As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to visible signs of aging like fine lines, sagging skin, and a loss of firmness. But according to esthetician and skincare expert Chris Gibson, there are powerful, science-backed ways to rebuild and support collagen for firmer, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin. In a recent YouTube video, Gibson breaks down the top topical strategies—and why combining two specific ingredients can make a dramatic difference.
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Why Collagen Loss Is a Big Deal As You Age
“Almost everyone is aware that as you get older, collagen levels in your skin decline,” Gibson explains. “That leads to a lot of things—loose skin, crepiness, fine lines, and wrinkles become more apparent.”
He emphasizes that collagen isn't just crucial for the skin—it's a major component of connective tissue throughout the body, supporting joints, muscles, bones, and more. “It holds everything together,” he adds.
1. Start With Collagen Peptides—Inside And Out
Gibson recommends starting with collagen peptides, both in your diet and topical skincare routine.
“I talk a lot about taking collagen peptides, which are amino acids, as a part of your diet to help improve collagen levels,” he says. “There have been plenty of studies in the last three years that prove it makes a difference.”
Topically, collagen peptides can also be powerful. “These are the amino acids that are the building blocks of collagen,” Gibson notes. When combined with the right vitamin C serum, they can visibly improve skin texture and tone.
One standout peptide is Pentapeptide-4. “This ingredient shows real improvement,” he says. “In clinical tests, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles by about 44–50%, and increase lift and tightness by 16–20%.”
2. Add Vitamin C For Powerful Collagen Support
Gibson calls vitamin C the #1 anti-aging essential. “Vitamin C helps stop oxidation of skin cells and free radicals,” he says. “It also reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation, reverses sun damage, and supports collagen production.”
He recommends choosing between two forms of vitamin C based on your skin type:
- L-ascorbic acid: Potent but less stable.
- Sodium ascorbyl phosphate: A gentler, more stable option for sensitive skin.
“Even the gentler formula I use is strong enough to be used in post-procedure skin recovery like after microdermabrasion or peels,” he adds.
How To Apply These Ingredients For Best Results
Both collagen peptides and vitamin C should be applied to cleansed skin before any oils, moisturizers, or sunscreen.
“These are water-based serums and need to go on first,” Gibson says. “Pat them gently into the areas you want to treat—just avoid your eyelids, as vitamin C can be irritating on that very thin skin.”
He also shares a pro tip: Don’t forget your ears and neck. “That’s an area that wrinkles on a lot of people. Fortunately, I’ve been paying attention to those areas for a long time,” he jokes.
Track Your Progress—and Be Patient
To monitor your results, Gibson suggests taking progress photos at regular intervals. “Take a selfie when you start, then at 30, 60, and 90 days,” he advises. “It takes time for the outer layer of skin to shed and the treated skin underneath to become visible.”
Bottom Line
“If you haven’t included these two products together in your skincare routine, I would recommend you consider trying that out,” says Gibson. “Especially if you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s—or even 60s like me. This is going to really be a game-changer for your skincare routine.”
For those serious about lifting, tightening, and restoring youthful skin, the combination of collagen peptides and vitamin C just might be the perfect foundation.
