Once you reach your early 20s, your skin’s surface begins to lose collagen at about one percent per year.1 Collagen, as dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman explains, is a common protein that forms the building blocks of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue and provides structure, elasticity, and strength to the skin.
“As we age, the body’s natural collagen production slows,” she says. “UV exposure, pollution, smoking, and poor diet can cause collagen breakdown, leading to less firm and elastic skin with wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Once collagen is damaged or lost, it can be challenging to replace, so preserving it helps keep the skin youthful and healthy.”
Ahead, find 10 dermatologist-approved recommendations for protecting and preserving your skin’s collagen.
Meet the Expert
- Hannah Kopelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Karan Lal, DO, FAAD, is a double-board certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ.
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Use a Moisturizer with Collagen
Dr. Lal shares that using a moisturizer with collagen can help provide hydration and repair skin barrier damage, but you need to look for the right product. “Collagen is a very large molecule, and it does not penetrate the deep layers of skin,” he explains. “Some theories exist that applying it to the skin can help the body build collagen. Since collagen supports the skin and helps keep it lifted, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between collagen building and preventing collagen breakdown.” Preventing collagen breakdown is key here. Because the efficacy of collagen stimulation with topical creams is not known, look for collagen moisturizers that support and defend your skin’s collagen stores rather than products that purport to deliver new collagen through topical application.
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Invest in Microneedling Treatments
Microneedling is a well-known collagen-stimulating treatment that creates micro-injuries in the skin. These wounds stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production as a byproduct. “Microneedling also improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and minimizes scars,” Dr. Kopelman adds. “Typically, results appear several weeks after the treatment, with continued improvement in the following months as collagen production increases.”
Experts recommend several treatments and maintenance sessions to reap the full benefits of microneedling.
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Work a Retinoid Into Your Routine
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives converted into retinoic acid for use in topical and oral skincare treatments. When applied topically, they stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell turnover. “This helps protect the existing collagen and encourages new collagen fibers,” Dr. Kopelman says. Dr. Lal prefers retinoids to retinol “because retinoids are active as opposed to retinol, which has to be converted into a retinoid to become active.”
While both experts advocate for retinoids, try an over-the-counter cream or a serum with bakuchiol, a gentle plant-based ingredient considered an alternative.
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Do a Laser Treatment
In-office laser treatments can significantly enhance your skin’s collagen quality and levels. Dr. Kopelman likes lasers because they stimulate collagen production, while also improving texture and tone. Dr. Lal adds that fractional and non-ablative lasers can be safe for all skin types, but it’s essential to consult an experienced professional to find the best treatment for your skin type and complexion.
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Look Into Radiofrequency Treatments
Radiofrequency treatments rely on energy delivered deep within the skin to heat it and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The skin becomes tighter, firmer, and smoother, with fewer lines and wrinkles and less skin laxity as a response to the treatment. “I like these treatments because they provide effective and visible results with minimal downtime while enhancing the skin’s overall appearance and health,” Dr. Kopelman says.
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Try Sculptra Injections
“In terms of injectables that help with collagen, Sculptra is my favorite,” Dr. Lal says. “Building collagen is Sculptra’s primary mechanism of action. It stimulates the skin’s fibroblasts to produce collagen via a wound-healing response for tighter, firmer skin. It’s best for patients with adequate skin volume but laxity. If you start using Sculptra in your 40s, it will help build collagen over time.”
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Wear Vitamin C
Incorporating the antioxidant vitamin C into your daily skincare routine can make a difference when it comes to preserving collagen. “Vitamin C is a cofactor in collagen production, and topically applying it should help the collagen-building process,” Dr. Lal explains.
Vitamin C also helps protect the skin from free radicals, which damage collagen (and elastin) levels while working to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. “Like most other skincare ingredients, it takes about three months to work,” Dr. Lal adds. “This is how long it takes for the cellular level processes to result in a visible difference.”
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Try a Chemical Peel
Chemical peels are often praised for their skin-smoothing and tone-evening benefits. But truth be told, they offer collagen-related benefits as well. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) chemical peels containing glycolic or lactic acid exfoliate the skin and promote skin cell turnover, protecting the skin’s collagen while stimulating new collagen.2
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Wear Sunscreen Every Day
One of the easiest ways to preserve collagen is to wear sunscreen daily. “Sunscreen is crucial for preserving collagen since UV radiation is one of the main culprits of collagen degradation,” Dr. Kopelman says. She recommends wearing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays.
“Look for ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for physical protection and antioxidants like vitamin E and niacinamide for added skin and collagen benefits,” she adds.
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Consider Your Diet
“Collagen is a protein, so eating a protein-sufficient diet is important,” Dr. Lal says. “Proteins and amino acids help build other proteins and amino acids.” Dr. Kopelman adds that lean meats, fish, and legumes are all good collagen sources because they provide essential amino acids, whereas antioxidant-rich foods like nuts and green tea combat free radicals that break down collagen.
