The 5 Best Things You Can Do to Stimulate Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is a part of many roles and functions, working to promote wellbeing and boost our overall health. Here is a list of things you can do to stimulate collagen production to maintain a healthy body.

Find out what the best things you can do to stimulate collagen are today. Learn about what you can eat to boost collagen plus, check out what to avoid to protect the collagen you have!

What is Collagen 

As stated above, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, consisting of about 30%. Its main role is to provide structure, strengthen the skin, support the muscles and bones, and reinforce connective tissue. 

It is found in every part of your body, from your cardiovascular system to your bones, joints, and muscles. It also provides support in important cellular functions such as repairing tissue, immune response, cell communication, and muscle maintenance.

As we age, we start to naturally lose collagen. The collagen we do have can easily become damaged and fragmented. This causes some of the signs of aging on the skin, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. The reduction of collagen in the muscular and skeletal system is also what tends to lead to a decrease in strength and an increased risk of injury. Other factors that affect collagen include excessive drinking, smoking cigarettes, excessive exposure to sunlight, and a diet consisting of too many overly processed foods.

Luckily for us, there are things we can do to support collagen. Find out what they are right below.

The Best Things to Do to Stimulate Collagen

Without further ado here are the best things you can do to stimulate collagen production and help protect the collagen you currently have. It is important to do what we can in order to protect our health. Collagen is vital to many functions.

Use Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is very important for the production of collagen. Since the body cannot make vitamin C, we must consume it from other sources. This includes citrus such as oranges and grapefruit, Bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli. 

Another way to use vitamin C in order to stimulate collagen production is to apply it to the skin. Vitamin C serums penetrate deep into the tissue, meaning they can stimulate collagen production. The most effective form of vitamin C is L ascorbic acid, though this is also one of the most unstable forms. Other forms of vitamin C include ascorbyl palmitate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

Try Retinoids

Retinoids are a vitamin A derivative. They can be used to treat many skin issues such as acne, dark spots, and more. Retinoids are very effective in stimulating collagen production, which leads to a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. They have also been used to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and regulate the growth of skin cells.

Some retinoids include retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters. These are considered weaker, those stronger forms are available through the prescription of a doctor. This skincare ingredient is found in creams, gels, and serums, or can even be taken orally in some forms.

Boost Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that reduce oxidation caused by free radicals. Harmful free radicals have been linked to DNA damage and serious health conditions like diabetes and even cancer. Increasing your exposure to antioxidants can help stimulate collagen production as it protects the cells of your body. You can find antioxidants in many plant-based foods high in vitamins E and C. Other food products include green tea, berries, dark chocolate, and even coffee. 

Another way to use antioxidants is to apply them to the skin. Antioxidant-rich serums may contain helpful vitamins that can directly protect the surface of the skin and the collagen found there.

Eat Ginseng

Jensen is a relatively new compound that has been found to be very beneficial in stimulating the production of collagen within the skin. It is a plant used for thousands of years with a wide variety of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it very beneficial in protecting skin cells.

One study, in particular, found that red Jensen was beneficial in supporting the structure of collagen and improving the elasticity of the skin. Jensen can be found in supplements and taken as a tea, or it can be found in skincare products and directly applied to the skin.

Experiment with Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is an ingredient that is a chemical exfoliant, working to reduce the dead skin cells on the surface. It can be used to treat acne, and hyperpigmentation, and can reduce the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Glycolic acid also penetrates deeply, and some studies show that it can boost collagen production and increase the overall moisture of the skin. Remember not to overdo it with chemical exfoliants, as using too much exfoliation can actually lead to skin irritation and damage.

What to Avoid to Protect Collagen

Here is a quick list of things you should start avoiding in order to protect the current collagen that you have.

• Too much sunlight – exposure to too much UV radiation from the Sun can damage DNA and reduce collagen. It can even promote the destruction of collagen you currently have.
• Not resting – there are many benefits of sleep, some of which include repairing and restoring the body. Sleep is needed for the cells of the body to stay healthy, including collagen.
• Too much sugar – too much added sugar in the diet can cause inflammation. Inflammation leads to damage that can then reduce collagen.
• Drinking and smoking – drinking and smoking are habits that can cause stress, inflammation, and oxidative damage. All of these have a negative effect on collagen production.
• Avoiding the rainbow – avoiding fruits and vegetables can cause you to miss out on important nutrients that are vital to wellness. Be sure you are eating a variety of colors of vegetables and fruits in order to consume all the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants you need to support your body.

The Takeaway

Collagen is needed in order for our body to feel good. It is the most abundant protein, involved in many crucial roles and functions throughout the body. That is why it is important for us to do things that can help stimulate collagen production and support the collagen we currently have. Experiment with different kinds of skincare and start eating foods that can help promote and stimulate collagen production effectively. Try to avoid excessive drinking, smoking, and too much sugar in the diet. Be sure to rest enough and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Remember that health comes from within. Eat nutritious food, exercise when you can, and take care of your mental health. Daily habits become the building blocks for emotional, mental, and physical health. Take care of your gut health too! Learn everything you need to know about gut microbiota today for free here.