How to Increase Collagen levels in Skin

Collagen is the glue that keeps your skin looking in tip-top shape: youthful, firm, radiant and luminous. In our younger years, our skin is living its best life where collagen production is concerned. A veritable convey belt of collagen is created within the skin. This protein is responsible for healthy skin elasticity, as well as good joint, bone and muscle health.

Here’s the thing though – collagen production slows right down, generally when we hit our mid-20s (this can be earlier for people who have certain unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive sun exposure and a poor diet).

Luckily, there are some super simple efforts you can make to keep collagen production steady as you exit your 20s.

How can I increase collagen levels in my skin?

Eat foods containing proline and glycine

Proline and glycine are amino acids that are naturally created by the body. However, as we start to get a little older, supplementing the lost collagen in our diets will help to improve skin barrier function, induce the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and stimulate fibroblast development.

Proline and glycine can also help to prevent and reverse the appearance of cellulite across other areas of the skin.

Supplement your proline and glycine intake by turning to foods such as asparagus, free-range egg whites, free-range chicken, gelatinous meats and fish that have not been farmed (line-caught is best).

Say yes to Vitamin C

What’s not to like about vitamin C? It’s a true jack of all trades, protecting us against illness, improving the absorption of other essential vitamins and minerals and lowering blood pressure. What’s more, it’s also paramount for stimulating collagen production, which in turn, ensures your skin is glowing, firm and even in tone and texture.

You can find vitamin C in your skincare products, though it may go by a different name: L-ascorbic acid, which is Vitamin C in its purest format and found in medical grade products (which are the most transformative for your skin).

If you’re looking to include more Vitamin C in your diet, turn to red peppers and citrus fruits, which are abundant with this champion ingredient.

Choose the right topical skincare products

Products containing optimal amounts of certain topical active ingredients have been clinically proven to stimulate collagen production. These include retinol, which increases cell turnover, our old friend Vitamin C from earlier in the blog and glycolic acid, which creates a wound-healing response that stimulates new collagen.

Take a look at some of our top medical-grade collagen-friendly products below.

Our top picks 

Obagi 15% Vitamin C Serum

Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% infuses skin with L-ascorbic acid, the only form of vitamin C suitable for topical application. Designed to penetrate deep into your skin, this vitamin C serum provides effective antioxidant protection from UV damage as it brightens away hyperpigmentation and encourages the growth of collagen and elastin fibers.

ZO Growth Factor serum

• Improve overall appearance of skin
• Reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Restore hydration and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier