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Improving your skin’s collagen production is an essential component in obtaining younger-looking skin. After all, your skin’s collagen levels do decrease as you age, especially when you hit 30. Age isn’t the only thing that’s working against your skin–your skin’s collagen production is also slowed down by sun damage, which is why it’s crucial that you always wear sunscreen and use products with antioxidants to protect your skin from any further UV damage.
So, can you replace the collagen that you’ve lost? NBC News Health Editor Madelyn Fernstrom says that it’s a little bit more complicated than that, but regaining and improving your skin’s collagen, firmness, and elasticity is possible. “You can help slow the rate that your body will naturally lose collagen by not smoking and staying out of the sun,” Fernstrom says. “But trying to replenish it when it’s gone by using a supplement or a skin care product isn’t going to help.”
To effectively replace collagen, Dr. Hayley Goldbach, a resident physician at UCLA Dermatology, says there are three ways to do it:
1. Topically apply it to the skin.
2. Ingest it.
3. Inject it.
If you’re like us and can’t exactly afford to get collagen injections, dermatologists recommend trying one of these collagen-boosting products:
OleHenriksen Truth Serum ($72)
This powerful anti-aging serum is formulated with vitamin C and collagen, which work together to brighten the skin and deliver all-day hydration. The brand's True-C Complex supports the skin's natural collagen production and will visibly firm and revive the complexion, all while revealing a healthy, youthful glow.
HUM Nutrition Collagen Love Skin Firming Supplement ($40)
A good supplement can do a lot for the skin, and this one is designed to support its collagen production and promote a youthful, bright, and plump complexion. Each supplement is packed with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and types I, II, and III collagen to help your skin age beautifully.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum ($78)
Vitamin C and collagen make a good team, especially in this fast-absorbing serum that is formulated with 3-O C vitamin C, collagen amino acids, and a proprietary energy complex. In addition to improving dullness and uneven texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it also creates a smooth, luminous complexion.
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen ($115)
This collagen-based formula helps skin maintain it's youth by improving its firmness and elasticity. It delivers collagen to the skin in its most active state, featuring 13,000 microalgae oil beads, omegas 3, 6, and 9, and a natural source of vitamin E. Trust us, your skin is going to be brighter and more resilient than ever!
Murad Rapid Collagen Infusion For Lips ($24)
Your lips age, too! Keep them protected and looking naturally plump with this collagen-infused lip serum. It supports natural collagen and microcirculation while reducing the appearance of vertical lip lines and smoothing the entire lip area.
