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Stimulate your skin’s renewal power

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Definition

What is Collagen?

Collagen – The miracle building block supporting your skin

It may be no surprise to you to hear that collagen is important for maintaining a youthful appearance. After all, collagen comes up a lot when skin quality and aging are being discussed. It is true that collagen is one of the main proteins in your skin.1 But what do you know about collagen and why is it so important?

There are different types of collagens in your body, and type I collagen makes up over 90% of the dry weight of your skin.1 Beneath the outer surface of your skin (epidermis) is a layer called the dermis, which provides the structure or scaffolding for the skin. Collagen is important because not only is it a major component of the skin, it is also strong yet flexible.1,2

Collagen is responsible for the resilience and suppleness of the skin

The long, thin collagen fibers are intertwined and form a kind of matrix. In addition to collagen, this dense, three-dimensional matrix also consists of other important components, such as elastin and hyaluronic acid.

This is how the collagen fibers form a strong and structured network. In proportion, collagen is stronger than steel! But by being so stretchy, collagen fibers also provide the elasticity needed for our facial expressions.

Due to its important role in skin firmness and elasticity, collagen is essential for the quality of beautiful, young skin. But what happens when the quantity and quality of this essential component for beautiful skin declines as we age?

How does the aging process affect our collagen levels’?

The natural aging processes of the skin proceed gradually from the age of 25. Over the years, the natural production of collagen and elastin decreases, the regeneration and activity of the skin cells slow down, affecting the appearance and quality of the skin. Furthermore, the collagen that remains in the skin is exposed to many factors, internal & external – sunlight, for example – that damage the arrangement of the fibers.

Breaks appear in the strong ropes of collagen, and over time these breaks accumulate and weaken the collagen support. And it is this weakening of the collagen support that starts a vicious cycle of a further reduction in collagen production and an increase in its breakdown.

Where the balance was once in favor of collagen production, the seesaw tips toward a collagen deficit as production slows and collagen degradation increases. The reduction in collagen and the weakening of the scaffold reduces the support the dermis provides to the overlying skin. And the visible signs of aging that we are all too familiar with – fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity – start to appear.1,2

When we are younger, more collagen is produced than broken down, but over time this changes, and collagen production gradually slows down more and more.

How can you benefit from The Collagen Force?

A desire to refresh your appearance is only natural as the tell-tale signs of aging accumulate. But with The Collagen Force, you know the secret to boosting your collagen and rejuvenating your appearance. And the good news is that all adults can benefit from these treatments regardless of skin color or gender.3-5

Power up your fibroblasts – research has shown that even old fibroblasts still have a substantial capacity to produce collagen.1

The Collagen Force offers not one, but two non-surgical long-lasting* treatments to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance by boosting your collagen directly and precisely in your skin where it is needed – and all with no downtime.

*Results can last for a year or more.

Beauty Profiles

DISCOVER THE POWER OF SKIN RENEWAL

FIND OUT NOW

Every skin is different. The collagen density too. So, when it comes to your skin’s needs, there is no single answer. What works well for you, may not work for your sister, friend, or partner. With our test you will find out what kind of skin you have.

TAKE THE TEST

What is in the profile?

As we get older, the nature of our skin changes as collagen and elastin production slows. But, when it comes to taking action, everyone’s skin is different.
Your priorities may differ too. Do you want a more radiant complexion or improved facial contours? Or do you simply want to boost your collagen against aging? With our test, you can determine the collagen status of your skin and choose your skin goals.

The test results will create your collagen skin profile. This helps an aesthetic expert to understand what you need. They can then give you tailored advice about the right biostimulating treatments for you.

DISCOVER YOUR PROFILE

Is the collagen skin test reliable?

Absolutely. The test is carefully designed by professionals in the aesthetic medicine sector. The questions are very specific about your needs and goals in terms of skin quality. Your answers create your very own collagen skin profile, based on scientific knowledge about collagen and its effects on the skin.

This information is indicative only.
It in no way replaces a consultation with an aesthetic professional. Pass on your collagen skin profile to an aesthetic professional for an individual analysis in the practice or clinic for a personal treatment plan.

