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Fine lines and wrinkles are two of the most common skincare concerns associated with aging as they are naturally occurring side effects of growing older. Fortunately, over the years the science of skincare has advanced and there is more clarity as for what goes into maintaining a youthful appearance. Collagen is one of the primary proteins that your body produces to maintain elasticity and firmness in your skin, but as you age your body begins to produce less and less. Whether you hope to prevent future signs of aging or counteract existing fine lines and wrinkles, these are the four best expert recommended tips for increasing collagen production in your skin and maintaining a youthful appearance no matter your age.
Use Retinol
Retinol is a powerful vitamin which can be applied topically to preserve your skin and enhance collagen production. Board certified nurse practitioner and medical spa owner Jill Canes explains, “On the skincare side, retinol, or specifically tretinoin (from which retinoids are made) causes the epidermis to get thicker, increases blood flow, and increases the production of collagen and elastin, which is what we want for younger-looking skin.” Adding a retinol serum to your skincare routine is one of the best ways to ensure glowing skin at any age, so check with your dermatologist to find the best product for your lineup.
Increase Healthy Proteins
If your diet is lacking in protein, the strength of your muscles won’t be the only thing to suffer. The foods you eat are directly correlated to the quality of your complexion, so it’s vital to keep a balanced diet when fighting signs of aging, especially when collagen production is the end goal. Canes explains, “A diet that is rich in lean protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fatty acids and fiber usually incorporate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich and amino acid-rich ingredients that can boost collagen production. All proteins are assembled from amino acid building blocks. By having a healthy diet, you’re giving your body essential building ingredients for collagen production.”
Not sure which foods you should be snacking on? Canes notes, “High protein foods like eggs, chicken, and fish are examples. Fruits and vegetables such as strawberry, oranges, cilantro and kale are rich in Vitamin C which aids the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, in turn boosting collagen production. Include more nuts, lentils, berries, quinoa, lean meats and beans into your diet to increase collagen.”
Sunscreen & Antioxidants
SPF is one of the most important skincare steps for maintaining an ageless complexion as it fights against damage caused by UV rays from the sun. Canes warns, “Apply a daily SPF and avoid the sun when possible. Try to make sure that antioxidants are part of your daily skincare routine. The best antioxidants are Vitamin C and Vitamin E.” Protecting your skin from harsh outside factors on the front end will ensure beautiful skin as you continue to age, but it’s never too late to integrate an SPF into your daily routine.
Treat Yourself
If you’re particularly concerned about collagen production and want to go the extra mile to turn the clock back on your skin, Canes recommends a variety of treatments to enhance your natural complexion. “Any procedure that causes controlled skin injury induces your body’s own wound healing response to increase more collagen production. On the simpler side, chemical peels or traditional microneedling are great examples. More advanced procedures such as radiofrequency microneedling and fractional laser skin resurfacing produce more dramatic collagen production in the months following these very effective procedures,” she says.
