Wondering how to boost collagen in your skin? The most effective ways to boost collagen are daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, a topical retinoid, and vitamin C. Adding an in-office treatment such as microneedling, which triggers your skin to make new collagen, takes it further. Collagen creams mostly hydrate the surface, and supplements show modest, mixed results in research.
Why does skin lose collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and helps comprise our bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage. It is also widely present throughout our skin and is responsible for the firmness and elastic nature of healthy skin tissue. As we age, levels of skin collagen begin to diminish, resulting in signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. However, by boosting the production of new collagen, we can delay these effects and even reverse many of the skin woes we commonly experience as we get older.
We all know that what we eat has a tremendous effect on our physical appearance, energy levels, mood, and overall health. The same is true of skin nutrition. The substances we apply to the outermost layer of our skin influence the inner functions of the dermis and serve to either improve or harm skin health.
Understanding your skin’s unique needs can be challenging, and talking with one of our providers can greatly improve your knowledge of the specific products that will help maintain and support your best complexion. However, there are a few universal truths that apply to us all. One of those truths is that more collagen in the skin equals smoother, more radiant, and more youthful skin texture.
Which skincare ingredients boost collagen?
While decreased production of collagen naturally occurs in our skin as we age, there are a few active skincare ingredients that have been shown to encourage new collagen synthesis.
Retinoids (vitamin A). The combination of vitamins C and A has a terrific effect. Vitamin C deficiency is known to impair collagen synthesis. Topical use of vitamin C will promote collagen synthesis. The topical use of vitamin A (commonly known as retinol or retinoic acid) has been proven in clinical studies to stimulate new collagen synthesis at much higher rates than without.
Retinoids are among the best-studied collagen boosters, and there is a retinoid for most skin types. Retinol 5 and Bright Complex are two products under clara by Vanguard brand that include retinol (Retinol 5) and Hydroxy pinacolone retinoate or HPR (Bright Complex). HPR is an advanced retinoic acid that provides retinoid benefits with less irritation.
Advancements in skin treatments have made it possible to enhance the penetration of active ingredients such as vitamin C. Predictive Permeation Devices are FDA-approved to use energy to “push” ingredients into the skin. This deeper level of product penetration means the skin can utilize the collagen building benefits of vitamin C for up to 30 days. The Collagenizer treatment at clara is a predictive permeation device treatment.
Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is another active ingredient that displays collagen boosting properties. This ingredient is often used in dermal fillers due to its ability to plump the skin and improve elasticity. Hyaluronic acid achieves these results because it is a hydrophilic molecule. Hyaluronic acid attracts and binds up to 1,000 times its molecular weight in water, thereby reducing trans epidermal water loss to keep the skin firm.
Antioxidants. Lastly, antioxidant ingredients boost collagen growth by protecting the skin from free radicals, environmental stressors, and premature aging. Applied topically, antioxidant products have a similar health benefit to ingested antioxidants. Some antioxidants penetrate the skin better than others, and two of the most effectively used in skincare products are vitamin C (listed above as a cofactor of collagen synthesis) and vitamin E (which is particularly good at disabling free radicals and has been linked to tissue repair).
Does sunscreen protect collagen?
Yes, and it’s the most important step. UV exposure is one of the biggest causes of collagen breakdown, so preventing damage does more than any product can repair. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against both UVA and UVB, and tinted formulas with iron oxides also guard against visible light.
VanguardMD Pure-Tinted SPF 44 and clara by Vanguard UV Luxe SPF 40 are all-mineral options that work well for sensitive or post-procedure skin.
Which in-office treatments boost collagen?
Skincare protects and supports collagen. In-office treatments go further by prompting your skin to make more of it, usually by activating fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen.
- SkinPen® microneedling creates thousands of controlled micro-channels that start your skin’s natural repair process and new collagen production. Learn how microneedling builds collagen.
- Collagenizer NEO uses energy to push ingredients like vitamin C deeper into the skin than a topical product can reach. The manufacturer reports that the skin can use that vitamin C for up to 30 days.
- Plasma IQ uses plasma energy to tighten skin and stimulate collagen, especially around the eyes and mouth.
- Laser Genesis gently heats the deeper layers of skin to encourage collagen growth with no downtime.
Other aesthetic treatments, such as ThermiSmooth® radio-frequency skin tightening and Plasma IQ®, are designed to stimulate fibroblasts. These cells are key to collagen production.
What lifestyle habits protect collagen?
- Don’t smoke; tobacco speeds up collagen breakdown.
- Eat a diet rich in protein, fruits and vegetables, which supply vitamin C and the amino acids collagen is made from.
- Limit sugar and highly processed foods, which can damage collagen over time.
- Stay hydrated, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.
Build your collagen plan
To learn more about boosting collagen or to schedule an appointment with one of our Vanguard Skin Specialists team members, call us today at 719-355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does collagen start declining?
Collagen production begins slowing in your mid-20s and drops further during menopause. Starting sunscreen and a retinoid early helps protect what you have.
Can you rebuild lost collagen?
Yes, partly. Retinoids and treatments like microneedling stimulate new collagen production. Results build gradually over several months.
How long does it take to see results from retinol?
Most people see smoother texture and softer fine lines after about 12 weeks of consistent use. Start a few nights a week and increase as your skin adjusts.
What’s the fastest way to boost collagen?
In-office treatments such as SkinPen microneedling deliver the most noticeable results, typically over a series of sessions. Pairing them with daily sunscreen and a retinoid helps maintain those results.
