You lose half your collagen after 50. Here's how to add some back, according to an expert.

If you're a woman in your 50s or above, chances are you're wondering what you should (and shouldn't) be doing for your skin right now. It's mighty confusing out there. 

Well, that's why we're here. 

Because along with all the usual suspects (like not wearing sunscreen, not getting adequate sleep, etc.) there's actually one simple answer when it comes to the biggest skincare mistake you can make in your 50s.

Your collagen. You're not protecting what you have left.

Watch: Curiosity got the better of us! Renny asked Dr. Naomi McCullum, a cosmetic physician who runs a luxury clinic called The Manse, everything she'd do to her face. Post continues below.

As we age, our bodies don't produce as much collagen. In fact, women can lose up to 30 per cent in the first five years leading up to menopause. 

Pretty wild, huh?

And as you might already know, collagen is pretty important, playing a crucial role in strengthening the skin as well as providing elasticity and hydration.

Sydney cosmetic doctor Dr Yumiko Kadota said, "You slowly start to lose collagen in your twenties, and the effects of this are most noticeable in the late forties to fifties."

"This is widely variable and influenced by your genes, nutrition, smoking, pollution, and sun exposure."

So, what can be done to bring some of it back? Is that a thing that's even possible??

Sure is!

As Dr Kadota explains, "There are different kinds of collagen-inducing treatments. Each of these takes about three months to work, as that’s how long it takes for your body to produce new collagen."

"They result in improved skin texture, as well as thickening and tightening of the skin."

If protecting your collagen is something you want to do, below we've nicked some expert advice from Dr Kadota and listed four of the best ways to do it.

1. Platelet-rich plasma.

Remember that selfie Kim Kardashian took with blood smeared all over her face? Looked 11/10 scary? Yes?

Well, that was a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, also known as the 'vampire facial'... for obvious reasons.

Ready to hear what's involved? It's not that bad, we promise!

"Your blood is taken, spun around in a centrifuge, and the plasma part of your blood (the clear bit) is then further separated into a platelet-rich and platelet-poor part," explains Dr Kadota.

So, basically the spinning process separates the blood cells (the platelet-poor part) from the PRP (the platelet-rich part). 

The PRP part is white/yellow-y in colour, and that's the part we want on our face. Apparently. 

It's then massaged into your skin like a serum, before the injector uses a small micro-needling tool (that kinda looks like a pen) to create microscopic holes in your skin. (This is why your face looks bloody).

Why... are we doing this? 

Good question. Very good question.

The injection of PRP back into the skin not only helps encourage the production of more glorious collagen (we love to see it) but also helps promote healing and reduce inflammation.

As for the downtime, Dr Kadota says it'll usually take a few days - but will leave your face looking all plump and smooth and glowy. 

Depending on your results, you'll usually have a repeat treatment every four to six months.

See, it wasn't that bad! Right? RIGHT?

2. Radiofrequency treatments.

Next up, we have radiofrequency treatments, which are devices that use heat to encourage collagen production. 

We love collagen production!

As Dr Kadota goes onto explain, there are a huge range of radiofrequency devices on the market - and they each target different kinds of concerns, depending on what you're after.

Along with amping up that sweet collagen, some radiofrequency treatments are used in combination with other treatments to help target specific skin issues.

"Some are totally non-invasive (a probe applied on top of the skin), while others - like micro-needling - penetrate the skin. As such, some treatments are much stronger than others."

"The combination of radiofrequency and micro-needling is often helpful for improving textural issues such as large pores and acne scarring. For the milder treatments there is no downtime, but for the stronger ones there may be up to two weeks of downtime."

Obviously it's always best to have a consultation with a professional to see which kind of device is right for you and your personal skin goals.

3. Bio-remodelling and bio-stimulating fillers.

If you fancy yourself a bit of a beauty afficionado, chances are you've heard that there's a new injectable treatment that's newly launched in Australia. After being used overseas for the past five years, it's *finally* here, you guys.

It's something referred to as a bio-remodelling filler. Sounds... boring - but it's game-changing, we promise!

In case you're not a scientist, a bio-remodelling filler is pretty different to your traditional filler. 

Instead of using your standard filler, this new injectable uses a hyaluronic acid formula that is injected into the skin to plump, lift, and hydrate it, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin to tighten the skin.  

We even had a chat about it on the You Beauty podcast recently. (Post continues below).

As Dr Kadota goes on to explain, "Unlike the dermal fillers that are used to augment the lips or cheeks for example, bio-remodelling fillers do not add volume or create structure to the face."

"These are absorbed into the skin and designed to stimulate the skin to produce collagen," she explains.

As for the downtime - it's usually 24 to 48 hours.

4. Threads.

Ever heard of a thread lift? No? Please pull up a chair.

Also known as a 'mini facelift', a thread lift is basically a non-invasive procedure that works to tighten skin and encourage the production of more collagen.

Thread lifting procedures vary, and generally depend on the specific type of thread used.

"There are different types of threads - lifting threads, which are barbed, and mono-filament threads which sit underneath the skin and do not lift up the tissues," explains Dr Kadota.

Yes. Barbed threads. That will go into your face.

These threads are made of different materials and all vary in terms of thickness, length, anchoring points (eeek!), etc. Most threads are soluble - meaning they gradually dissolve into the body.

The type of thread lift will depend on your individuals skin type and specific skin concerns. 

"The threads are inserted underneath the skin and slowly dissolve over the time. While it is dissolving, the body reacts to them and creates collagen around the threads, which results in the skin thickening and tightening effects."  

How cool!

"The barbs on the lifting threads act as small hooks that grab the skin and allow for a mechanical lift."

Meaning? The doctor basically uses the barbs to position them underneath your skin, lifting them into position.

Are you still... with us?

Once the physician places the threads underneath the skin, you'll see an immediate and visible lift.

Now, before your run off and get all barbed up, it's important to keep in mind that this isn't a quick in-and-out lunchtime procedure, and there are several weeks of downtime involved.

When should you start collagen treatments?

So, if it's something we're keen to explore, when should we be looking at in-clinic treatments? In our 30s? 40s and beyond?

Dr Kadota shares, "Most people start collagen induction treatments in their thirties at the earliest sign of the skin starting to sag - for example noticing jowls."

Gotcha.

"However, collagen stimulating treatments aren’t just for anti-ageing. They can also be helpful to improve general skin texture as well as acne scarring."

Above all, Dr Kadota reminds us that these kinds of treatments aren't a quick-fix. "Remember that skin health is dependent on many factors," she said.

"Eating nutritious foods, drinking enough water, sleeping well, looking after your mental health, avoiding smoking, wearing sunscreen every day, and using good skincare are important things to do and much more powerful combined than doing any skin treatment alone."

Note. Taken.

Have you tried any of the above treatments before? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Instagram; @sydneyfacedoctor; @pavilioncosmetic.