Feeling like your skin is sagging and lacking elasticity? Want to seriously tackle the issue of collagen depletion? As we age, we bid farewell to the collagen-rich days of our youth.
Collagen is the scaffold that supports the skin,” explains Dr. Emma Craythorne, founder of Klira and a dermatologist.
“If you press on a baby’s cheek, the skin bounces back due to the abundant collagen.” Unfortunately, from our 20s, collagen degrades by about 1% each year, leading to sagging skin, enlarged pores, and wrinkles.
Here are five expert-recommended methods to boost collagen in your skin:
1. Inhibit Collagen Breakdown
The first step in preserving collagen is to protect it from breakdown. Dr. Craythorne says, “One major cause of collagen loss is excessive sun exposure. Every dermatologist recommends using a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen for good reason. It helps prevent skin cancer, pigmentation, and is crucial for maintaining collagen levels.”
Author’s Tip: Always apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors. Reapply every two hours if you’re outside.
2. Stock Up on Collagen
Once you’ve mastered the art of preservation, it’s time to actively increase your collagen reserves. Dr. Craythorne suggests, “The simplest way is to use prescription-strength retinol. Vitamin A acts like a hormone, sending messages to the fibroblasts in the skin’s dermis, instructing them to start producing more collagen and hyaluronic acid.” If retinol doesn’t suit you, vitamin C has also been proven to support collagen synthesis.
Author’s Tip: Start with a low concentration of retinol to build tolerance, and pair it with a moisturizer to minimize irritation.
3. Enhance Your Diet
Diet plays a critical role in collagen production. Beauty doctor Sophie Shotter explains, “The body needs vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and copper to produce collagen, so it’s important to include these nutrients in your diet.”
Author’s Tip: Incorporate foods rich in these nutrients, such as citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, into your daily meals.
4. Consider Collagen Supplements
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Anna Lahey, founder of Vida Glow, explains, “Collagen is absorbed and distributed through the bloodstream, reaching the dermis through various organs. It can stimulate fibroblast proliferation and produce fresh collagen.” She emphasizes the importance of high-quality hydrolyzed marine collagen products. While dermatologists are generally skeptical about supplements due to a lack of strong evidence that collagen reaches the skin, Dr. Craythorne agrees that regularly taking them can be beneficial for overall skin hydration.
Author’s Tip: Look for supplements with hydrolyzed collagen for better absorption and combine them with a healthy diet for the best results.
5. Explore Clinical Treatments
Clinical collagen induction therapies, including microneedling, ultrasound tightening, and laser treatments, can also be effective. Dr. Craythorne explains, “Ablative lasers create tiny holes in the skin that need to heal, promoting collagen production.” Injectable treatments like hyaluronic acid and Sculptra fillers, designed to stimulate collagen production, offer immediate plumping effects and encourage the body to produce more collagen naturally.
Dr. Shotter has introduced a new hybrid injectable called HarmonyCa from Allergan in her clinic. Used in two separate treatments, it is combined with Volite, a hyaluronic acid treatment that promotes skin growth, to hydrate and smooth skin texture, leaving it radiant and rejuvenated.
Author’s Tip: Consult with a qualified dermatologist to determine the best clinical treatment for your skin type and concerns.
Summary Table: 5 Ways to Boost Collagen
| Method | Description | Author’s Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Inhibit Collagen Breakdown | Use broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen to prevent collagen loss from sun exposure. | Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours when outside. |
| Stock Up on Collagen | Use prescription-strength retinol or vitamin C to stimulate collagen production. | Start with a low concentration of retinol and pair it with a moisturizer to minimize irritation. |
| Enhance Your Diet | Include foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and copper in your diet. | Eat citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens regularly. |
| Consider Collagen Supplements | Take high-quality hydrolyzed marine collagen supplements for overall skin hydration. | Combine supplements with a healthy diet for best results. |
| Explore Clinical Treatments | Try microneedling, ultrasound tightening, and laser treatments to boost collagen production. | Consult with a dermatologist to determine the best clinical treatment for your skin type and concerns. |
By incorporating these five strategies into your skincare routine, you can preserve and boost your collagen levels, ensuring your skin remains firm and elastic. For more beauty tips and product recommendations, follow my blog and YouTube channel. Thank you for your support, and see you next time!
