Collagen is what gives skin its natural strength and resilience. As part of the aging process, we begin to lose the ability to produce collagen naturally. Young, supple skin gives way to sagging, lines and wrinkles. There are many treatments and products that boost production of this vital protein in the skin.
Instructions
Collagen-Producing Foods
1. Eat foods packed with antioxidants at each day. Antioxidants are naturally found in tomatoes, spinach, kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, prunes, blueberries and dark chocolate. They strengthen the body's ability to produce collagen.
2. Increase your intake of amino acids. They are effective for boosting collagen production. Lysine, an amino acid, is found in foods that are rich in protein, such as red meat, pork and poultry, Parmesan cheese, cod, nuts, eggs and soybeans. Proline is an amino acid found in egg whites and wheat germ.
3. Consume foods containing vitamins A and C on a regular basis. Vitamin A is found in carrots, cantaloupe, mangoes and sweet potatoes. Foods rich in vitamin C are, berries, broccoli, citrus fruits, cantaloupe, tomatoes and leafy dark-green vegetables.
at Home
4. Apply a vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, serum to the skin once a day. It may help collagen production in the skin. Many skin care lines offer vitamin C serums. An esthetician may be able to recommend a product.
5. Sit in front of an LED light source daily. Nonthermal LED light regulates the activity of fibroblasts, cells found in connective tissues, increasing collagen formation and improving skin tone and texture. Units designed for use in the home can be purchased.
6. Incorporate a topical retinol treatment into your skin care routine. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative found in several skin care products. Treatments with higher concentrations of vitamin A, such as retin A or Renova, require a prescription.
Collagen Skin Treatments
7. Receive an injection with a dermal filler containing hyaluronic acid. According to a study published in the February issue of the Archives of Dermatology, the dermal filler Restylane appears to stimulate production of collagen. A dermatologist should administer the injection.
8. Consider microdermabrasion treatments. The deep peel caused by microdermabrasion stimulates the fibroblasts and collagen production. At-home microdermabrasion kits can be purchased, but if you prefer to be pampered while receiving the treatment, make an appointment for a microdermabrasion treatment at a day spa.
9. Try laser treatments. Laser sends rays of light deep into the skin and tricks it into believing it has been damaged. This process starts the skin's natural healing process and stimulates the cells to produce collagen. A single treatment can produce results for up to three months. The number and frequency of treatments you will need depends on your skin type and what kind of laser is used. Laser treatments are performed under the direction of a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
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