Doctor-approved ways to boost collagen in your skin
The word collagen has long been associated with youth and youthfulness. Countless skincare and cosmetic brands, supplements and even foods tout have included this ingredient, promising to erase wrinkles and restore a younger looking skin. You might even think that collagen is probably the elixir of youth that everyone is searching for.
No doubt collagen plays a crucial role in the way we look and even move. Collagen is a protein abundantly found in the body, from tendons and ligaments to bones, muscles and skin. Not only is it responsible for providing strength and elasticity to your skin, for that plump and youthful appearance, collagen also supports skin cell turnover.
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As we get older, our collagen stores deplete starting from your mid-twenties. This is what causes our skin to become thinner, more crepey and wrinkly and even drier. Throw in external factors such as UV damage, pollution and smoking which could all accelerate the speed of collagen depletion. A diet that is high in simple carbohydrates such as refined sugars and white bread can also have a negative impact on your collagen levels.
What can you do to protect and boost collagen?
Thankfully all is not all doom and gloom. With the right skincare habits and routines, you can protect your existing stores of collagen and even add a boost. Here are our doctor approved tips.
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#1 Wear sunscreen
The sun is not your friend – it breaks down collagen fibres resulting in more unwanted lines and wrinkles.
Not just when you’re at the beach, make wearing sunscreen a part of your skincare routine. Yes even if you’re going to be working from home. UV rays can still penetrate windows and you really don’t want to be taking chances when trying to boost collagen stores.
#2 Use retinol
Retinol aka retinoids aka Vitamin A have been proven to improve the appearance of aging skin by stimulating collagen production. A must-have in everyone’s skincare routine, retinol can help with cell turnover, improve skin tone and even reduce the appearance of pores. Best used at night, this is a skincare step you wouldn’t want to miss.
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#3 Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps your body to make collagen and in order for that to do that effectively, it needs to work in an environment that’s hydrated (since it’s a water-soluble vitamin). Keep skin hydrated and better yet, choose a Vitamin C that also contains Hyaluronic Acid to give your skin the boost it needs!
#4 Aesthetic treatments
Aesthetic treatments are a great way to give your skin a boost in collagen. From lasers to injectables, a plethora of options are at your doctor’s disposable to help stimulate collagen in your skin.