the support for your skin structure does as well. With targeted nonsurgical treatments, you can tighten and reinforce your skin by restarting elastin and collagen production, alleviating wrinkles and sagging. 

At DiGeronimo MD Advanced Plastic Surgery in Doral, Florida, Dr. Ernest M. DiGeronimo offers multiple treatments to improve the quality of your skin, including microneedling and platelet-rich plasma injections for collagen and elastin support.  

Getting under your skin 

Once you begin breaking down human skin you’ll find that 90% of your skin consists of collagen fibers, with most of the rest being elastin. These proteins are produced by fibroblasts in the deeper layers of your skin. 

Collagen provides volume and support to your skin, and accounts for 30% of your body’s protein. Elastin is what allows your skin to snap back into place after being stretched, keeping everything taut. Babies and teenagers look fresh and plump-faced because their skin is full of these proteins and constantly producing more. 

Your metabolism slows as you age, reserving energy and allocating less for rejuvenation. This leads to aging of your skin. The process can be sped up by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, pollution, or smoking.   

Boosting protein production 

With certain skin treatments, it is possible to encourage production of collagen and elastin naturally. These can alleviate wrinkles and improve skin texture, reducing or postponing the need for cosmetic surgery. 

This includes procedures like microneedling, which stimulates the skin by inflicting tiny injuries to the skin’s surface. The immune system responds by reinforcing the area, sending growth hormones to the fibroblasts under your skin. 

Dr. DeGeronimo also offers more personalized treatments, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. These rejuvenate the skin using your body’s own powerful rejuvenating platelets, which are harvested from your blood, isolated in a centrifuge, and carefully injected where rebuilding of collagen and elastin is desired. 

These treatments that kickstart collagen and elastin production in the deeper layers of your skin can improve your overall complexion and alleviate fine lines and wrinkles over time. However, it can take time and multiple sessions to begin seeing results. Dr. DeGeronimo works with each patient to find a blend of skin treatments with injectables or cosmetic surgery to achieve your aesthetic goals. 

To learn more and begin putting together a plan that suits your needs, call 305-376-0378 or request an appointment online.