If your aging skin is starting to look thinner, looser, or more wrinkled, collagen is likely to blame. Collagen is what gives the skin much of its structure and firmness.
Unfortunately, as you get older, your body makes less of it, which can have a serious effect on the appearance of the skin.
Thankfully there are many non-invasive treatments, including laser resurfacing and microneedling, that rev up the body’s collagen creating process.
Struggling to choose between laser resurfacing vs microneedling? Wondering which one builds more collagen?
Here’s what you need to know about these two powerful anti-aging treatments.
Collagen is your skin’s support system. When you’re younger, the skin naturally produces high levels of it, but over time, production slows down.
Not only does your body make less of it, but the collagen that is created has a lower quality. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, and loss of firmness.
Microneedling creates tiny injuries on the skin. As a result, your body revs up the healing process, which includes producing collagen and elastin.
At Vibrant Dermatology, we use the PiXel8-RF system, which offers the added benefits of radiofrequency (RF) energy. RF heats the underlying tissue to encourage additional collagen production.
Laser resurfacing uses laser energy to treat specific layers of the skin. Depending on the type of laser used, this treatment can address fine lines, sun damage, and uneven texture.
There isn’t a clear-cut answer, as there are many factors to consider.
When it comes to laser resurfacing, different lasers work at different strengths and depths. Microneedling treatments vary too.
If you want both collagen production and skin tightening, RF microneedling might have a slight edge. The combination of technologies can address many common aging concerns at once, which is a big advantage.
The best way to learn which skin rejuvenating treatment is best for you is to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced providers at Vibrant Dermatology.
Neither laser resurfacing or microneedling offer overnight results. The skin needs time to rebuild and remodel new collagen.
Some patients see results within a few weeks of treatments, though collagen-related improvements continue to develop over the course of several months.
The gradual process does require some patience, but it’s well worth the wait. Instead of just covering up the signs of aging, you’re encouraging your skin to improve from the inside out.
Getting treatment is only part of the process of turning back the hands of time. Taking care of your skin afterward can help make the improvements last longer.
You can nourish and protect your skin by:
We may also recommend specific products or follow-up treatments, like an Aqua Facial, to keep your skin looking its best.
You don’t have to choose between laser resurfacing vs microneedling on your own. One of our skin professionals will examine your skin and discuss your goals before deciding which treatment will provide the best results.
Improving your skin shouldn’t be frustrating! Book your appointment online or call our office at 617-250-0257 to schedule today and meet with one of our dermatologists today.
Dr. Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip is a board-certified dermatologist, nationally recognized Castle Connolly Top Doctor, and the founder and CEO of Vibrant Dermatology & Aesthetics serving Dedham and Milton, Massachusetts. A Harvard-educated and Ivy League-trained clinician, Dr. Ip blends high-level medical precision with artistic aesthetic restoration, providing comprehensive dermatologic care for patients of all ages, ethnicities, and skin tones.