Cosmetic Procedures to Restore or Increase Collagen. There's no such thing as a collagen treatment for facial skin, per se, but there are plenty of cosmetic treatments that can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with increased collagen production as a side effect.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
So what's the best way to rebuild collagen in your face? Tretinoin, a prescription-grade retinoid, is an excellent treatment for rebuilding collagen. Almost 30 years ago, a small study showed that tretinoin application increases collagen by up to 80% in the skin after 1 year of treatment.
Collagen replacement therapy is a safe, non-surgical procedure that replenishes depleted collagen by injecting skin with highly purified bovine (cow) collagen. This collagen is so similar to human collagen that your body will readily accept it as its own.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.
A diet full of protein-rich foods, whether from plant or animal sources, can help supply these critical amino acids. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Since the loss of collagen leads to the dehydration and thinning of the skin, wrinkles and fine lines begin to appear.
As we age, our body produces less collagen; the protein involved with skin strength and elasticity. Time causes this collagen to degrade, leading to the wrinkles we all associate with aging.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
“Targeted thermal energy in the form of different wavelengths stimulate the fibroblast cells which in return creates more collagen." Neocollagenesis, the fancy word for the new formation of collagen, takes about 12 weeks.
It's been shown repeatedly that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for increasing collagen production, and therefore, making our skin stronger and improving the barrier function of our skin. Vitamin C also plays a major role in collagen, and you'll find it in foods like broccoli, leafy greens and citrus fruits.
Collagen in a topical product is worthless
Applying collagen topically has never been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis or growth. This is because collagens have molecular weights making them too large to penetrate the top layer of skin.
To increase skin's elasticity, firmness, and texture, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, studies show that taking up to 2.5 grams is effective. Here's a caveat: most users will find that they need less than 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen to see skin-benefiting results.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
It is not possible to reverse thinning of the skin. However, moisturizing the skin can make it more flexible and less likely to break. Anything that makes the skin red or sore is likely to be damaging it. A person with thin skin might need to protect it from damage.
#2: Can Thin Skin Be Thickened? The short answer: yes, skin can be thickened. While you can't entirely reverse the process of skin thinning, there are ways to increase collagen, repair elastin, and improve your skin's overall appearance.
Aging, sun exposure and genetics all play a role in thinning skin. Certain medications, such as long-term use of corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin. Thin skin isn't necessarily a sign of an underlying medical condition.