Rebuilding Collagen 101
Collagen is a protein that lives within this invisible framework that keeps everything smooth, plump, and firm - so it basically keeps our skin integrity in tact and our face from falling. It is actually the most abundant protein in our body and as we get older its production slows down. As early as our mid-20s, while we may not see it, our collagen production begins to decline. One of the biggest culprits is the sun, the UV rays actually breakdown our collagen. The good news? While we can’t stop collagen loss completely, we can slow it down and even encourage our skin to rebuild it. From powerhouse skincare ingredients to laser therapy to our lifestyle habits, there are ways we can retain the resilience and radiance in our skin. In other words we can fight the inevitable every step of the way.
Load up on Vitamin C. If you have been around the curated dose for awhile, you won’t be surprised that this is one of my non-negotiables when it comes to my essential daily ingredients. It aids in collagen synthesis, brightens the skin, fades pigmentation and enhances the effectiveness of SPF. Not too mention it takes no time to put on after cleansing and before SPF each morning. i always reach for Medik8’s C-Tetra Luxe or Super C formulas. Craving a snack? Grab an orange, strawberries or Kiwi - all packed with natural Vitamin C.
Embrace Retinoids - Similar to Vitamin C, Retinols are a nightly occurrence. They too, stimulate collagen synthesis and strengthen the skin and helps improve skin elasticity.
Layer in Peptides and/or Exosomes - If you are open to adding another step into your daily skincare routine, peptides and exosomes can be additive when looking to increase your collagen levels. Peptides, like GHK-Copper and Matrixyl 3000 signal or “tell” the skin to make more collagen. While Exosomes, stimulate cell regeneration, reduce inflammation and promote collagen and elastin production. Lately, I have incorporated Plated Intense Serum (it’s an investment, but worth it) at night, and put it on just prior to retinol. A few peptide serums to try include Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum, Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment and Medik8 Liquid Peptides. (Please note, if using both Copper Peptides and Vitamin C, use your Vitamin C in the morning and Copper Peptides at night. When used layered on top of one another they can lose their efficacy.)
Consider Laser Therapy - Ideally every 3-4 months, treatments like Fraxel, IPL (Lumecca), Laser Genesis, Clear and Brilliant and Micro needling (Virtue) are all lasers that injure the skin, stimulating your body to increase your own collagen production. While your skin will look great in a week or two, often 2-3 months you will find yourself literally glowing.
Add Red Light Therapy to Your Routine - Red light therapy activates those same fibroblast cells and they then produce more collagen. This increase in collagen provides structural support and elasticity to the skin. Note this is typically not a “one and done” process, for Red Light Therapy to have significant impact it requires consistency.
The Number One Non-Negotiable; SPF - This is your first line of defense against collagen decline as the UV rays breakdown collagen, And as mentioned with Vitamin C, when used in combination in the morning they both become more effective. My go to formula is EltaMD, it layers well and leaves no white cast.
And as they say, “you are what you eat”. It’s not always top of mind, but even your diet can help boost your collagen; Vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, kiwi), leafy greens (they contain Chlorophyll,) Omega-3 Fatty Acids (found in fish, like salmon) and protein (enabling your body to produce its own new collagen) are all additive. Layering in quality sleep (it puts your body in repair mode for collagen renewal), resistance training (shown to boost collagen in your skin and joints) and staying hydrated all give you more ammunition too.