Cosmetic procedures that help stimulate the production and regrowth of collagen. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures like the ones below work by rebuilding or replacing collagen. Microneedling devices use a series of tiny needles to penetrate the skin, creating “wounds” that build new collagen as they heal.
When your body makes collagen, it combines amino acids — nutrients you get from eating protein-rich foods, like beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs and dairy products. The process also requires vitamin C, zinc and copper. You can get vitamin C by eating citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and greens.
“And free radicals are the big culprits that destroy collagen, and therefore, lead to the appearance of lines and wrinkles.” For an antioxidant serum adored by AW – and dermatologists, for that matter – try SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.
Using creams that contain vitamin A, also known as retinol or retinoids, may help to prevent skin from thinning further. Retinol creams are available in drugstores or online as cosmetic products. Research published in 2018 suggests that in some cases retinol may help to normalize skin thickness.
Factors that cause collagen loss include: Pollution. Smoking. Ultraviolet rays.
When applied to a wound, aloe vera promotes healing by increasing collagen production. It also helps skin regenerate by improving the connections between collagen.
Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Whole food sources of collagen come from meat, fish and eggs. However, since the best sources of collagen are found in tendons and cartilage, lean meat may not have enough collagen. Another whole food source of collagen is bone broth. This can be made by simmering the collagen-rich parts of the animal, such as bones.
Like meat, dairy is high in certain proteins essential for collagen stimulation. Certain dairy products contain both the amino acids lysine and proline, which both help to form collagen.
Garlic: Garlic is a well-known longevity food for many reasons! When it comes to collagen, garlic is one of the best sources of sulfur (and you may remember from an earlier bullet, our body needs sulfur to produce collagen). Garlic also contains taurine, which help builds damaged collagen fibers.
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.
Stress also causes an increase in hormones like cortisol, which research has found can decrease the production of collagen. "Less collagen is produced in high-stress states since more of the body's resources are used to combat stress and the inflammation it produces," Goldenberg says.
So caffeine is a collagen killer and we should steer clear? Not exactly. "It's worth remembering that coffee doesn't destroy collagen, it inhibits its production," says nutritional therapist at the Pulse Light Clinic, Lisa Borg.
Vitamin C–squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin. R. Gref , C.
Skin naturally loses some of its ability to stretch and bounce back with aging. Sun exposure and habits, such as smoking, can accelerate this process. There are many successful treatments for improving skin elasticity. Lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunscreen, can help slow it down and minimize its effects.
Fight skin problems: The caffeine and chlorogenic acids (CGA) contained in coffee beans can help reduce inflammation due to skin problems such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. Additionally, coffee grounds are promising for fighting skin infection diseases given the antimicrobial properties of their CGA and caffeine.
It may help prevent skin sagging
When your collagen levels begin to drop, your skin may begin to sag. Applying a vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect, reports a 2017 review .
Studies recommend that adults consume between 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per day to enjoy its health benefits. You can consume collagen powder by mixing it into smoothies, shakes, baked goods, or even your coffee or tea.