How Collagen Rejuvenates Your Facial Skin

Revised June 30, 2024

Every cell and tissue in your body needs collagen to function at its peak. This substance is the building block of your skin, tendons, bones, hair and muscle mass. It makes up nearly 80% of your skin, while as much as one-third of your body's proteins are collagen. As much as 30 percent of your body's total protein is collagen. The human body has over 28 different types.

Collagen provides the structural platform for cells, tissue structures and vital organs. While it is essential for maintaining skin health, elasticity and strength, if collagen did not exist, the structural integrity of the human body would break down. With its unique nutritional profile, collagen can boost your health. Its benefits go beyond youthful skin and stronger nails.

Low collagen levels occur with health conditions like scurvy, which stems from a Vitamin C deficiency and can lead to weakness, anemia and slow wound healing. Other problems caused by low collagen levels include osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that produces weak bones, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which leads to various symptoms.

Aging Affects Collagen Production

Even though your body produces collagen independently, this process slows down as you age. Skin loses its ability to achieve collagen synthesis as we age, causing sagging as it loses elastic fibers. The quality of the collagen produced also declines. Additionally, certain factors can reduce your collagen levels. Smoking, poor nutrition, sun exposure, and nutrient deficiencies are just a few.

The most visible sign of reduced collagen production is aging skin. As people age, changes in collagen structure weaken the bond among different skin layers, resulting in wrinkles and other symptoms associated with aging skin. Less collagen production can lead to:

• Reduced skin elasticity
• Lines, wrinkles, looseness and sagging
• Joint stiffness

Promoting Collagen Production in Human Skin

Fortunately, research shows you can boost collagen production through skin maintenance products, diet supplements, and foods stimulating collagen synthesis. Consider these steps to keep skin healthy and supple.

Collagen Supplements

Taking oral collagen supplements is a great way to ensure your collagen levels stay within normal limits. In clinical trials, subjects who took collagen peptides experienced significantly increased skin hydration within eight weeks. Other studies have found that taking as little as 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation daily for six months can dramatically reduce cellulite. Collagen peptides in supplements directly affect the collagen structures in the human body, known as fibroblasts.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid can help promote collagen production and is found in many skin maintenance products and facial rejuvenation procedures, such as dermal fillers. In addition to helping keep skin smooth, hyaluronic acid can help boost the amount and quality of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. One study also found that it helps with moisturization.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for collagen production. Your body does not produce vitamin C, so you must get it from your diet. Excellent sources include:

• Citrus fruit
• Red and green peppers
• Strawberries
• Broccoli

Many skin care products include vitamin C in their protective creams. Topical vitamin C can help protect the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays and pigmentation changes.

Ginseng

Several studies have shown that ginseng has several properties that increase the amount of collagen in the body. Its benefits may include increasing the amount of collagen in the bloodstream and possibly preventing skin cells from aging thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Red ginseng may reduce fibroblast stiffness and improve skin elasticity.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals, a major culprit in skin aging. Various plant-based foods with antioxidant properties include blueberries, green tea, cinnamon and various extracts and essential oils, which may play a role in how collagen rejuvenates the skin.

Retinol and Other Carotenoids

Antioxidants like retinol and beta-carotene can help boost skin health. Food sources include sweet potatoes, spinach, pumpkin and carrots. Topical retinoids may help protect healthy skin by preventing UV rays from breaking down collagen. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), using topical retinol may help improve skin texture. However, it will not help tighten loose skin.

Skin Creams Containing Collagen

Research from 2020 shows that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation through creams and other topical products can moisturize the skin, while oral supplements may help boost collagen production in the body. Together, they help smooth the skin and reduce wrinkles. Because of antioxidant inclusions, these products may also aid in reducing the negative effects of radicals on collagen and elastin cells.

Minimally Invasive Anti-Aging Skin Procedures

Various minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, including laser and light therapy, microneedling and more, available at our medical spa, can stimulate collagen production. These procedures can also improve skin texture, reduce pore size, eliminate dark spots, and reduce wrinkles and other skin conditions.

Learn More About Boosting Collagen Fibers

You don't have to live with the effects of diminished collagen production caused by skin aging. The aesthetic professionals at VIVAA can help you regain your youthful glow and recommend a skin care routine for your skin type to promote skin health. Contact our Seattle area practice today to schedule a consultation.