As the skin changes over time, fine lines may become more noticeable, firmness may reduce, and skin texture may feel different. These are natural aspects of the ageing process that lead many people to seek ways to support their skin’s structure and condition.

Collagen is the protein that contributes to skin resilience, structure, and firmness. It acts as part of the framework beneath the skin’s surface, supporting elasticity and the skin’s natural repair processes.

Dr Scott Allison, Cosmetic Physician at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, notes that collagen plays an important role in skin health. Collagen production begins to decline from the mid-twenties, and for many people this change becomes more noticeable with age — particularly during periods of hormonal change.

With today’s evidence-based treatments, there are approaches designed to encourage the body’s own collagen production. Individual responses to these treatments vary, and a consultation is the appropriate starting point for understanding which approach — if any — may be suitable for your circumstances.

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, depending on individual circumstances.

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.

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

1. Laser therapy and collagen renewal

Laser therapy has been studied for its potential to stimulate collagen production at a deeper skin level.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment, available at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, delivers precise pulses of light energy to the skin, creating micro-zones of controlled healing.

This treatment may help to address concerns about fine lines, skin texture irregularities, and areas of sun damage.

Fractional CO2 laser treatment requires a recovery period — typically around one week.

2. Morpheus8 — radiofrequency microneedling

Morpheus8 is a form of radiofrequency microneedling that combines two approaches to reach the deeper layers of the skin. Ultrafine needles deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to the skin, designed to support remodelling of the skin’s internal structure.

Treatment settings can be adjusted to address areas of skin laxity or uneven texture, depending on individual circumstances and assessment.

 

3. Tixel — thermo-mechanical skin treatment

Tixel uses controlled thermal energy to encourage activity in the skin. The device transfers heat in a series of short, precise bursts designed to activate the skin’s healing process without breaking the skin surface.

This approach may be considered for delicate areas such as the eyelids or periorbital skin, where certain other laser treatments may not be appropriate — suitability for treatment in specific areas will be assessed during consultation. Following Tixel treatment, temporary redness and dryness are expected.

Combination treatment approaches

In some circumstances, a combination of treatments may be considered to address different layers of the skin in a coordinated way.

At Ascension Cosmetic Medicine, Dr Allison may consider combinations of modalities such as fractional CO2 laser, radiofrequency microneedling, and Tixel thermal treatment where this is appropriate for an individual’s circumstances. Whether a combination approach is suitable will be assessed during consultation.

Consultations at Ascension Cosmetic Medicine

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.