If skincare is something you’re interested in at all, you’ve no doubt come across a myriad of recommendations that tout the benefits of collagen for skin health and anti-aging. This connection between collagen and skin does make sense. Collagen is your body’s primary structural protein, providing strength and elasticity to the skin, and our bodies naturally produce less of it as we age. So what are some of the best ways to maintain high collagen levels for smooth, firm skin?
How to increase collagen production
1. Diet
Some studies show that taking certain types of collagen for skin and hair may be effective for helping skin to retain its youthful properties, preventing sun damage, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Still, fortunately, supplements aren’t the only, or even necessarily the best, option. While taking collagen supplements and eating collagen-rich foods such as bone broth or chicken with the skin on may contribute to skin health, there are also many other things you can prioritize in your diet that don’t contain collagen themselves but are very effective at helping your body to produce it endogenously. We’re looking at you, vitamin C! Fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C can help to increase collagen levels and give your skin that extra boost you need.
2. Topical Treatments
Unfortunately, using collagen in skin care products doesn’t translate to increased collagen production, at least not directly. It could help with moisture retention, perhaps. Still, the collagen protein is too big to absorb through the skin, meaning it doesn’t permeate the epidermis or top layer of your skin, so don’t be tempted to slather collagen products all over your face and call it a day. However, topical application of prescription retinoids can stimulate increased collagen production in the dermal layer of your skin, leading to an improved appearance of damaged or aging skin.
3. Deeper Treatments
If you want to get in there and stimulate your collagen production in a hurry, there are a variety of professional treatments that are incredibly effective. Most of them work on creating controlled, minor ‘injuries’ to the skin, which stimulates enhanced collagen production and remodeling. Laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, and dermabrasion are all variations of this theme. While they all use different mechanisms and yield different results, they can all be highly effective when applied correctly.
At Alite Laser, it’s our pleasure to offer these treatments that help your skin look and feel its absolute best. Call or text 512-328-1555 to discuss the treatment option that most suits you!