How To Boost Collagen Production

As we get older, our skin body produces less of the protein collagen. Due to collagen’s vital role in maintaining skin elasticity, a reduction in this protein causes skin to form fine lines and wrinkles. So, how can we boost collagen production to prevent these signs of ageing?

Our top tips for boosting collagen production to maintain healthy skin include:

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Collagen Supplements

• Vitamin C

• Aloe Vera

• Carotenoids

• Ginseng

• Antioxidants

• Light Therapy

Keep reading to learn more about collagen and how to boost your body’s production of this vital protein.

 

How Can I Maintain Collagen as I Age?

Collagen is the most common protein found in the body, and helps to maintain the structure of our skin. As part of the natural ageing process, our bodies begin to produce less of the proteins collagen and elastin, causing skin to form wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to give the collagen in your body a boost.

Learn more about why our skin loses volume as we get older by reading our detailed blog: ‘What causes facial volume loss?’

 

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid comes in many different forms including injections, topical creams and supplements, but is also produced naturally by your body. Dermal fillers will typically use hyaluronic acid as their main ingredient, helping to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin to improve skin texture and structure.

Collagen Supplements

Hydrolysed collagen supplements have been found to tackle certain signs of ageing associated with decreasing collagen production. By taking these supplements, you can effectively reduce fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin hydration and elasticity. Studies show around 10  grams per day are needed for maximum benefits.

Vitamin C

If you have a vitamin C deficiency, it can result in low levels of collagen, which can lead to scurvy. As an essential vitamin for the production of collagen and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, it is vital to integrate foods that are rich in vitamin C into your diet. Foods that are high in vitamin C include:

• Red and green peppers
• Broccoli
• Citrus fruits
• Strawberries
• Coriander

 

You can also take vitamin C supplements, which are available in most supermarkets. Eating foods that are rich in vitamin C and amino acids will increase the amount of hyaluronic acid and collagen in your body.

Learn more about the importance of vitamin C for maintaining healthy skin by reading our detailed blog: ‘What vitamin deficiency causes sagging skin?’

Aloe Vera

When taken orally or applied topically, aloe vera products can help to increase collagen production, despite mainly being used to help heal and sooth wounds. This is because when you use aloe vera as a gel, topical cream or as an oral supplement, it helps to improve skin hydration, reduce wrinkles and increase hyaluronic acid and collagen levels in the body.

Carotenoids

Using carotenoids such as retinol and beta carotene helps to boost skin health. As derivatives or vitamin A, topical retinoids will help to prevent harmful ultraviolet radiation from breaking down collagen in your body. Other sources of vitamin A include:

• Spinach
• Carrots
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potatoes
• Beef liver

Ginseng

Ginseng is a medicinal herb that promotes the growth of collagen, and helps skin to maintain its original shape without causing adverse reactions that some chemical pharmaceuticals can cause. When you have a product that contains ginseng, it will protect your skin from UVB radiation damage, contributing to keeping your skin healthy and glowing.

Antioxidants

By exposing our skin to certain pollutants, we can introduce free radicals into our body which are molecules produced during metabolism. To prevent free radicals from affecting skin health, it is important to consume foods that are high in antioxidants. Such foods include:

• Coffee extract
• Pomegranate extract
• Licorice extract
• Mulberry extract
• Yerba mate
• Green tea
• Astragalus
• Basil, oregano and thyme essential oils
• Cinnamon
• Blueberries

Light Therapy

Red light therapy, when combined with near-infared light, can be used to stimulate collagen growth and skin elasticity. This can be a relatively quick and minimally-invasive way of improving your skin’s health. Studies show significant benefits in skin thickness and wrinkles just 2-3 times per week for 15 minutes. 

 

How Can I Protect My Skin from Damage?

If you want your skin to stay healthy, it is important to take preventative measures to protect your skin. For example, by protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation, you can help to protect the collagen in your body. Use sunscreen and protective clothing, limit your time in hot sun, and avoid tanning beds to ensure your skin maintains a healthy glow.  

Furthermore, smoking introduces free radicals into the body that can age skin prematurely. Steer clear of smoking to help maintain youthful skin.

 

Book Expert Treatments with Infinity Aesthetics

To boost collagen in your skin and achieve rejuvenated, glowing skin, dermal filler injections offer the ideal treatment. Browse our range of expert dermal filler treatments online, and book an appointment today. Alternatively, get in touch to learn more.