6 Skincare Ingredients That Can Boost Collagen

Table of Contents What is collagen? What damages collagen? Smoking Prolonged and unprotected UV exposure Consuming lots of sugar and refined carbohydrates Skimping on sleep Ingredients that boost collagen Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) Vitamin C Retinol Bakuchiol Apple Stem Cells Niacinamide How Cutis can help

The natural aging process causes our collagen fibers to break down, resulting in the appearance of wrinkly and saggy skin. Fortunately, there are ingredients that work synergistically to kickstart collagen production and promote youthful skin. 

Continue reading as we explore more about collagen and the list of collagen boosting ingredients that can elevate your skincare routine.  

What is collagen? 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, accounting for about 30% of total protein. Made of amino acids and found in connective tissues, collagen is a major building block of the skin, bones, muscles, and other tissues. It is responsible for providing strength, support, and structure throughout the body. 

There are 28 identified types of collagen in the body. Type 1 is the most abundant, making up 90% of the body’s collagen. This type is said to be stronger than steel and provides structure to the skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons.

The sad part is the body produces less of it as you age and existing collagen breaks down faster with hormonal fluctuations and poor habits (which are listed and explained further).You may be able to boost or help with its development through non-invasive procedures or using skincare ingredients that boost collagen production. 

What damages collagen?

The aging process, including some of your habits, contributes to the decline of collagen. Some things you might want to avoid include:

• Smoking – damages nearly every organ in the body and causes oxidative stress. It also impairs blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reaches the skin.
• Prolonged and unprotected UV exposure – penetrates the middle layer and breaks down collagen. UV also causes free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage the DNA of a cell, resulting in premature aging.  
• Consuming lots of sugar and refined carbohydrates – can cause your insulin to spike, resulting in inflammation. This can then contribute to the breakdown of essential skin proteins, causing wrinkling and sagging.
• Skimping on sleep – robs your body of the time it needs to regenerate, repair daytime damage, and produce collagen.

Here are some signs of declining collagen levels in the body:

• Wrinkles
• Crepey or sagging skin
• Weakening muscles or joint pain
• Digestive issues
• Weak nails and hair

Skincare ingredients that can boost collagen 

Skincare products with ingredients that boost collagen production can bring a host of benefits and help promote a youthful complexion. Here is a list of ingredients you might want to consider adding to your regimen. 

1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA)

Commonly derived from plants and milk, alpha hydroxy acids help destroy old collagen fibers, which are known to cause dull skin. They promote collagen development, which helps improve lines and wrinkles. It is also worth noting that AHA is a chemical exfoliator that sheds away dead surface skin cells, revealing fresh new ones underneath. 

Benefits include: 

• Have humectant qualities that can hydrate skin
• Provide antioxidant benefits
• Help reduce signs of sun damage
• Smooth skin texture
• Unclog pores, preventing blemishes

2. Vitamin C

This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can fight free radicals, as well as deliver anti-aging and skin brightening benefits. Vitamin C is known to improve collagen production via collagen synthesis, which requires or cannot happen without said vitamin. Topical vitamin C is usually available in the form of serum, oils, and moisturizers. 

Other benefits of vitamin C include

• Improves the look of lines and wrinkles 
• Helps protect against sun damage
• Lightens dark spots/pigmentation
• Brightens complexion/promotes even skin tone
• Helps with wound healing

Dr. Sylvia’s 20% Vitamin C, B, E and Ferulic Acid combines potent antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients to help brighten, hydrate, nourish, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Retinol 

A form of vitamin A, retinol is a popular skincare ingredient used for promoting youthful-looking skin. It encourages the production of collagen, which helps fight wrinkles and support firmness in the skin. Many products with retinol are available over the counter, while stronger formulas or retinoids are available through prescription. 

Retinol benefits include:

• Helps accelerate skin renewal
• Smooths out lines and wrinkles
• Targets acne and spots
• Reduces skin discoloration
• Has antioxidant properties

4. Bakuchiol 

Touted as a natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that has been shown to have retinol-like properties. It works the same way as retinol by accelerating skin cell turnover and helping stimulate collagen production. It offers anti-aging benefits and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Benefits include:

• Helps neutralize free radicals
• Minimizes the look of lines and wrinkles
• Reduces signs of hyperpigmentation
• May treat mild to moderate acne or reduce acne lesions

Take note: Bakuchiol is a good alternative to retinol and retinoids, particularly if you have sensitive skin. As it is not a vitamin A derivative, it is gentler and less irritating. Retinol, however, has more potent effects and studies that prove its efficacy.

5. Apple Stem Cells

Obtained from a rare Swiss apple, apple stem cells are said to deliver various benefits for the skin. They help increase collagen and elastin, as well as promote the production of new skin cells. This then reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves both skin tone and texture. 

Dr. Sylvia’s Apple Stem Cell Serum promotes a youthful complexion by helping stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This anti-aging and skin repair serum can also: 

• Locks in moisture and prevents dryness
• Activates skin cell regeneration
• Targets premature aging and fine lines
• Reverses environmental damage

6. Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that can help improve various skin concerns. It has been said to increase collagen, boosting dermal matrix components that can improve wrinkle appearance. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-pigmentation properties, as well as enhances barrier function.

Depending on the concentration, other benefits include:

• Boosts elastin and other proteins
• Reduces acne inflammation
• Improves rosacea symptoms
• Prevents UV-induced skin damage
• Lightens dark spots or brightens complexion 

How Cutis can help

If you’re looking to level up your routine or for products with collagen boosting ingredients, visit Cutis’s skincare line, drsylviaskincare.com. We feature anti-aging and skin- rejuvenating medical-grade formulas that can support your skin health. You can also schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors and find out how we can help you achieve your beauty and skincare goals.

For further reading: Firmer, Youthful Skin: Non-Invasive Procedures That Can Boost Collagen