4 Simple Ways to Stimulate Collagen Production

As you age, your body produces less collagen, causing wrinkles and sagging skin as well as stiff joints. Fortunately, if you have noticed that your skin is showing signs of ageing, there are several tried and tested techniques that can boost your collagen levels and help your skin cells renew and repair themselves.

From ensuring you get the right vitamins into your diet to using skincare that contains collagen-boosting ingredients and the latest collagen skin therapies, keep reading to discover the best four ways to stimulate collagen production in your skin.

What is collagen?

Collagen is an important and abundant protein in the body that is found in your muscles, blood vessels, bones, tendons, and digestive system. However, when you hear people talk about collagen and the effects it has on the body, it is normally in relation to your skin.

Collagen is what keeps your skin soft, supple, and youthful-looking. Once your collagen levels start to deplete, you may start to notice the early signs of ageing.

How can I boost my collagen levels?

There are many different ways to boost your collagen levels, some of which are diet-related and others that involve skincare and cosmetic treatments.

Below are the most effective ways to stimulate collagen production in your body.

1.   Take a hyaluronic acid supplement

Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to be able to hold 1000 times its weight in water, meaning it can help to moisturise and plump up your skin from within. Choose to take a daily hyaluronic acid supplement or alternatively, introduce foods such as beans, root vegetables, and soy into your diet.

You can also find skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid that can be applied directly to the skin.

2.   Undergo micro-needling

A microneedling treatment involves a dermatologist using multiple tiny needles to puncture the skin, causing it to rebuild and rejuvenate itself. Microneedling claims to be able to help skin issues such as:

·       Wrinkles

·       Scarring

·       Acne

·       Skin pigmentation

·       Stretch marks

·       Rosacea

·       Loose skin after weight loss

This is a highly effective method but will take several months for the growth of your new, younger-looking skin.

3.   Drink ginseng tea

If you are looking for a more natural way to boost your collagen levels, then look no further. Ginseng, also known as the “root of immortality”, contains many bioactive compounds such as saponins, pectin, and B vitamins, which can help to increase oxygenation and circulation for skin cells.

It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect your skin from free radical damage.

As well as ginseng tea, you can also find skincare products that contain ginseng extract.

4.   Use products that contain retinol

Retinol is an antioxidant that is known for its ability to boost collagen levels. It can also help to increase the lifespan of collagen, as well as block enzymes that actively destroy it.

When choosing a skincare product that contains retinol, you need to make sure that you choose the right amount of retinol for your skin. For example, if you have deep wrinkles or a very uneven skin tone, you will want a higher percentage of between 0.5% to 1% retinol. If in doubt, start with a low percentage and work your way up if needed.