Skincare Ingredients that Top Up Your Collagen

Collagen is the foundation of healthy skin. It's what gives skin its plumpness, its vibrancy, and its youth. 

In recent years, it's become something of a buzzword in the beauty industry with collagen supplements and skincare formulas filling virtual and physical shelves.

But before you stock up on collagen-infused serums, masks, and lotions, try making use of some of the industry's most powerful collagen-stimulating ingredients that'll help rebuild and strengthen the structure of the skin. 

When selecting skincare products, these are the skincare ingredients that aid collagen production.

Retinoids

Retinol is famous for its ability to enhance collagen levels in the skin. That's why you'll most commonly find it in anti-aging oils and creams. 

"Some of my favorite collagen-stimulating ingredients are retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives such as adapalene," says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to consider bakuchiol, a gentler alternative with similar fine line-fading effects. Try Rainbow's Glow Serum, which is made with a blend of bakuchiol and glycolic acid to illuminate, exfoliate, and fight free radical damage.

Vitamin C

"Topical vitamin C in the form of L-ascorbic acid with concentrations between five and 15 per cent is proven to have an anti-aging effect by inducing enzymes important for the production of collagen," explains Dr. Sonia Khorana, a GP with special interest in dermatology.

Adding this skin brightening antioxidant into your skincare routine supports and enhances the entire collagen boosting process.

Try Rainbow's Smooth Bundle. Inside, you'll find a face mask and serum formulated with vegan collagen and vitamin C, which join forces to protect skin from free radicals while thickening the dermis to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids

AHAs and BHAS help to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, offer gently exfoliation. According to the derms, these chemical exfoliants used regularly can help boost collagen production by causing skin cells to think the skin is damaged. As a result, the cells try to repair the skin, thus producing more collagen.

Try Rainbow's Tighten Bundle, a face mask and serum infused with AHAs and red microalgae. This duo spur on the shedding of old, dead skin cells and boost collagen production for fresher, firmer skin.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide (or vitamin B3) is often used in five per cent concentration as an anti-aging ingredient. According to research, niacinamide increases dermal collagen production and enhances skin elasticity. In other words, niacinamide can be very helpful in delaying and treating signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and dark spots.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is responsible for maintaining moisture in the skin and keeping it plump and supple. Studies show that using hyaluronic acid-infused products not only help hydrate the skin but promote collagen production, thereby delaying the aging process.

You will find hyaluronic acid in Rainbow's Hydrate Bundle. Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid work seamlessly together in this Hydrate Mask and Serum Booster duo to moisturize, plump, and regenerate damaged skin cells for a healthy, glowing complexion.

Peptides

Peptides are the building blocks of protein. They can be found in every cell and tissue of the body. Their role? To instruct the body to produce more collagen. Different peptides work differently, but they are all a must-have for your overall skin health. 

Thanks to their ability to boost collagen molecules in the skin, peptides can restore elastin in the skin and prevent skin aging. You will find peptides in a slew of skincare products ranging form cleansers to toners, serums to lotions. They'll help keep your skin soft and springy.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that's widely used in anti-aging products. Research shows it helps shield the skin from sun damage at a cellular level while simultaneously healing sun damage by fighting sun exposure-induced oxidative stress.

With regards to collagen, vitamin E prevents damage from free radicals generated by oxidative stress. 

Sunscreen

While sunscreen isn't technically a skincare ingredient, it should not be missed in anyone's skincare routine -- but especially those looking for a collagen boost. That's be UV ray exposure initiates oxidative stress which depletes collagen in the skin. And less collagen means less bounciness to the skin. Wear SPF 30 every day whenever you leave the house and top up throughout the day to stay protected!

PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS FOR COLLAGEN STIMULATION

Besides skincare ingredients, certain non-invasive treatments used in clinics can be effective for boost collagen levels. Here are the best rated methods.

Laser

"Lasers can also be used for collagen stimulation," explains Dr. Sophie Shotter, skin and aesthetics expert, and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic. "Generally speaking, the best results will come from resurfacing lasers when looking to promote collagen production for treating acne scarring, for example."

Speak to your dermatologist to discuss this treatment.

LED

According to the derms, LED is another effective treatment for elevating collagen levels. That's because LED uses near-infrared light to stimulate the fibroblast cells within the skin. Best of all, it is completely non-invasive and pain-free. 

Microneedling and Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is a powerful collagen-stimulating treatment. Combining radiofrequency and microneedling involves firing tiny needles into the skin which transmit radiofrequency, heats the tissues, and ultimately doubles collagen levels. It's an excellent option for those desperate for a major collagen boost and lacking the patience to wait for their skincare products to kick in.

To get the best results from these collagen-boosting skincare ingredients, make sure you incorporate them into your daily skincare routine. If you're not using one or more of the above daily, you won't see the effects you seek.

When it comes to skincare, consistency is essential. Unless you stick to your routine and make a habit out of using collagen-enhancing ingredients every day, you won't get the smooth, youthful skin that accompanies a collagen boost.

If you decide to opt for an in-office treatment, make sure you book with a licensed professional who has at least several years' experience. Always do your research!