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Topical Actives That Actually Stimulate Collagen
Supplements are the best way to supply collagen peptides to your skin as topically applied collagen have large size that can’t penetrate through the skin
Once you’ve got your supplement to promote your natural collagen levels, if you’re still looking for ways to aid your collagen production, there are excellent skincare ingredients that may help stimulate collagen production topically.
Starting internally is still your best way, but these will help your skin along in the process.
1. Retinol
“Retinol, the active form of vitamin A in the body, and especially retinoic acid, work to increase cell turnover, build collagen, improve discoloration, hydrate skin, and reduce acne by replenishing the body of vitamin A,” says Engleman. She also notes that retinoic acid can connect almost any skin cell receptor site and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell. If you’re new to retinol, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist before using, as some might find it too irritating. For a natural, more gentle version, try bakuchiol. Research shows that it encourages skin to act in similar ways as retinol, increasing cell turnover and collagen production.
3. Vitamin C
Then there’s the other go-to for collagen production: vitamin C. “Collagen synthesis relies on vitamin C, so I always recommend a topical vitamin C antioxidant serum,” Robinson says. “Vitamin C supports the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, and it defends against damage that may expedite a further breakdown of collagen.” Vitamin C is also great for decreasing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and helps improve the overall appearance of the skin.
3. Glycolic acid
Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says along with retinol and vitamin C, you may also consider certain hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. “Glycolic acid creates a wound-healing response that stimulates new collagen,” Zeichner says, It’s also a great ingredient to tackle stubborn acne.
Once you’ve got your supplement to promote your natural collagen levels, if you’re still looking for ways to aid your collagen production, there are excellent skincare ingredients that may help stimulate collagen production topically.
Starting internally is still your best way, but these will help your skin along in the process.
1. Retinol
“Retinol, the active form of vitamin A in the body, and especially retinoic acid, work to increase cell turnover, build collagen, improve discoloration, hydrate skin, and reduce acne by replenishing the body of vitamin A,” says Engleman. She also notes that retinoic acid can connect almost any skin cell receptor site and tell it to behave like a healthy, younger skin cell. If you’re new to retinol, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dermatologist before using, as some might find it too irritating. For a natural, more gentle version, try bakuchiol. Research shows that it encourages skin to act in similar ways as retinol, increasing cell turnover and collagen production.
3. Vitamin C
Then there’s the other go-to for collagen production: vitamin C. “Collagen synthesis relies on vitamin C, so I always recommend a topical vitamin C antioxidant serum,” Robinson says. “Vitamin C supports the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, and it defends against damage that may expedite a further breakdown of collagen.” Vitamin C is also great for decreasing the appearance of hyperpigmentation and helps improve the overall appearance of the skin.
3. Glycolic acid
Board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., says along with retinol and vitamin C, you may also consider certain hydroxy acids like glycolic acid. “Glycolic acid creates a wound-healing response that stimulates new collagen,” Zeichner says, It’s also a great ingredient to tackle stubborn acne.