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What is a Collagen Facial?

Sonal Panse
Sonal Panse

A collagen facial is a beauty care treatment that uses collagen protein to revitalize the skin. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that is found in the skin, tissues and bones; in the skin, it is found in the lower dermis layers, and is responsible for maintaining skin structure and strength. A collagen facial attempts to retard the aging process by replenishing the skin's natural proteins by external application.

At the start of the collagen facial, the skin is thoroughly cleaned with a cleanser and is then exfoliated. Skin exfoliation involves scrubbing the skin manually with various facial scrubs or applying a chemical scrub to remove dead skin cells from the skin surface. Exfoliating the skin regularly keeps it clean and the unclogged, helping to ward off acne.

A woman removing a collagen facial mask.
A woman removing a collagen facial mask.

The next step, after cleansing and exfoliation, is to massage the skin well with a concentrated collagen cream. Instead of a commercially purchased facial cream, a fruit pulp mix of avocado and kiwi fruit can also be used as a collagen facial mask. The applied mask is left on for about 30 minutes, and wiped off with a wet cloth. The face is then washed clean with warm water. Regular collagen facials can help keep the skin looking radiant and attractive. In addition, using a collagen facial moisturizer at night can also improve the skin appearance.

A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.

Another type of beauty treatment is the use of facial collagen injections. This involves supplementing the skin's natural collagen by injecting human-derived or bovine-derived collagen into the dermis layer. Improvement is seen within days with the vanishing of wrinkle lines, and the emergence of a smoother skin and fuller lips.

The procedure is low cost, takes only about an hour or less, does not require any overnight hospital stay or long recovery, and is said to be quite safe. It is essential, however, to consult a competent cosmetic surgeon before undergoing this treatment. Some people can have allergic reactions to the collagen used, or may have certain health conditions, such as pregnancy or an autoimmune system disease, which may be adversely impacted by these injections.

A pot of collagen cream.
A pot of collagen cream.

It is also advisable to do a skin patch test for the collagen facial. Allergic breakouts are possible here too, and there can also be some side effects like skin reddening, bruising, peeling and itching. There is a chance of open sores leading to skin infection. In such a case, it is advisable to contact a dermatologist immediately.

Discussion Comments

manykitties2

Has anyone had any experience using the collagen injections? Are they a lot better than the collagen facials?

I am curious as to whether these products are really worth the costs associated with them. Did you find that the results from the collagen facials were immediate, or did you have to wait awhile to see results?

Also, for those who have sensitive kin, have you found the collagen facials bother your skin in any way? I tend to get rashes from new products easily and don't want to try something that may cause my face to puff up or itch.

Sara007

While collagen facials are low-cost for some, you can still pay around $85-$100 for one treatment at a lower end spa. If you are willing to try it, you can make your own collagen mask with natural ingredients in your home.

All you need to make your own collagen facial is an avocado and a kiwi. These fruits have been shown to boost collagen production in the skin.

Just take only the soft flesh of 1/2 an avocado and 1/2 a kiwi and mash them in a bowl. Apply this mix to your face for half an hour, then rinse off.

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    • A woman removing a collagen facial mask.
      By: anna karwowska
      A woman removing a collagen facial mask.
    • A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Many collagen-based products are designed to replace or boost the production of this protein.
    • A pot of collagen cream.
      By: Mi.Ti.
      A pot of collagen cream.
    • Regular exfoliation helps ward off acne.
      By: badmanproduction
      Regular exfoliation helps ward off acne.
    • Collagen mask treatments are often offered at spas as anti-aging solutions.
      By: Darren Baker
      Collagen mask treatments are often offered at spas as anti-aging solutions.
    • A mixture of avocado and kiwi can be used as a collagen face mask.
      By: Giuseppe Porzani
      A mixture of avocado and kiwi can be used as a collagen face mask.