Collagen isn’t just a buzz word or a term used to promote products from serums to beverages to powders. It’s a crucial protein that gives the skin structure, strength, elasticity, and keeps tissue strong and pliable. Collagen is what gives skin a smooth, healthy glow, and a lack of it can reveal itself in more fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and hyperpigmentation. There are four types of collagen — Type I (found in skin, bones, and ligaments), Type II (found in cartilage), Type III (found in skin and also muscles), and Type IV (found in the skin’s layers). You may be familiar with these types when you read labels on collagen supplements or skin care products.
But, given the influx of items on shelves that claim they contain collagen and can boost your skin’s health and appearance, which products truly work to help you rebuild collagen?
There are actually six reasons why collagen declines (starting in your mid-twenties). Aging, of course, UV damage from unprotected sunlight exposure, lifestyle (including drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and eating too much sugar), hormonal change like menopause, poor diet with nutritional deficiencies, and chronic health conditions.
Here are some of the products that Dr. Shereen Idriss recommends for boosting collagen in the skin.
1. Sunscreen
UV rays break down collagen — plain and simple. It’s crucial to wear SPF each and every day (SPF 30 or higher is best) in order to block this radiation from destroying your skin cells and aging your skin faster. Dr. Idriss also recommends wearing clothing with UPF protection, including sun hats.
2. Red Light Therapy
Go on and invest in that red light therapy mask you've had your eye on for a few months. According to Dr. Idriss, red light therapy helps to stimulate growth factors that are needed for collagen synthesis and tissue repair. It can also reduce inflammation in your skin and make it look healthier and more glowy in the short term.
3. Retinol
Retinols are a “tried and true” ingredient that help build collagen in your skin, according to Dr. Idriss. Unlike the many moisturizers out there that contain collagen with molecules that are too big to actually penetrate your skin and benefit it in any way, a dermatologist-prescribed retinol can promote faster cell turnover, improve acne, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. While it’s true there may be an initial “getting used to” period with retinol, with sensitivity and dry skin, this can often be overcome with patience, easing into the retinol a little at a time, and a good moisturizer.
4. Peptides
Peptides are short-chain amino acids that stimulate collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and can improve skin elasticity. One specific product that Dr. Idriss recommends is called Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment, which contains seven peptides, nine antioxidants, and 13 brightening ingredients.
You can purchase it here.
4. Copper Peptides
Another peptide to keep on your mind is one called copper peptides, which is a combination of copper and peptides that helps to support the synthesis of collagen. This ingredient also helps healing and reduces inflammation for less redness and swelling in the skin.
6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients in your diet, both for your overall health and for collagen production. But in your daily serum it provides antioxidant protection against cell-damaging free radicals, reduces inflammation, and brightens your skin tone by minimizing brown spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is most effective when it is applied in the morning where, combined with sunscreen, it can boost protection of your skin against UV radiation.
