25 Sep Collagen, Creams, and Why Microneedling Really Works

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and it plays a vital role in the structure of the skin. Think of it as the framework that keeps skin firm, smooth and elastic. When collagen levels are high, skin looks plump and youthful. Over time, natural production slows. From around the age of 25, the body produces about 1 percent less collagen every year, and after menopause levels can decline by up to 30 percent within the first five years. This gradual reduction is why fine lines, sagging and changes in skin texture become more visible as we age.

Why creams cannot replace collagen

There are countless creams on the market that advertise “collagen” on the label. While they can be pleasant to apply and provide hydration, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the outer layer of the skin. This means they cannot physically replace lost collagen within the dermis.

That does not mean creams are useless. The distinction lies between products that simply contain collagen and products that stimulate the skin to produce its own. Ingredients such as vitamin C and beta-glucan are scientifically proven to activate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for generating collagen. High quality skincare that includes these actives supports your skin’s natural repair systems and plays a key role in long term maintenance.

Why microneedling

If you want to actively rebuild collagen, topical creams alone cannot do the job. Microneedling, sometimes called collagen induction therapy, is one of the most effective ways to achieve this. The treatment uses tiny, medical-grade needles to create thousands of micro-channels in the skin. This controlled trauma is not harmful but instead stimulates the body’s wound healing process. In response, fibroblasts are activated to produce new collagen and elastin.

Clinical studies back up its effectiveness. Research published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that after four microneedling sessions, patients had a significant increase in collagen and elastin deposition, with visible improvements in skin texture and firmness. Another study reported an average 400 percent increase in collagen and elastin production six months after a course of treatments.

Supporting results with skincare

Microneedling works at a structural level by prompting the body to lay down fresh collagen fibres. The results build gradually over weeks and continue improving for months as the skin regenerates. Pairing microneedling with the right skincare helps protect and enhance those results. Antioxidants like vitamin C shield new collagen from free radical damage, hydrating serums keep the skin barrier strong, and SPF prevents UV from breaking down the newly formed fibres.

The conclusion

Creams cannot push collagen back into the skin, but some can support your body in producing more of it. Microneedling takes this further by directly stimulating collagen production through controlled trauma, making it one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for ageing, scarring and overall skin rejuvenation. When combined with professional homecare, the results are not only visible but long lasting, giving you skin that is stronger, smoother and healthier from within.