The 4 Collagen-Boosting Products That Are Key for Aging Skin, According To A Dermatologist

Collagen and elastin are two components of the skin that keep it firm, fresh, and glowing. Unfortunately, our skin slowly begins to lose a bit of both as the years go on, which (in addition to factors like genetics and UV light exposure — can contribute to sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. All of these changes are natural and there’s absolutely nothing wrong or shameful about the aging process. But if your skin goals include maintaining a complexion that appears as radiant as possible, adding collagen-boosting products to your routine is the way to go. These are the products that dermatologists say rank up there as among the best for promoting collagen and getting your glow on. 

Beauty supplements like ingestible collagen are all the rage — but how well do they work? First and foremost, clinical dermatologist Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, says eating a varied, healthy diet is most important because it can provide enough nutrients to naturally boost collagen production. “Citrus and other vitamin-C-rich fruits are key collagen-boosting foods, as vitamin C plays a primary role in the synthesis of collagen,” Dr. Factor said. “This nutrient is also helpful as it neutralizes free radicals, which break down both collagen and elastin. Foods are high in protein.”

If you decide to add an extra collagen supplement to the mix, Factor warns against using it n place of standard protein sources. “Collagen supplements will not replace or substitute the body’s natural ability to build collagen on its own from a healthy diet,” Dr. Factor said. “Collagen can’t be absorbed by the body in its natural form.”

Retinols are one of the hallmarks for anti-aging treatment at home, according to Board Certified Dermatologist Elaine F. Kung. “They have been proven scientifically and clinically to improve fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Kung said. “They promote epidermal thickening as well as increase production of collagen I and III, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (an important component of the extracellular matrix that supports collagen and elastin).”

Most anti-aging products that are touted to help us hold off the need for botox or fillers contain Matrixyl®, which are extracellular matrix-derived peptides, Dr. Kung explained. “Dr. Ian Hamley at the University of Reading found that Matrixyl® can almost double the amount of collagen that cells can produce, provided the concentration is high enough,” Dr. Kung said. “Matrixyl® is a range of peptides that stimulate skin structure components like collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, resulting in scientifically proven anti aging results.  More than 4000 cosmetic products world-wide contain Matrixyl® in their formulas.  Some of my favorite contain palmitoyl-tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide, which essentially is Matrixyl®.

I have used and liked the following serums with peptide: Sente BioComplete Serum, Revision Revox Line Relaxer.”

It’s a great idea to fill your medicine cabinet or vanity with skincare products that contain effective ingredients, but if you can get yourself into a dermatologist’s office a few times a year for in-office procedures that boost collagen, all the better. 

“Collagen-Stimulating dermal fillers, such as Radiesse, Sculptra, or Bellafill can be injected into the skin,” Dr. Kung said. “They are biocompatible and degrade overtime, but they can stimulate collagen production while they are in our skin.

Radiofrequency Microneedling introduces radiofrequency energy into the skin through a needle.  The bulk heating between 41 to 43C delivered to the depth of 1 to 2.5mm by radiofrequency microneedling has been shown clinically to be effective in promoting collagen production.  The following devices are all good RF devices made by reputable companies: Lumenis’ triLift, Cutera’s Secret RF, and InMode’s Morpheus 8.”

Ready, set, get your glow on.