The Tamesis
The right skin care ingredients can help reduce collagen loss. Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Rabach Aesthetics, explains that our collagen production may naturally begin to decrease in our 20s. When you add in air pollution, sun exposure, inflammation, stress, poor sleep quality, and other external factors we may face, collagen can really weaken and you’ll start to notice the first signs of aging (e.g. fine lines, sagging skin, etc.). If you are not facing severe skin laxity and require a more intense skin tightening treatment, topical products will be your first line of defense.
“Using collagen-supporting ingredients can improve skin quality over time,” says Dr. Labach. “Supporting collagen will help improve moisture retention, skin texture and firmness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees, saying these ingredients protect the existing collagen in our skin and help create an environment for our collagen to work better. “They reduce collagen breakdown caused by free radicals or inflammation, improve hydration and barrier health, support the skin matrix surrounding collagen fibers, and help optimize the skin repair process,” explains Dr. Kim.
So if you’re looking for a more collagen-focused skincare routine, here are eight of the best ingredients to look out for:
Retinoids
Experts say retinoids are one of the best ingredients for supporting collagen. As Dr. Rabach explains, they stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and improve the thickness of our skin over time. As we age, they also reduce enzymes known to degrade collagen. You can look for prescription retinoid options, such as tretinoin and tazarotene, she says, but recommends looking specifically for retinoids such as retinol or adapalene.
For over-the-counter products, some of our favorite retinoid options include Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 1 Serum or A313 Vitamin A Pomade. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. King recommends using a product like Mother Science’s Retinol Booster. Retinoids are powerful ingredients known to cause irritation, redness and increased sensitivity to the sun, so experts say be careful when incorporating them into your daily routine. Dr. King says you can turn to gentle products with moisturizing ingredients to counteract these irritation reactions, or look for ingredients like bakuchiol, which can give you collagen-supporting benefits similar to retinol while reducing irritation.
Vitamin C
Antioxidants are important for protecting collagen from the sun’s harmful UV rays, pollution and other environmental aggressors, Dr. King says. One of the best antioxidants is vitamin C.
As Kevin Lamont Bachar, RN, primary injectable and founder of B. Beauty Medical Aesthetics, explains, vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis. “Without it, the body cannot form functional collagen properly,” says Bachar. “It acts as a cofactor for the enzymes responsible for stabilizing and cross-linking collagen fibers…[it] Works to rebuild collagen while protecting it. ” He recommends products like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum or Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum.
peptide
You probably know by now that peptides are top of mind for optimal skin health, and they’re especially important if you’re looking to support and stimulate collagen. Dr. King says copper peptides in particular have the added benefit of supporting wound healing. We like Medicube’s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum or SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum.
Nicotinamide
Dr. King says niacinamide can reduce collagen degradation caused by inflammation and help support the skin barrier. Bachar agrees, adding that it stimulates dermal fibroblasts to increase collagen production, while also having many other benefits that keep skin super healthy. “[It] is one of my favorite ingredients because it’s so versatile and generally well tolerated by different skin types and complexions,” he says.”[It] Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, improves hydration, brightens skin and helps reduce pigmentation. “
