Collagen is an important bodily protein. It supports the cellular structure of internal organs, and more noticeably, skin. The human body produces new collagen every day, but as people age, collagen breaks down quicker than it is replenished. When collagen breaks down, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle. However, there are methods available to care for your skin's collagen content, helping it both last longer and replenish quicker.
Sunlight
According to an article in the "American Journal of Pathology," sunlight degrades collagen. So-called "photoaging" not only breaks down collagen, it also increases your risk for moles, skin spots and even certain cancers. To care for your skin's collagen, avoid tanning beds. Wear a UV-blocking sunscreen whenever you will be outside for more than 30 minutes at a time. With artificial tanning sprays and lotions, you can obtain a natural-looking tan without exposing yourself to UV rays.
Laser Therapy
You can care for bodily collagen by jump-starting natural collagen production. Ablative lasers destroy wrinkled epidermal skin layers while simultaneously heating the skin's deeper dermal layers. The Mayo Clinic explains that new, healthier epidermal skin will regrow. Additionally, an ablative laser triggers new collagen production in the heated dermal layers. Laser collagen treatments are expensive, costing several thousand dollars, but they are very effective at increasing natural collagen production.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin-based topical creams stimulate new collagen production for healthier skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Tretinoin creams are only available by prescription. For best results, the cream must be applied biweekly. Noticeable skin collagen improvement does not occur for two to six months. Commonly, patients experience burning and itching when the cream is first used, but these symptoms fade with time.
Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Topical alpha hydroxy acids help reverse skin shedding and collagen degradation. Alpha hydroxy acid is not as effective as prescription tretinoin, but it is safe and natural. Side effects may include burning and itching, though these are less common than with tretinoin creams. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many over-the-counter alpha hydroxy acid cream use natural sources of acid, including acids derived from milk, sugar cane, pears, apples, oranges, lemons and grapes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C skin care creams and lotions help protect your skin from sun damage, reducing swelling and boosting the skin's immune response. Because of its ability to treat UV damage, vitamin C promotes increased collagen production in many patients. A number of vitamin C lotions are available over the counter. Cellex-C, Physician Elite and Avon's Anew Formula C are all recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- "American Journal of Pathology"; Solar UV Irradiation Reduces Collagen in Photoaged Skin; T. Quan, T. He, S. Kang, J. J. Voorhees, G. J. Fisher; 2004.
- Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles -- Treatment and Drugs
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes -- Treatment
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