The Hidden Damage Sun Exposure Leaves Behind: New Research Reveals How Radiesse® May Help Rebuild Ageing Skin

Most people think of sun damage as pigmentation, sun spots, or wrinkles.

But what if the real damage lies much deeper beneath the surface?

Recent research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has shed new light on how our skin ages and why traditional approaches that focus on collagen alone may not tell the whole story. The findings suggest that Radiesse®, one of the most established regenerative injectable treatments available today, may help improve not only collagen production but multiple components of the skin’s structural framework.

Understanding the Skin’s Support Network

When discussing skin ageing, collagen often takes centre stage.

While collagen is essential for maintaining firmness and structure, it represents just one part of a much larger system known as the extracellular matrix (ECM).

The ECM acts as the skin’s internal scaffolding, providing support, hydration, elasticity, and resilience. It consists of numerous proteins and molecules working together, including:

• Collagen

• Elastin

• Fibulin

• Decorin

• Versican

• Proteoglycans

As we age, and particularly with cumulative UV exposure, these structural components gradually deteriorate. This contributes to:

• Skin laxity

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Crepey skin texture

• Loss of elasticity

• Reduced skin quality

• Thinning and fragility

This deeper form of damage is often invisible to the naked eye until significant changes become apparent.

What Is Solar Elastosis?

One of the most important findings from the study relates to a condition called solar elastosis.

Solar elastosis is a hallmark of chronic sun damage. Unlike pigmentation or surface changes, it occurs deep within the dermis where ultraviolet radiation gradually disrupts healthy elastic fibres.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Loss of skin bounce and resilience

• Wrinkles

• Skin laxity

• Crepiness

• Changes in texture

  
  

Historically, solar elastosis has been notoriously difficult to treat because the damage occurs beneath the surface of the skin.

What Did The Study Find?

In a six-month placebo-controlled human biomarker study, researchers investigated the effects of Radiesse® on skin regeneration and extracellular matrix remodelling.

The findings were significant.

Compared with placebo-treated skin, Radiesse® demonstrated:

• Up to 23-fold increases in collagen production

• A 96% increase in elastin

• An 82% increase in decorin

• A 129% increase in versican

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Researchers also observed measurable improvements in markers associated with solar elastosis at both three and six months following treatment.

These results suggest that Radiesse® may support a broader regenerative response than previously understood, influencing multiple components involved in skin quality and structural integrity.

Why This Matters

Many aesthetic treatments focus on replacing lost volume or improving superficial appearance.

Regenerative treatments work differently.

Rather than simply filling an area, biostimulators such as Radiesse® encourage the body to activate its own repair and rebuilding processes.

This can result in gradual improvements in:

• Skin firmness

• Elasticity

• Texture

• Structural support

• Overall skin quality

The goal is not to create an “overfilled” appearance but to improve the health and function of ageing tissue from within.

How We Use Radiesse® at Face Factor

At Face Factor, our approach to facial rejuvenation follows our R3 Method: Rebuild, Restore, Regenerate.

Radiesse® is one of our most versatile regenerative treatments because it can be tailored to address a variety of concerns, including:

Rebuild

Supporting collagen and elastin production where age-related decline has occurred.

Restore

Improving areas affected by volume loss, reduced support, and skin laxity.

Regenerate

Enhancing overall skin quality by stimulating the body’s natural regenerative pathways.

Depending on your individual concerns, Radiesse® may be used to improve:

• Mid-face support

• Jawline definition

• Neck laxity

• Lower face ageing

• Skin quality changes associated with weight loss

• Early signs of ageing

• Areas affected by sun damage

Every treatment plan is customised following a detailed consultation with our medical team.

Is Radiesse® Right For You?

If you’ve noticed that your skin feels thinner, less elastic, more crepey, or lacks the firmness it once had, you may be experiencing changes that extend beyond simple volume loss.

Modern regenerative aesthetics is moving beyond the concept of “filling wrinkles” and towards restoring healthier skin architecture.

Emerging evidence suggests that treatments such as Radiesse® can play an important role in supporting this process by influencing multiple structural components of the skin, not just collagen alone.

Book Your Consultation

If you’d like to learn whether Radiesse® could help address skin laxity, volume loss, or age-related changes in skin quality, our medical team can create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals.