We’re always on the hunt for healthy, youthful-looking skin. While there are so many products that promise to deliver that coveted glow, there’s one secret that many overlook: Collagen. Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the elasticity and firmness of your skin, helping it stay smooth and firm as you age.
As we age, our collagen production slows down, leading to the common signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging. But don’t worry—there’s a lot you can do to boost your skin’s collagen levels and keep your complexion radiant.
In this blog, we’ll explore what you need to know about collagen and some of the top tricks and techniques to stimulate collagen production. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skincare regimen, incorporate collagen-boosting foods, or explore professional treatments, we’ve got you covered.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes up 80% of our skin! It’s found in the connective tissues throughout the body, including the skin, tendons and bones. It’s main role, with elastin, is to provide these tissues with strength, elasticity and flexible.
However, as we age, our body’s natural collagen production starts to decline. Studies reveal that after the age of 20, we lose approximately 1% of collagen each year. And, by the time we hit our 30s, this loss accelerates, resulting in an average decline of 7-10% every decade. It’s this reduction in collagen that contributes to common signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
But, it’s not just age that has an impact on collagen. Various lifestyle factors like UV radiation and smoking can also reduce collagen production.
The good news is that stimulating collagen production has a domino effect. The more you have, the more your body is capable of producing and maintaining. This not only helps maintain a youthful, glowing appearance, but makes your skin stronger and more durable – a win, win!
5 Tips To Increase Collagen Production in The Skin
While there’s no foolproof method to completely prevent the signs of ageing there are several effective strategies that can enhance the appearance and health of your skin. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help boost collagen production and keep your complexion looking youthful and vibrant:
1. Sun Protection
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin is by protecting it from the sun. UV rays can damage collagen fibres and can lead to premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.
To shield your skin, avoid tanning beds, which can exacerbate collagen breakdown. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is also crucial, even on cloudy days. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors to ensure consistent protection.
2. Ingestible Collagen Supplements
Adding high-quality collagen supplements to your routine can kickstart your body’s natural collagen production. These supplements come in various forms, such as powders that can be easily mixed into drinks or foods, bottled drinks that are convenient and often pre-formulated for enhanced absorption, and pills or gummies that can fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
However, it’s important to consider that not all collagen supplements are created equal, though. Research shows that hydrolysed marine collagen (collagen from fish scales) is particularly effective. Not only is it effective for promoting skin hydration, and hair and joint health, but it is also considered the most safe for consumption.
3. Collagen-Boosting Foods
Certain foods can also help support and increase your body’s collagen production. Incorporating bone broth into your diet is a fantastic way to benefit from its rich collagen content, and it’s easy to make at home. Fish, particularly the skin and bones, is also packed with collagen that is easily absorbed by the body.
Including vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, is also beneficial. While vitamin C itself doesn’t directly boost collagen production, it supports the enzymes necessary for collagen production.
Ginseng is another great addition, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be consumed in teas, tinctures, or supplements to help increase collagen production.
4. Skin Needling
Skin Needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a popular skin treatment that involves using a device with fine needles to create tiny, controlled injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the body’s healing response, leading to activation of the fibroblasts which will increase collagen and elastin production.
The treatment helps improve skin texture and firmness while reducing scars, pore size, and stretch marks. Skin Needling is fast, comfortable, and highly effective, addressing concerns such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation. For the best results, a course of treatments and follow up are recommended.
5. Skincare
Incorporating specific skincare products and techniques into your routine can also aid in boosting collagen levels.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that encourages new skin cell growth, enhances collagen production, and plumps the skin. Facial massages also promotes blood flow and can help tighten loose areas of the skin.
Vitamin C should also be incorporated as it assists protecting the skin from UV damage, it is a powerful antioxidant and tyrosine inhibitor providing further protection from environmental elements.
When applying topical active products, always use upward strokes to reduce stretching the skin and maximise efficacy
Take Advantage Of Collagen Today
Boosting collagen production is a powerful way to rejuvenate your skin and maintain a youthful, vibrant complexion. From protecting your skin, to incorporating collagen-boosting foods and supplements into your diet, to exploring advanced treatments like microneedling, there are a number of strategies that can enhance your skin’s health and appearance.
It’s important to remember that there is no one-size fits all solution, and a combination of these methods can often yield the best results.
Ready to take the next step in your skincare journey? Discover the benefits of Skin Needling at Esteem Clinic. With locations across Gold Coast, Brisbane and Ipswich, our expert team is dedicated to helping you achieve your skin goals with personalised treatments tailored to your unique needs. Contact us and schedule a consultation today.