Forever young, I want to be forever young. Ah, yes, we know the lyrics all too well. And after a certain age, we feel their meaning deeply. We all want to stay young and full of life. We all want to maintain a healthy, youthful complexion longer. It’s not impossible. There are some things we can do to help our bodies help us. When it comes to your complexion, it all starts from within. Here’s how to stimulate collagen production in skin, because it all starts there.

Table of Contents:

• What does collagen do and can you rebuild collagen in your skin?
• What can we do when collagen levels drop due to aging?
• What treatments increase collagen production in the skin?
• How do you optimize your body to produce collagen?
• Does rubbing your face stimulate collagen?
• How to stimulate collagen production in skin?
• How to stimulate collagen production in skin with food?
• How can I restore collagen in my face with skincare products?

What does collagen do and can you rebuild collagen in your skin?

Healthy skin shows. It shines. It glows. And it starts from within. Collagen and elastin in the skin are responsible for your youthful complexion. But what is collagen? Collagen is the main protein in the structure of the skin. It's also present in tendons, fat, ligaments, and soft tissues. It’s crucial to bone strength. It also sustains the skin, keeping it lifted. And it keeps it plump and full of volume, aka wrinkle-free. 

Together with elastin, another protein in the body, collagen keeps the skin elastic and able to bounce back. They keep the skin in shape and offer it a smooth texture and shape. Everything sounds great so far, right? The bad news is that collagen levels start to drop in the early twenties. The good news is that the more collagen you have, the more your body produces it. So, how can you maintain it and even enhance its levels? That’s the question!

What can we do when collagen levels drop due to aging?

Aged skin loses collagen. Even studies show it. Sun exposure, pollution, smoking, an unhealthy diet, sleep loss contribute to breaking down collagen in the skin. That is why mature skin looks thinner, starts to droop and sag, and shows bumps, spots, and lines. According to clinical studies, collagen formation requires vitamin C, zinc, copper, and certain amino acids. 

What treatments increase collagen production in the skin?

How can I increase collagen and elastin in my skin? While we can’t stop time from passing, we can limit its effects. There are many ways to fight aging and collagen dropping. According to scientific data, the following invasive procedures can remodel the skin, healing damaged epidermis. Such procedures also spur the formation of new collagen:

• Chemical peels fight hyperpigmentation and help skin feel smooth, with an even texture and tone. 
• Visible light devices (IPL, lasers, RF for the skin) help the skin rejuvenate. They make it tighter, boosting collagen secretion. 
• Dermal fillers and injections boost skin cells activity. They deeply hydrate and enhance the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acids.
  

Botulinum toxin injections, PRP (fresh blood drawing) and hormone replacement therapy are also methods of maintaining plump, youthful skin. However, these procedures are invasive, so we see them as emergency treatments. There are also ways to boost collagen naturally, through constant care and lifestyle changes. 

How do you optimize your body to produce collagen?

Collagen is the building block of every muscle, bone, ligament, tendon, and millimeter of skin. While collagen starts to drop as we age and can be depleted by certain lifestyle factors, it can also be enhanced. What lifestyle changes will help boost collagen and make you look younger? Here are some habits that sustain collagen production:

Photoprotection every day

Sun exposure damages the collagen in the skin. That means wrinkling and pigmentary changes. Such effects can be diminished with the help of applying SPF cream as an external protective layer.

Hydrate! 

Hydration sustains collagen secretion. Dry skin cannot heal and repair itself. Hydration is key for water-soluble vitamins, as well. Vitamin C, one such vitamin, is deeply linked to collagen production. But it needs moisture, inside and out.

Adjust your diet for a youthful skin

Carbs, sugar and processed foods break down collagen. Vitamin C-rich foods (berries, broccoli, peppers) sustain collagen formation. 

Does rubbing your face stimulate collagen?

Face massages stimulate the production of collagen. They boost microcirculation in facial skin, release tension, help drain toxins, offer temporary lift effects, and enhance skin elasticity. I’m madly in love with this face wash that also contains a gentle massager and plenty of collagen-boosting ingredients! Talk about two birds with one stone!

How to stimulate collagen production in skin?

For skin health, it’s better to limit sugar intake since it destroys collagen. Smoking and drinking also create toxic free radicals that damage collagen and elastin fibers. Lack of movement leads to premature aging. And stress can be seen in all your skin layers, inside and out. Inflammatory processes caused by stress can trigger a loss in collagen production. To fight aging due to unhealthy habits, slathering antioxidants all over your skin can help. So does inserting more of them into your diet. 

Antioxidants inside and out

With the help of antioxidants and vitamins, skin’s appearance can improve. According to studies, Vitamin E, C, A, carotenoids, selenium, and copper neutralize aging effects and protect the skin from oxidative stress. The role of vitamin C and other antioxidants? They all have protective effects against free radicals. And they all repair the damage, boosting collagen secretion.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid has beneficial effects in diminishing wrinkles. This acid is present in the body, but also decreases as we age. For the body to make hyaluronic acid, it needs vitamin C and amino acids. 

Aloe vera 

Aloe vera is used to treat many skin conditions. It has anti-aging effects and anti-inflammatory properties and it increases collagen production. 

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A

Omega-3, vitamin A and retinol as well (vitamin A derived) are vital in preventing the loss and degradation of collagen fibers. Vitamin A and retinol remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth. They facilitate skin rejuvenation and reduce fine lines. And it’s all due to stimulating collagen production. 

Collagen supplements  

More is more when it comes to collagen. The more you have it, the more your body produces it. Taking collagen supplements helps increase skin’s elasticity and moisture levels. A nutritional supplement of protein can also help, particularly if you’re on a vegan diet. 

How to stimulate collagen production in skin with food?

Foods containing collagen are a great way to make sure your body doesn’t run out of it: 

• Bone broth contains collagen, amino acids, glucosamine, and many minerals involved in skin health. 
• Chicken can boost collagen production.
• Fish and shellfish are rich in collagen.
• Egg whites contain proline, an amino acid necessary in collagen production.
• Citrus fruits and exotic fruits are filled with vitamin C. Vitamin C is deeply linked to collagen production. 
• Garlic contains minerals that help synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen. 
• Leafy greens contain antioxidants. 
  
  
• Beans are a good source of amino acids and minerals involved in collagen production.
• Cashews contain minerals that sustain the body’s ability to produce collagen.
• Tomatoes are great for skin support.
  
  
• Ginseng is filled with antioxidants that protect skin health. 
• Cilantro is a good source of vitamin C and linoleic acid, both involved in fighting free radicals that destroy collagen.
• Algae prevent oxidation, making your skin elastic and healthy. If you don't fancy their taste, a collagen supplement with algae can be a part of your routine. 

How can I restore collagen in my face with skincare products?

• Peptide cream (amino acids cream) enhances collagen and elastin production. It makes the skin more elastic, toned, and firm. 
• Retinol cream sustains collagen secretion and reaches the skin’s deeper layers. It also boosts skin turnover. That's why your skin will have a better texture and tone. Your pores will appear diminished. 
• Vitamin C revives the skin, sustains collagen secretion, diminishes spots and fine lines, and keeps the complexion glowing and protected. 

As you can see, while it is human nature to age, you can age like fine wine. Because it’s also human nature to find ways to improve our lives. And although it started as a guide to keeping your skin young, we can all agree it’s more of a manifest for “beauty is more than skin deep”. No matter the motivation, we encourage you to help your youth-builder help you!

Also, browse the WOW Skin Science website to find skin care products that will aid you on your journey to increase your collagen!