When looking for skin care methods, you will often come across explanations that “use your own blood components.” Some people may feel unfamiliar with the concept of using one's own blood, rather than other people's ingredients, for the skin, but once you understand the principle, it will become clearer why this method is connected to skin regeneration.
In this article, we summarize the process in which plasma components in the blood participate in skin recovery from a dermatological perspective. The purpose is not to recommend a specific procedure or guarantee its effectiveness, but to help provide a basic understanding of the principles.
Blood basics
What's in the blood?
Blood is largely divided into cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and plasma, a liquid component. Among these, the ingredients that attract attention in relation to skin regeneration are: Plateletsand contained in it Growth FactorIt is.
After normal blood collection, the platelet-enriched plasma layer can be separated by centrifugation. The plasma components separated in this way have a higher concentration of growth factors than regular blood, and this is the starting point of the principle used in skin regeneration-related procedures.
How it connects
The role that growth factors play in the skin recovery process
When a slight stimulus is applied to the skin, our body naturally begins a recovery response. In this process, growth factors are involved in the following flow.
- Promote cell proliferation
Stimulates the division and proliferation of cells that create skin structure, such as fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are key cells that produce collagen and elastin.
- Induction of collagen synthesis
Fibroblasts that receive signals from growth factors activate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity and structure, and its production decreases as we age.
- Promote angiogenesis
Some growth factors help form new blood vessels, which can improve blood supply to skin tissues and facilitate nutrient delivery.
- Inflammation control
An appropriate inflammatory response is necessary during the recovery process, but excessive inflammation actually puts a burden on the skin. Some factors within the plasma components are known to be involved in regulating this process.
Collagen & aging
What changes occur in the skin when collagen decreases?
Collagen is the main protein that makes up more than 70% of the dermal layer of the skin. It is known that collagen production decreases by about 1% every year after the mid-20s, and environmental factors such as ultraviolet rays, smoking, and stress can accelerate this rate.
- Decreased skin elasticity — As collagen decreases, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle.
- Changes in skin texture — As the structure of the dermal layer changes, skin texture becomes uneven.
- Decreased recovery — your skin takes longer to recover from even minor irritations
- Decreased water retention — Hyaluronic acid, which holds water together with collagen, tends to decrease as well.
Why autologous
Features of using your own blood
Although there are many ways to inject external ingredients for skin regeneration, reusing ingredients isolated from one's own blood has several unique characteristics.
However, results may vary depending on the individual's blood condition, age, and health level, and it is important to receive sufficient consultation before the procedure to accurately confirm the range you can expect for your condition.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about plasma components and skin regeneration principles
- How much blood is collected?
- Depending on the procedure, a small amount of blood is usually used. (Blood is collected from 30cc to 120cc at the minimum.) This is a much smaller amount compared to blood donation, and is not much different from a general blood test.
- I’m scared of blood. Can I get the procedure?
- Helps medical staff minimize tension during the blood collection process. If you have any concerns about having blood drawn, please let us know in advance during your consultation to make the process more comfortable.
- Does the concentration of growth factors in the blood vary from person to person?
- Yes, the composition of plasma components may vary depending on the individual's age, health status, and platelet level. For this reason, expected effects may vary from person to person, and it is helpful to check blood status before the procedure.
- Does collagen production occur immediately after the procedure?
- Collagen synthesis is a gradual process that occurs over several weeks following the procedure. It may take time to see visible changes, and results vary from person to person.
