The Best and Most Effective Ways to Boost Collagen in Your Skin

Collagen is more than just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of healthy, youthful skin. Think of it as the framework that keeps your complexion looking plump, firm, and irresistibly touchable. But here's the catch: as we age, our collagen production declines, resulting in unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

This decline in collagen production is a natural part of the aging process and can be accelerated by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet. To combat these effects, many people turn to collagen supplements or skincare products that promise to boost collagen in your skin and improve skin elasticity. The question is: do these products actually work? 

When you take a collagen pill or mix collagen powder with your drink, you are indeed consuming collagen. But here’s the thing: collagen molecules are relatively large, making it challenging for them to be absorbed intact through your digestive system and ultimately reach your skin. It also depends on the type of collagen that product has. There’s just not enough data to prove the efficacy of these products. 

The different types of collagen

There are at least 28 different kinds of collagen, and they differ in terms of how the molecules are built, the cell components that are added, and the location of the collagen in your body. The main types of collagen are types I, II, and III. 

Types I and III collagen are often found together. Type I is in our skin, bones, ligaments, and some organs, whereas Type III is in our blood vessels, often along with our skin, bones, and joints. This combination of Types I and III collagen is abundant and keeps our skin looking plump and youthful. On the other hand, Type II collagen is what you'd find in forms of joint replacement products; it's the kind of collagen in our cartilage that makes our joints flexible and able to absorb shocks, so we can move easily.

Effective ways to boost collagen in your skin

So, if collagen supplements aren't the ultimate solution they're often marketed to be, what should you do to boost collagen naturally and effectively? The answer lies in various approaches that address not only the quantity of collagen but also the quality of your skin's collagen fibers. These strategies not only benefit your skin but your overall health as well. 

Nourish your skin from the inside

Diet is important because your skin reflects what you eat. Fruits and vegetables that are high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and berries, help the body make collagen. Also, lean foods like fish and chicken have amino acids that are needed to make collagen. Load up on foods high in antioxidants, such as green tea, dark leafy greens, and nuts. Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which can cause collagen to break down.

Sun Protection 

First things first and we always say it here, wear. your. sun protection. Prevention is always better than cure. Cliché as it may sound, it is true. UV rays can accelerate collagen breakdown so better apply your sunscreen before you even think of going out under the sun. Wearing a hat or sun-protective clothing will also help make sure your skin doesn’t break down prematurely.

Skincare products with collagen-boosting ingredients

Retinoids - products containing retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) such as Spalina Skincare’s Antioxidant Line-Diffusing Serum can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Start with a low concentration or consult a skincare professional for a more personalized advice. 

Vitamin C - it’s a powerful antioxidant that not only protects existing collagen from damage but also encourages the formation of new collagen. Our Complex Vitamin C Serum is also supercharged with tons of other collagen-boosting ingredients including peptides, marine fermentation, and CQ10. 

Peptides - these are substances made up of amino acids that signal the skin to generate more collagen. Peptides are often found in anti-aging skincare products such as our Peptide Firming Glow Serum which contains high-performing peptides such as Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52 and Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18 that act like skin superheroes helping your skin boost its natural collagen production. 

Coenzyme Q10 - it’s an antioxidant that helps keep skin firm and protects collagen from damage caused by oxidative stress. It can improve the texture of your skin, make fine lines less noticeable, and enhance overall skin health. 

Professional treatments to boost collagen in your skin

You may also consider getting treatments like microneedling or laser therapy, which can stimulate collagen production when performed by trained professionals. 

In micro-needling, tiny needles are used to create controlled micro-injuries. This causes the body to make more collagen as it heals resulting in smoother skin and reduced fine lines and scars. Laser treatment, on the other hand, uses focused light beams to create controlled heat in the skin, triggering collagen synthesis as part of the healing response. The result is tighter skin, less lines, and a more youthful look all around. Both methods can help boost collagen, but they work in different ways (mechanical vs. light energy), treat different depths, and require different numbers of sessions. Consult with a skincare professional to see which option aligns best with your specific skin concerns and goals.

Lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining and strengthening collagen in the skin. This involves eating a well-balanced diet rich in collagen-supporting elements, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive drinking and smoking, both of which can break down collagen. Preventing collagen breakdown requires using sunscreen to protect your skin from UV radiation and implementing stress management practices. You can also preserve collagen through frequent exercise, enough sleep, and a gentle skincare routine. Prioritizing these lifestyle choices can help preserve existing collagen, support its natural production, and promote healthier, more youthful-looking skin over time.