How To Restore Collagen In The Face: Effective Tips From Experts

As we noted, collagen is a structural protein naturally found in the body. There are several types of collagen, but types I, II, and III are the most common in the human body. Collagen is found in many areas of the body: skin, bone, cartilage, and muscle, with the purpose of helping tissues be simultaneously more firm, elastic, and withstand stretching.* So, for example, it keeps skin looking young and supple.* For a full explainer on the role of collagen in the body, check out our guide, which dives into the details more thoroughly.   

Here's the good part: Your body makes its own supply of collagen via fibroblasts (assuming the amino acid building blocks are present from your diet). Essentially, these cells take amino acids (the constituents of protein) that we ingest and then turns them into protein. 

The bad part is that this process slows over time. "Our bodies always balance collagen production and degradation," says board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York about collagen decline. "When we are young, our bodies produce more collagen than we break down. That balance tips the wrong way with age since tissue regeneration decreases." 

As a snapshot of collagen production in your life, we actually see the process peak in your 20s. Then at some point in that precious decade, the decline begins. The exact point is different for everyone, but typically mid- to late 20s is a good bet. After that, your collagen declines at a steady rate of 1% per year, every year. For those who go through menopause, collagen takes another drop during that time: They experience a 30% drop in collagen during that time frame, and then that stabilizes to an about 2% decline every year thereafter. 

Additionally, your collagen can also take a hit from natural lifestyle factors like UV exposure, stressors, and diet. 

Now that you've been briefed on why you should pay attention to your natural collagen levels, let's look into the ways in which you can enhance them. As an overview, there are several routes to take when it comes to collagen support—and, as always, we recommend taking care of your skin from all angles.* 

Collagen supplements have become a popular tool for skin health and longevity.* They're made of collagen peptides, or short-chain amino acids, that are more easily absorbed by the body.* Once absorbed, they are able to travel around the body, exerting their beneficial effects: Research shows they are able to enhance your body's own collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts, those same cells that make collagen and elastin to begin with.* 

With skin, you might expect results like better hydration, smoother skin, and improved skin quality.* For example, clinical research has shown that collagen can support skin elasticity and potentially make fine lines appear smaller.* And a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that participants' moisture levels in the skin were seven times higher than those who did not take collagen supplements.*

Of course, not all collagen supplements are created equal. It's imperative that you find a quality manufacturer that is transparent about their sourcing, excipients, amino acid profile, and the amount of collagen actually in the product. 

Additionally, there are other nutrients you can take that support your collagen production through other pathways. While this isn't an exhaustive list, here are some of the most efficient options to look for: