Recently, collagen has been a major topic within the skincare industry. Everyone is wanting to know how to boost collagen production in their skin and there are several ways to do so.
To make it easier, we have created a list of our top five ways to prevent collagen depletion and increase collagen production.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is the main structural protein in the skin. Collagen is also found in many tissues of the muscles, bones, blood vessels, and the digestive system. For the skin, it acts like a form of scaffolding and provides volume in your face so that it is smooth and wrinkle-free. Collagen loss naturally begins in the early 20’s but other factors such as sun exposure, smoking and pollution can contribute to the breakdown of collagen.
1. Add Vitamin C to your Skincare Routine
To begin the list, we suggest adding a Vitamin C to your skincare routine. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a vitamin that your body doesn’t actually make on its own. By incorporating Vitamin C into your skincare routine, it will help protect collagen from UV damage, which can help slow down the breakdown of collagen in your skin. Alongside preventing collagen breakdown, Vitamin C is also able to stimulate collagen formation and stabilises collagen protein within the skin.
2. Peptides
Another was to encourage collagen production is by packing in the peptides to your skincare routine. Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, such as collagen, and have been shown to help promote collagen and elastin in the skin. Alongside collagen and elastin increasing within the skin, it also improves the overall firmness.
3. Apply Sunscreen
We all know that we must apply sunscreen every day to prevent skin cancer, but did you know it also helps prevent the breakdown of collagen? As mentioned above, UV exposure can lead to the breakdown of collagen which causes fine lines and wrinkles to begin appearing on the face. If daily application of sunscreen starts young, it helps keep skin looking youthful and plump.
4. Collagen Supplements
In recent years, collagen supplements have become an increasingly popular way to help prevent collagen depletion. These supplements are most common in the form of powder which many like to add to their coffee or a smoothie throughout the day. Despite not much research being completed on collagen supplements as of yet, certain studies have found that these supplements are able to increase skin elasticity, hydration and the density of collagen within the skin.
5. Skin Treatments: Micro Needling or Red Light Therapy
Our final suggestion to help boost collagen within the skin is by having specific skin treatments completed that help stimulate collagen production. The best treatment to help stimulate collagen production within the skin is Micro Needling, as the micro wounds caused to the skin triggers a healing response that encourages collagen and elasticity within the skin.
The second skin treatment is Red LED Light Therapy. This treatment delivers a safe wavelength of light into the skin to trigger a chain response. Skin is made up of lots of skin cells and the delivery of this light stimulates the cells leading to the production of collagen and elastin. Although you will not receive the same visible results as Micro Needling, Red LED Light Therapy is a quick but effective treatment whether it is completed on its own or in combination with other treatments.
What Now?
If you look in the mirror and notice your skin is looking dull and thin, collagen stimulation could be a simple way to completely transform your complexion.
To find out the best option for your skin, contact us today to organise your free skin analysis with one of our Dermal Therapists.
