Boost Your Collagen - What Works and Doesn't

You have probably heard that collagen is important for healthy skin but what exactly is it, how does it work, and how do you boost it? Let’s review...

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that supports a number of things, including providing structure to our skin. As we age we naturally lose collagen and our bodies produce less. Collagen loss begins in our 20s and we lose on average 1% per year. This can lead to sagging skin and wrinkles.  

There are a number of things that have evidence showing they help to stimulate collagen, including the use of topical retinoids, certain in-office treatments that either “wound” or heat the skin to trigger a healing response that produces collagen, and the use of certain substances (biostimulators) injected into the skin. Sun protection is also important to preserve existing collagen. ️

What about oral collagen supplements? Collagen is formed naturally in our bodies by breaking down dietary proteins into amino acids, which build chains that in turn create collagen. So  ingested collagen will be broken down as any other protein would and must then be “re-assembled”. However, even if new collagen is produced, there are many types of collagen in our bodies and there is not a clear pathway for ingestible collagen to translate specifically into collagen in our skin. More research is definitely needed! 

Collagen applied topically in creams is also not going to penetrate the skin and act as new collagen under the surface. If you are looking for topical options, retinoids have the most evidence. Other topicals that may help are antioxidants like Vitamin C, growth factors and peptides.

Probably the most direct way to stimulate collagen production in the skin would be in-office treatments including microneedling, laser and light based treatments such as IPL, radiofrequency and ultrasound based technologies, and injectable biostimulators including Sculptra and Radiesse. ⚡️

So if you are looking for ways to increase (and preserve) your collagen, know that there are options available. I would recommend talking to an aesthetic specialist to learn more about what may be right for you.