TAKE THE COLLAGEN SKIN TEST

Why are there different Collagen Beauty Profiles?

The quality of your skin and collagen levels decrease as you age. Your genes can partly determine how quickly, and to what extent, the quality of your skin changes. But, external factors, such as your lifestyle, also play a role.

Also, every skin is different, and everyone has their own specific concerns, needs and priorities. That’s why we developed 4 collagen skin profiles:

Collagen Skin Test

Discover your Collagen Skin Profile

With our collagen skin test, you will discover what your profile is. This way, your aesthetic physician will better understand your wishes and expectations and the results you are looking for. It will help them to put together a customized treatment plan.

The more precise the assessment, the better the treatment can be tailored to your needs – and the more the results will meet your treatment plan and expectations.

Consent to process personal data including special categories of personal data for the purpose of the online Collagen Skin test

Thank you for your interest in taking the online Collagen Skin test (the “Test”) offered by [Merz entity name]. In order for you to take the Test and for us to display your results, we need to process your personal data, such as the answers you provide to the closed questions. Since the purpose of the Test is to provide you with a skin profile by asking questions about your skin and lifestyle habits, it is likely that we will also process health data (special categories of personal data according to Art. 9 GDPR) about you which requires your explicit consent (Art. 9 (2) lit. a GDPR). You can provide us with such consent by checking the box underneath and clicking “Start your test.” 

You may withdraw your consent at any time by navigating away from the webpage, as the answers you provide and/or your Test results are not stored after you close the Test webpage. You can choose not to consent, but since the Test is about your skin profile, it is not possible to take the Test without processing the information you provide us by answering the Test questions. However, you can always book a consultation with a doctor to discuss your skin profile instead of taking this Test. 

This Test is intended only for people 18 years of age or older.  

For questions, please email [Merz email]. For more information on the processing of your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

My skin has...

Choose one for now

Dullness in skin appearance
Less volume
Signs of aging
A slightly tired look
1/5

How many wrinkles do you have?

Choose one for now

Heavily wrinkled and 'hanging' Perhaps you even have considered a surgical lift
Clear wrinkles You want to regain contours
First visible lines Your skin just needs something to help it radiate
Almost none Your skin looks young and you want to keep it that way
2/5

I'm mosty concerned about

Choose one for now

Lack of refined contours Decrease in skin firmness, loss of volume in cheeks and cheekbones and sagging at the bottom of the face
The quality of my skin Tight or damaged skin
General aging Marked sagging of eyebrows, eyelids and lower face, sagging neck, loss of volume, aging hands
The first signs of aging Tired features, more visible grooves, less radiant and less firm skin
3/5

The skin I want is

Choose one for now

Elastic Smooth and flexible skin
Firm Tight and lifted skin
Radiant skin
Rejuvenated Especially the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and/or hands
4/5

My goal is

Choose one for now

Improved skin quality I want a better complexion with a more radiant appearance
A long-lasting youthful appearance I just want to look younger again
Healthy-looking skin for longer I would like to keep radiant and firm skin for years to come
Sharper contours I would like to rebalance the contours in my face
5/5

Choose one for now

How old are you?

50+ years
Between 40 and 49 years
Between 30 and 39 years
Between 20 and 29 years
The Collagen Force

The Collagen Force

ULTHERAPY® and RADIESSE® stimulating your body’s own collagen from within

At Merz Aesthetics®, we understand the need to replenish collagen in the skin to combat the common signs of aging. We offer two complimentary effective treatments that are scientifically proven to increase collagen.3,6 Since the main change with aging is collagen loss from the skin, what better way to rejuvenate it than to stimulate the collagen production directly in the dermis using the body’s own natural processes? And that is what our biostimulators ULTHERAPY® and RADIESSE® – The Collagen Force – do.3,6

Biostimulation simply explained

Biostimulation is the body’s natural  process that follows after a stimulus has been given – In this case precise heat (ULTHERAPY®) or particles in the injectable treatment (RADIESSE®) for collagen production.6,7

