Collagen is that precious stuff that makes up approximately one-third of our body’s protein. It is responsible for boosting the elasticity in our skin, which is what keeps us looking supple and plump. Not only does collagen keep our skin looking healthy, it also offers incredible joint and gut-health benefits too. Unfortunately, collagen production declines as we age, which is why we start to develop fine-lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.
It’s safe to say that we want to preserve our natural collagen production at all costs, and also boost it as best we can, because let’s be real, who doesn’t want to give their skin a hand in stopping sagging skin? But the question is how to boost collagen production without wasting your time (and money) on products and procedures that just don’t work.
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Here are our top 5 ways to boost collagen production.
Facial Massage
Facial massage is one of the best known tricks to helping our body’s natural production of collagen. Stimulating our facial muscles through facial massage will help to oxygenise our skin, increasing the blood flow to our face. Blood flow is essential for the collagen production process, so the more you focus on facial massage the more collagen your facial skin is going to produce!
bh loves: Nutrimetics Jade Roller
Collagen creams
Collagen based face creams are a really important way to give your skin a collagen boost every day. But there are so many options available that deciding on one that actually works and isn’t just an expensive gimmick can be tricky. Look out for creams with active ingredients, and try and avoid using ones with collagen as a molecule – it has been proven that these do not absorb into the skin as well as you would need for them to have an impact. The best creams to look out for are ones that encourage collagen production, containing ingredients like retinol, peptides and hydroxy acid (if you’re pregnant consult your GP before using any collagen creams).
bh loves: Dr LeWinn’s Reversaderm Collagen Accelerator Serum, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery, Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
Collagen Boosting Foods
Research has found that some foods that are high in antioxidants can really help boost collagen production. Get these foods into your diet regularly to start surging your body with extra collagen, or prevent your body from collagen breakdown!
- Fish – high in omega-3 fatty acids, fish will help ease inflammation in your body. Since inflammation can promote collagen breakdown, fish is the perfect way to counteract this.
- Bone broth – While most food contain antioxidants to help produce collagen, bone broth actually contains a form of collagen that our bodies can use straight away. This is highly recommended for collagen production from experts.
- Berries – They’re high in vitamin C, which is known to bring certain amino acids together, which essentially creates collagen formation.
Collagen supplement
Collagen or collagen promoting vitamins or ingredients can also be ingested via supplement form. Supplements containing omega-3, vitamin C, or just plain collagen supplements in tablet or powder form will help the production of collagen in your body, even if you aren’t getting the correct source of proteins through your diet.
bh loves: Skin Physics Collagen Beauty Booster, Abeeco Collagen + Keratin, Swisse Ultiboost Age protect
Red Light Therapy
LED light therapy is a form of phototherapy, used to increase blood flow, which as we know is key to stimulating collagen production. Frequent and consistent use of Red Light Therapy is a great way to boost your skin’s natural collagen production. You can even buy an at home affordable LED Light Therapy system, making it as simple as holding a light to your face while you watch TV!
bh loves: Skin Physics Photon LED Photo-Rejuvenation Starter Kit
