How to Restore Collagen in the Face

If you’re one of the millions of people who want to maintain youthful and healthy skin, then you are most likely very familiar with the word “collagen”. It is an important protein that our bodies need in order to maintain youthful and healthy skin. When collagen levels in the body are high, skin is smooth, supple, and firm, as collagen’s main purpose is to renew and repair themselves. However, the skin’s collagen production naturally slows down as we age, which is one of the reasons why our skin starts to sag and produces wrinkles.

Luckily, there are many ways in which we can maintain and stimulate the production of collagen, regardless of our age. The sky’s the limit when it comes to trying out the ways to restore collagen to your face, but what you want are the best, safest, and most effective methods to nourish and conserve your sprightly and radiant face. The spectrum of collagen-restoring techniques range from food intake, creams, serums, and supplements all the way to non-invasive and surgical procedures.

We all want to be young forever, and with an abundance of collagen within reach, it’s absolutely possible. Read on for more information on how we can effectively restore precious collagen to our faces.

The Natural Approach: Foods and Nutrients

We all know that our bodies are great at absorbing nutrients from the food we digest. Ever heard of the popular saying “You are what you eat”? Here are some foods you should start to incorporate into your diet to help boost your collagen levels:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Eating fish such as salmon and tuna is a great and easy life hack when it comes to maintaining your skin’s collagen levels. Fish and fish oil supplements are extremely rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids contain high amounts of vitamin A and anti-inflammatory properties, which work to combat the loss and degradation of collagen in the body. Other kinds of food which are rich in beneficial protein and amino acids are meat, beans, dairy products, and gelatin.

Vitamin C

Another well-known way to keep your skin youthful is to increase your vitamin C intake. The human body doesn’t have the ability to generate vitamin C on its own, therefore, it is recommended to get your daily doses of vitamin C from food. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and papaya are all great sources of vitamin C.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is another compound that boosts collagen production for the skin. Get your dose of hyaluronic acid by eating food with high contents of amino acids, like beans, soy, and root vegetables.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been a go-to ingredient for traditional medicine for centuries now. Ginseng’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been proven to increase the production of collagen in the bloodstream. In addition, some specialists find that ginseng has the potential to prevent skin cells from aging. Ginseng is often taken in tea form, so better start adding this wonder food to your breakfast table from now on!

Antioxidants

Finally, get your sights set on eating food which is rich in antioxidants. These help protect our bodies from free radicals that are notorious for providing drastic aging signs. Antioxidants have a great reputation, but not all foods with antioxidants boost collagen production, but they do strengthen the collagen already present in your body, ensuring that they do their jobs at an optimal level. Examples of antioxidant-rich foods include the following:

• Blueberries
• Yerba mate
• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Cinnamon
• Green tea
• Licorice extract
• Mulberry extract
• Pomegranate extract
• Coffee extract
• Astragalus

Supplements and Creams

The beauty market is a treasure trove for creams, lotions, serums, and supplements that aim to restore youthful skin. One vital ingredient to look for when shopping for creams and supplements is aloe vera. Traditionally used to alleviate the pain of sunburn and rashes, aloe vera is also a master of collagen stimulating powers. Aloe has the ability to stimulate the growth of collagen and in turn reducing facial wrinkles. Many people have put their trust in aloe vera gels, topical creams, and supplements.

As mentioned in the previous section, ginseng and antioxidant-rich food can strengthen and stimulate collagen production. If you aren’t keen on taking advantage of these healthy perks by means of food, then you can always take supplements. Specialists can always recommend great alternatives to getting a healthy dose of ginseng and antioxidants.

Protecting Your Skin

Basking in the warmth and glory of the sun is one of the best ways to enjoy the bright sunny summer days at the beach or at the park. However, it’s no secret that the sun emits harmful UV rays that can substantially harm the skin. Signs of sun damage include liver spots, wrinkles, leathery skin, solar elastosis, and actinic keratosis.

Skin cells live in a constant cycle of regeneration. Regardless of this, there are external factors that could damage the skin. Aside from prolonged sun exposure, pollution and harsh weather conditions can make your sensitive skin take a hit as well. Once skin cells become damaged, the body replaces them. When skin cells get replaced with new ones, collagen levels decrease significantly.

Protect your skin from harmful external facets by maintaining a consistent skin regimen:

• Wash and exfoliate your face on a daily basis. This aids in protecting the collagen that is already present in your skin.
• Apply sunblock when you step out during sunny days. Prolonged exposure to the sun can damage your skin and heavily age it.
• When the days are extra bright and sunny, don’t leave the house without your hat to add extra protection to your face. In addition, throw on a pair of sunglasses to shield the sensitive collagen around your eyes.
• If you are a smoker and want to increase your body’s collagen production at the same time, you’re going to have to give one of them up! That’s right, smoking has similar effects as sun damage. The dangerous effects of smoking can trigger collagen loss at drastic levels. So, if you value the health and beauty of your skin, you’d better try to cut back on smoking.

Dermatology Procedures

Depending on your specific needs, most dermatologists would perform laser or filler procedures. These treatments repair damaged collagen and stimulate the growth of collagen:

Red Light Therapy

One effective method performed by specialists is red light therapy, also commonly known as low-laser laser light therapy.

Heat from lasers has been utilized for decades as a means to omit damaged collagen and make our collagen-producing cells more active. This medical alternative has been proven to increase collagen production, diminish the appearance of wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity.

Red light therapy is a safe and widely used collagen boosting treatment, which is both noninvasive and free of adverse side effects. To top it off, this dermatology procedure requires only minimal recovery time.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers specialize in stimulating collagen production by stretching the fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells). Aside from making your skin appear revitalized in an instant, these fillers also utilize collagen to create thicker skin.

Microneedling

This type of derma procedure is also known as induction therapy. During microneedling, small micro punctures are created in the top layer of the skin. The fine needles which are used prompt the skin go into repair mode, which also activates the production of new collagen. Microneedling is an effective and painless way to encourage your body to produce that much-needed collagen supply.

Facials

Most of us regularly head to our trusted dermatology clinics and spas for a good old facial. Next to the previously mentioned methods, collagen production speeds up when blood and oxygen flow improves. Get that natural facelift effect and reduce the formation of wrinkles by getting your regular facial or facial massage. The motions promote good blood flow and help contour your facial muscles too. After all, having strong muscles give your face that alluring structure that adds to its rejuvenated glow.

Look Younger Today!

As people age, collagen production naturally slows down, but with the right diet, vitamin intake, and sun/pollution protection, we can defy the adverse signs of aging and maintain that youthful and resplendent glow.

You can even supplement your natural collagen-stimulating methods with viable non-invasive cosmetic procedures that will do wonders for your skin.