By Kendall Farr, Licensed Esthetician, SPADA Skincare
In treatments, clients will frequently ask about the most important things they can be doing every day to improve their skin. My answer? Aside from having a daily routine- cleansing, applying toning mist, and moisture – that supports your skin type and condition, the most important thing you can do is to help your skin stimulate new collagen production. And then, use active ingredients that will support and maintain those stores of collagen.
What is Collagen Exactly?
Referred to as ‘the skin’s scaffolding’, collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and the main component of our connective tissues, giving them strength and resiliency. But the older we get, the less collagen our bodies produce. And the quality of our collagen degrades as we age. Unfortunately, this process starts in our 20’s. Environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution along with lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, and a lack of sleep all contribute to slower, weaker collagen production and damage to existing collagen fibers. Ultimately, when the skin starts losing more collagen than it’s making, its underlying structure starts to break down. Think of it like springs inside a mattress: as the springs give out, the whole mattress becomes uneven, less firm, and less bouncy. Increased collagen production makes the most visible impact on your skin’s firmness and texture.
First, Produce New Collagen. Everyday.
What activates collagen production? For a start, using active ingredients – like Vitamin C and Vitamin A- that stimulate your fibroblastic cells. Think of fibroblast stimulation as the ‘on-switch’ for collagen and elastin synthesis.
Vitamin C Is Key.
Vitamin C is the vital, active ingredient in the production of collagen. Without Vitamin C, the body can’t form collagen, making this antioxidant an essential factor in collagen synthesis.
Use a Vitamin C serum each morning to protect your skin from free radicals in the environment and in pollution. Free radicals break down collagen fibers and Vitamin C helps create stronger, better-quality collagen while it increases its volume. This is essential in any collagen boosting routine. Vitamin C is as necessary to your skincare routine as SPF. And the serum’s formulation matters. G.M. Collin Vital C 15 Serum is a daily defender with a synergy of 15% L -Ascorbic acid plus multi-peptides that super charge collagen production and visibly improve skin elasticity and overall skin tone. Especially here in SWFL – where the sun’s burn rate is less than 20 minutes, for most – think of Vitamin C as a non-negotiable protective and active ingredient to include in your daily routine along with SPF. They function entirely as vital partners in your skin protection.
Use SPF Daily.
No need to alert the media here. We all know that using SPF is a daily essential for healthy skin. But did you know that sun abuse degrades collagen fibers? Protect your skin every day from both sun and free radical assault with an SPF. You are protecting those valuable collagen stores stimulated by daily Vitamin C serum use.
Choose sun protection that is formulated with 100 % mineral filters – meaning a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection. G.M. Collin SPF 45 Tinted Sunscreen is a new, broad-spectrum screen designed to blend easily with the skin, thanks to a universal tint.
Use Retinol in the PM.
Retinol – Vitamin A – stimulates rapid cell turnover. But it also revs up your fibroblastic cell growth and collagen synthesis while it reduces the level of your collagen’s structural breakdown. A total win, easy to use, and all while you sleep. Use a retinol night cream to accelerate your skin’s nighttime repair and renewal. Try G.M. Collin Retinol Advanced + Night Cream. It has a time released formulation that works to improve skin texture without the redness and irritation associated with retinols. Read more about retinol here.
Second, Preserve Collagen.
By the age of 30 we produce 1% less collagen every year. Again, the daily environmental culprits like pollution, diet and sun exposure all contribute to our skin’s collagen degradation. Enter the power of serums and advanced, targeted treatments.
Targeted serums are designed to direct specific actions in the skin through deep penetration to the cellular level of the skin known as the dermis. In the case of collagen protection, you want a serum that will preserve and strengthen the collagen and elastin you have. G.M. Collin Collagen Supreme Serum is formulated to prolong collagen’s lifecycle, deliver intense hydration, and visibly reduce wrinkles as it restores skin suppleness and elasticity.
Targeted clinical treatments are one of the most effective, progressive ways of promoting collagen protection along with improving the condition of the skin overall. Exclusive to G.M. Collin, The Collagen 90 + Facial has a unique combination of a pure lyophilized native collagen pellicle applied to the face with an intensive soluble collagen complex. This power pairing infuses collagen into the skin to deliver visible wrinkle reduction in just one treatment. Again, skin improvements are always progressive, so a series of treatments is recommended.
Lifestyle Tweaks
The right skincare products, used every day and every night, are critical. Consistency is key along with a few simple lifestyle adjustments that can support your skin’s collagen supply. It can all add up to noticeable (yes, as in right away) changes to your skin’s health and radiance.
Get Some Sleep
Since collagen is synthesized while we sleep, getting enough sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. The impact of good sleep on collagen is huge.. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, people who consistently get less than the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night show increased signs of skin aging including reduced collagen production. In short, sleep well and make more collagen!
Go Easy on Refined Sugar
Whether from candy or metabolized alcohol, refined sugar damages collagen by breaking it down. Digested sugar molecules bond to collagen in the skin in a destructive process called glycation.
Add Foods Rich in Vitamin C To Your Diet
While topical Vitamin C serum can work wonders on the skin so does a diet rich in vitamin C. Dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, peppers, and berries are all collagen synthesizers.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Skin cells need water to regenerate and eliminate toxins. Dehydrated skin does not make collagen efficiently. Or glow.
Consistent daily care can mean the difference between skin that is healthy and vibrant and skin that looks dull and depleted. When it comes to targeted concerns like loss of collagen, this is where your esthetician can help you build a routine – in the treatment room and at home- that creates visible results. Book your next facial!