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Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in your body that is responsible for preserving the elasticity of your face as you age. With adequate collagen production, your body will be able to stave off the development of fine lines and wrinkles, allowing for a hydrated, smooth, and youthful appearance even as you grow older. However, with time your body naturally begins to produce less collagen, leading to the telltale signs of aging we all know.
You can boost collagen within your body by integrating a retinol supplement into your skincare routine, but there are other skincare ingredients that can also be added into your regular routine to ensure an ageless complexion. Not sure which ingredients to prioritize? We consulted with Dr. Orit Markowitz, New York City Board-Certified Dermatologist, Skin Cancer Expert and Founder of OptiSkin in NYC, and Dr. Kim Harris, owner and CEO of Prescott Medical Aesthetics to get their professional opinions, and their response was unanimous.
Vitamin C
There are actually different types of collagen that your body needs in order to thrive, and according to Markowitz, type I is the most important for preserving your skin as you age. “Type 1 is mainly for strong hair, nails and skin and Type 3 is for wound healing but can help with structure and youthfulness as well. The best form of collagen is the natural type, but a combination of collagen reformation and supply is what helps skin appear healthy.” That being said, aside from retinol, vitamin C is one of the best skincare ingredients for promoting collagen production that will eliminate fine lines and wrinkles while protecting your face from sagging with age.
While you can consume vitamin C to boost collagen from the inside out through a combination of citrus fruits, berries, and cruciferous veggies, the serum form can also provide some significant benefits to your skin from a hydration perspective as well. Keep in mind that when your skin is dry it is more likely to show off wrinkles and imperfections, and any cracking or dry patches can only work to expedite the aging process.
“Vitamin C increases collagen so the more vitamin C you have in the skin, the more collagen you will have,” notes Markowitz. “Vitamin C is known to have a hydrating effect on the skin as it decreases transepidermal water loss, allowing your skin to retain moisture. It can help preserve and stimulate collagen which we know to be the key to a youthful appearance.”
Vitamin C serum is most effective when used in the morning, and with daily use you can expect to see results within 8-12 weeks of consistent use. “Vitamin C triggers the production of collagen and helps strengthen it as well. Plus, it also helps in improving the skin tone of the user,” explains Harris. This ingredient will not only allow your skin to produce more collagen, but it can also help to stabilize collagen molecules for continued results.
Thankfully vitamin C can be used in combination with any of the other ingredients already included in your skincare routine without fear of a negative reaction between products. However, because vitamin C and retinol both work to do the same task, it’s best to use one in the morning, and retinol in the evening so they don’t cancel each other out.
The sooner you add vitamin C into your skincare routine, the more quickly you can reap the benefits with smoother, more hydrated skin. Apply each morning before coating your skin with moisturizer and in about 3 months you should begin to notice a gradual decrease of fine lines and wrinkles on your complexion. A preventative skincare routine is always going to be more effective than a retroactive one, so starting this habit before you develop wrinkles can allow collagen to stay present under the skin for years to come without fading.