ULTHERAPY®

Microfocused ultrasound with visualization – MFU-V

ULTHERAPY® continues to stand alone as the only non-invasive skin lifting and tightening treatment with microfocused ultrasound technology and unique real-time visualization (MFU-V).3,8

This non-invasive procedure uses microfocused ultrasound to trigger collagen synthesis, treating the same deep tissue planes as a modern lifting surgery.3 Ultrasound visualization – employed during planning and energy application – makes the ULTHERAPY® treatment uniquely precise and customizable. Allowing a physician to tailor treatment to each individual’s unique anatomy is central to getting the best results possible.3

Treating yourself right is treating yourself with ULTHERAPY®

Benefits of your ULTHERAPY® treatment:

  • Real-time visualization of the dermis and underlying tissue to ensure targeted treatment3
  • No damage to the surface of the skin3
  • Non-surgical, non-invasive3
  • No downtime9
  • Natural-looking results with gradual improvements that develop over time
  • Suitable for all genders and all skin types10,11
  • Favourable safety profile shown in various studies12
  • Long-lasting effects – after just one treatment, results can last for a year or more13

Find out more about ULTHERAPY®

RADIESSE®

A biostimulator that boosts your collagen

RADIESSE® is the next step in collagen boosting treatments for skin regeneration.14 It is an evidence-based regenerative biostimulator14, with a uniquely designed formulation and technology offering you an individualized treatment approach – tailored to your unique needs.4,14,15
Acts directly to stimulate the creation of collagen, and key components of the skin’s structure to work against the signs of aging skin.14,16,17

RADIESSE® is composed of a defined range of tiny microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) suspended in a gel. The CaHA microspheres create scaffolds that stimulate the body’s natural processes to produce new collagen, elastin, vessels and proteoglycans. Over time, your body dissolves these tiny microspheres and the gel, leaving behind only your newly formed collagen, elastin and vessels which leaves your skin regenerated with an improvement in skin quality, contour and structure depending on the treatment, for immediate and long-lasting, natural-looking results.6,14,18

RADIESSE® delivers on the Triple Effect: 

  1. Improves skin foundation16,18
  2. Meaningfully rebuilds skin20
  3. Renews healthy-looking skin* tissue14,19


* “Healthy-looking skin” is defined by regeneration of collagen I and III, elastin, proteoglycans, and angiogenesis.

Find out more about RADIESSE®

CLINIC FINDER

Find an aesthetic expert near you

Here you will find experts who can consult you on the benefits you can achieve from Merz Aesthetics® products.

Find an expert
  1. Fisher GJ, et al. Arch Dermatol 2008;144:666–72.
  2. Shin JW, et al. Int J Mol Sci 2019;20:20190429. DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092126.
  3. Fabi SG, et al. J Drugs Dermatol 2019;18:426–32.
  4. Merz Aesthetics®. RADIESSE®. Instructions for use. 2023.
  5. Fabi S, et al. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2017;10:423–9.
  6. Yutskovskaya Y, et al. J Drugs Dermatol 2014;13:1047–52.
  7. Merz Aesthetics®. Data on File. MOA.
  8. Minkis K and Alam M. Dermatol Clin 2014;32:71–7.
  9. Fabi SG, et al. Dermatol Surg 2015;41:327–35.
  10. Baumann L and Zelickson B. J Drugs Dermatol 2016;15:607–14.
  11. Sevi J. Poster presented at ASDS. 2018.
  12. Pavicic T., et al. J Cosmet Dermatol.
  13. Werschler WP and Werschler PS.
  14. Kim, J. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;(12;):771–784.
  15. Bagnenko, E, Povzun, S. Inject Methods Cosmetol. 2018;2:46–50.
  16. Gonzalez N and Goldberg DJ. Dermatol Surg 2019;45:547–51.
  17. Yutskovskaya, YA, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4):405–411
  18. Yutskovskaya, YA, Kogan, EA. J Drugs. 2017;(16):68–74.
  19. Varani, J, et al. J Invest Dermatol. 2004;(122):1471–1479.
  20. Nowag, B. Presented at Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress;2019.