Aesthetic medicine

Tropocollagen and the fractional CO2 laser, why combine these two methods

Tropocollagen is not a new type of collagen, it is its starting molecule. This is why it is administered into the skin rather than applied onto it, and why it tends to be combined with a treatment after which the skin heals.

Published 18 September 2023. Last verified 18 August 2026.

What is tropocollagen and how does it differ from collagen

Tropocollagen is a molecule made up of three polypeptide chains twisted around each other into a triple helix. Collagen fibres forming the supporting network of the dermis are made from such molecules, arranged in parallel and bonded together. Collagen is therefore a structure built from tropocollagen, not a separate substance with better properties.

Collagen production decreases with age, and this process is accelerated by UV radiation, smoking and pollution. This is why the page on photoageing describes sun protection as a foundation, not an addition to treatments.

Injectable preparations containing collagen or tropocollagen are described on the soft tissue biostimulators page. The material introduced into the skin serves two functions: for a time it acts as scaffolding for fibroblasts, while also signalling rebuilding.

Does collagen in a cream or in tablets work the same way

No, and this is not a matter of the quality of the preparation but of physics. The collagen molecule is too large to reach the dermis through intact epidermis, so the cosmetic works on the surface, mainly as a moisturiser. Collagen taken orally is digested in the digestive tract into amino acids and short peptides, which the body distributes according to its own needs, not necessarily to the skin.

These are three different interventions with different depths of action, not three versions of the same treatment. This entry does not evaluate supplements, because the documentation of their effect on the skin requires a separate review.

What does the fractional CO2 laser do

The fractional CO2 laser splits the beam into microcolumns that vaporise tissue at individual points, leaving intact epidermis between them. A coagulation zone forms around each column, and healing triggers remodelling of the dermis and production of new collagen. Fractional work shortens healing compared with full-surface resurfacing, but does not eliminate it: the skin is red for several days and needs protection from the sun.

Why combine one with the other

The fractional treatment puts the skin into a state of rebuilding, in which fibroblasts work more intensively. Administering a collagen preparation during this period is intended to support the tissue with material and a signal for remodelling. That is the rationale, and that is how practice looks in some clinics, including ours.

It must be said clearly, however: the documentation on the effectiveness of the combination itself is limited, and most evidence concerns each method separately. That is why this entry does not give percentages of improvement or promise faster healing. The doctor decides on the rationale, order and interval after assessing the skin.

A separate, more important matter is safety. After an ablative treatment, the skin has open microchannels, so only preparations intended for use in these conditions may be used. Home care products are not meant for this, and introducing an unsuitable substance can cause an inflammatory or granulomatous reaction.

What this combination will not do

• It does not stop skin ageing. Collagen remodelling improves the quality of the tissue, but does not reverse the process.
• It does not fill volume loss. Sunken cheeks or temples are addressed with other methods.
• It does not replace photoprotection. Without UV protection, the effect of working on collagen is short lived.
• It does not give an immediate effect. Assessment is possible after weeks, once the skin has gone through healing and remodelling.
• It is not a treatment for every season and every skin. Qualification covers phototype, tendency to pigmentation and holiday plans.

For scars, we describe the approach separately, in the entry on three treatments for scars and on the scar therapy page.

Further on the site

1. Problem: wrinkles, photoageing of the skin.
2. Treatment: fractional CO2 laser, preparations: soft biostimulators.
3. Prices: aesthetic medicine price list, laser treatments price list.
4. Booking a visit: contact or online booking.

How does tropocollagen differ from collagen +

Tropocollagen is a molecule made up of three polypeptide chains twisted into a triple helix. Collagen fibres in the dermis are made from such molecules. Collagen is therefore a structure built from tropocollagen, not a different substance.

Does collagen in a cream or in tablets work the same way as when it is administered into the skin +

No. The collagen molecule is too large to reach the dermis through intact epidermis, and collagen taken orally is digested into amino acids and peptides. A preparation administered into the skin works in a layer that the cosmetic and the supplement do not reach.

Why administer a collagen preparation with a CO2 laser treatment +

The fractional laser creates microcolumns in the skin and triggers healing, during which new collagen is formed. The preparation administered during this time is intended to support the tissue during the rebuilding period. The doctor determines the rationale and order, and the documentation on the effectiveness of the combination itself is limited.

Is the skin smooth immediately after this treatment +

No. After an ablative treatment, the skin first heals, is red and needs protection from the sun. Collagen remodelling is spread over weeks and months, so the effect can only be assessed after this time.

Can any preparation be applied to the skin after a laser treatment +

No. After an ablative treatment, the skin has open microchannels, so only preparations intended for this use may be applied. The choice belongs to the doctor, and home care cosmetics are not intended for this.

About this text

The text was prepared by the NL Clinic team. Published on 18 September 2023, verified on 18 August 2026.

The content is for information and does not replace a consultation.