As leading providers of skincare treatments in Jersey, Guernsey, and Northern Ireland, we have had the opportunity to treat many patients for their skin concerns.

One of the most common reasons patients contact us for help is to reverse the visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles. While they are part of the natural ageing process, sagging skin and fine lines can cause a lot of insecurity in a person and reversing these side effects of ageing can have a long list of positive effects on someone.

So today, we’re exploring more about this by taking an in-depth look into collagen and oestrogen, which both play vital roles in the skin’s appearance as it ages.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein found in the human body and is the main component of connective tissues such as skin, bones, cartilage, and tendons. It is responsible for providing strength and support to the skin, bones, and muscles and maintaining their elasticity and flexibility. It makes up a significant proportion of the body’s protein and is vital in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues and organs.

Collagen can be sourced from a variety of different sources, including bovine (cow), porcine (pig), and marine (fish) sources, and is often found in supplements and skincare products. This is because it plays a crucial role in skin health and appearance, providing structure and support and giving skin its smoothness and elasticity.

What Is Oestrogen?

Oestrogen is a hormone typically associated with female health and development despite being present in both male and female bodies. In terms of the skin, it plays an essential role in maintaining its health and appearance as it helps to promote the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, two critical components of the extracellular matrix that give the skin its elasticity and firmness. As a result, oestrogen levels that decline during menopause can decrease collagen and elastin production, resulting in thinner, more wrinkled skin.

How Are Collagen and Oestrogen Linked?

Collagen and oestrogen are linked in several ways, particularly in their roles in maintaining healthy skin. For example, oestrogen has been proven to stimulate the production of collagen, a protein that provides strength and support to the skin, as well as other connective tissues in the body. As mentioned, this means that during menopause, when oestrogen levels decline, most women see the visual signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

Oestrogen also helps to regulate the enzymes that break down collagen, so when oestrogen levels decline, the enzymes that break down collagen can become more active, leading to a faster breakdown of collagen in the skin. Again, this results in thinner and more wrinkled skin, two common visual signs of ageing.

Overall, collagen and oestrogen play important roles in maintaining healthy skin, and their levels in the body are closely linked. Hormone therapy or collagen supplements may help balance these levels in individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances that affect their skin health. Alternatively, many women look at going through with treatments from a cosmetic skin clinic such as ourselves or using professional skincare products to help smooth out the skin.

How Do Collagen and Oestrogen Change With Age?

As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to a loss of skin elasticity, joint flexibility, and bone strength. This can result in wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and a higher risk of bone fractures. In addition, environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet can also accelerate the breakdown of collagen. On the other hand, oestrogen is (as mentioned) a hormone primarily produced in the ovaries in women and smaller amounts in men. It plays a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and reproductive function, as well as maintaining bone density, skin health, and cognitive function. As women age, their oestrogen levels naturally decline as they approach menopause, resulting in various physical and emotional symptoms. Low oestrogen levels can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, leading to a higher risk of fractures.

In men, testosterone levels gradually decline with age, which can also lead to a decrease in oestrogen levels. This can result in similar symptoms and health risks as women, such as decreased bone density and muscle mass.

What Are the Concerns with Low Collagen or Oestrogen Levels?

Low collagen and oestrogen levels can have several concerns for both men and women. Here are some of the key concerns:

• Weak Bones. They are both important for maintaining bone health. Low levels of either can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures.
• Joint Pain. Collagen is a major component of joint cartilage; low levels can lead to joint pain and stiffness.
• Skin Ageing. Collagen is also important for skin health, and low levels can lead to premature ageing, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

It’s important to note that the effects of low collagen or oestrogen levels can vary depending on the individual and the specific cause of the deficiency. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talking to your healthcare provider is crucial.

Additionally, the team here at ASC can assist with the last point and help you reverse the visible signs of ageing. We have various professional skin treatments focused on improving the skin’s elasticity and giving you that smoother, firmer overall look. Our skin tightening in Jersey, Guernsey, and Belfast covers a range of treatments, including:

• Our Thermage CPT Face treatment is a non-surgical procedure designed to boost collagen and improve skin laxity, providing smooth, wrinkle-free results.
• The Intracel Radiofrequency Microneedling at ASC uses heat energy exposed to the dermis to tighten and shorten collagen fibres while encouraging collagen production, making it an excellent anti-ageing treatment.
• Of course, there are several surgical facelifts to choose from that target wrinkles, sagging skin, and other effects of low collagen or oestrogen levels.

It’s important that you choose the right procedure for you and your skin. Whether you want to stick to non-surgical treatments or you’d prefer instant results and want to opt for surgery, the team at Aesthetic Skin Clinic can help.

Please get in touch to learn more about the skin treatments available for boosting collagen and improving skin firmness and elasticity, and get started on your journey to tighter, more youthful-looking skin.