As time passes, our skin changes in ways that can take us by surprise. Fine lines start to linger, firmness fades, and that once-smooth texture feels just a little different. These changes are a natural part of life, but they often lead people to look for ways to support their skin’s strength and vitality.

At the heart of that conversation is collagen — the protein that keeps skin resilient, structured and firm. It acts like the framework beneath the surface, maintaining elasticity and helping the skin recover from movement and daily stress.

Dr. Scott Allison, Cosmetic Physician and founder of Ascension, explains that collagen plays a quiet yet powerful role in skin health. “Our body’s collagen production begins to decline from our mid-twenties,” he says. “For many people, this loss becomes more noticeable with age, particularly during hormonal changes.”

This gradual reduction in collagen doesn’t mean the skin can’t be supported. With today’s evidence-based treatments, there are ways to gently encourage the body to produce more of its own collagen — helping the skin maintain its natural firmness and vitality over time.

Understanding collagen and how it changes with age

Collagen is produced by specialised skin cells called fibroblasts. These cells constantly renew and repair the collagen network, keeping the skin strong and smooth. With age, however, that renewal process slows. Fibroblasts become less active, and environmental stressors — like sun exposure, pollution, or smoking — can accelerate this decline.

As a result, the skin can appear less firm and more delicate. While this change is natural, supporting collagen renewal can help improve skin texture and resilience. This is where targeted collagen stimulation treatments come in — not to alter who you are, but to help your skin function at its best.

How collagen stimulation therapies work

Collagen-stimulating therapies encourage the skin’s natural repair process by delivering controlled energy or micro-injury to the deeper layers. This gentle activation signals fibroblasts to produce fresh collagen and elastin, restoring structure from within.

At Ascension, these treatments are carefully chosen and delivered under medical supervision to suit different skin needs and comfort levels. They work gradually, and results develop over time as the skin’s own regeneration takes place.

1. Laser therapy and collagen renewal

Laser therapy has long been recognised for its ability to revitalise skin by stimulating collagen production at a deeper level. Fractional CO2 laser treatment, offered at Ascension, delivers precise pulses of light energy to the skin, creating micro-zones of controlled healing.

This process encourages new collagen formation and improves the appearance of fine lines, texture irregularities and areas of sun damage.

Because it works beneath the surface, fractional CO₂ laser requires a short recovery period — typically around a week — during which the skin naturally renews itself. While every person’s experience is different, many notice gradual improvement as new collagen continues to form in the months that follow.

The benefits of laser treatments extend beyond collagen stimulation, encompassing improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness. By stimulating collagen production, laser therapy may reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and acne scars, while also enhancing overall skin radiance and vitality.

2. Morpheus8 — RF microneedling for deeper collagen support

Morpheus8 is a form of radio frequency microneedling that combines two well-established technologies to reach the deeper layers of the skin. Using ultrafine needles that deliver controlled radio frequency energy, it helps remodel the skin’s internal structure while supporting new collagen and elastin formation.

Unlike traditional microneedling, this approach allows for greater precision and depth, meaning it can be adjusted to target areas of laxity or uneven texture. Most people experience mild redness or swelling that settles within a few days, with results appearing progressively over the following weeks.

 

3. Tixel — skin tightening with minimal downtime

Tixel Skin Tightening uses pure, controlled heat to encourage collagen renewal with minimal downtime. The device transfers energy in a series of short, precise bursts — enough to activate the skin’s healing process without breaking the surface.

This method can be suitable for delicate areas such as the eyelids or periorbital skin, where traditional lasers may not be ideal. Following Tixel treatment, temporary redness and dryness are expected as part of the natural renewal process. Over the coming weeks, many notice smoother texture and improved elasticity as the skin rebuilds from within.

Why combination therapy can enhance results

Each collagen stimulation technique works in its own way — some target deeper tissue, others refine surface texture. When combined thoughtfully, they can complement one another to create more balanced, natural results.

At Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, Dr Allison and his team often design personalised treatment plans that blend modalities such as CO₂ laser, radiofrequency microneedling, and Tixel thermal therapy. This layered approach allows the team to address different layers of the skin in a single, coordinated plan — always with the goal of supporting long-term skin health, not instant change.

A considered approach to long-term skin vitality

Supporting collagen production isn’t about turning back time; it’s about helping your skin age well. Whether through energy-based treatments, professional skincare, or lifestyle choices like sun protection and nutrition, each step contributes to the skin’s resilience over time.

At Ascension, our approach is guided by evidence, ethics, and respect for individuality. Every recommendation is made with care — to enhance what’s already there, never to replace it.

If you’d like to understand which collagen-stimulating treatments may best suit your skin, our team can provide a comprehensive consultation to explore your options and tailor a plan that aligns with your goals.