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The right skincare ingredients can help when it comes to collagen loss<\/a>. Our collagen production may naturally start to decrease in our mid- to late 20s, explains Morgan Rabach<\/a>, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Rabach Aesthetics<\/a>. When you add in air pollution, sun exposure, inflammation, stress, poor sleep, and other external factors that we might face, that\u2019s when collagen really weakens, and you\u2019ll start to notice those first signs of aging (e.g., fine lines, sagging skin, etc.). If you\u2019re not facing severe skin laxity that requires the more intense skin firming treatments, topical products will be your first line of defense.<\/p>\n \u201cUsing ingredients that support collagen improves skin quality over time,\u201d says Dr. Rabach. \u201cSupporting collagen will help improve hydration retention, skin texture, and firmness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.\u201d<\/p>\n New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King<\/a>, MD, agrees and says these ingredients work to protect the existing collagen in our skin and help create an environment where our collagen will function better. \u201cThey may reduce collagen breakdown caused by free radicals or inflammation, improve hydration and barrier health, support the skin matrix around collagen fibers, and help optimize skin repair processes,\u201d Dr. King explains.<\/p>\n So if you\u2019re looking for a skincare routine that\u2019s more collagen-focused, these are the eight best ingredients to look out for:<\/p>\n Retinoids<\/a> are one of the best ingredients when it comes to supporting collagen<\/a>, according to the experts. As Dr. Rabach explains it, they stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and improve our skin\u2019s thickness over time. They also reduce the enzymes that are known to degrade collagen as we get older. She says you can look to prescription retinoid options such as tretinoin and tazarotene, but recommends specifically looking for retinoids like retinol or adapalene.<\/p>\n For over-the-counter products, some retinoid options we love include Medik8\u2019s Crystal Retinal 1 Serum<\/a> or the A313 Vitamin A Pomade<\/a>. Dr. King recommends something like Mother Science\u2019s Retinol Synergist<\/a> if you have sensitive skin. Retinoids are powerful ingredients that are known to cause irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity to the sun, so experts say to use caution when incorporating them into your routine. Dr. King says you can turn to gentler products that include hydrating ingredients to offset those harsh reactions or look to ingredients such as bakuchiol<\/a>, which will give you retinol-like collagen-supportive benefits with less irritation.<\/p>\n Dr. King says antioxidants are important for defending collagen against the sun\u2019s harmful UV rays, pollution, and other environmental aggressors. And one of the best antioxidants to turn to is vitamin C<\/a>.<\/p>\n As Kevin Lamont Bachar<\/a>, RN, lead injector and founder of B. Beauty Medical Aesthetics<\/a>, explains it, vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis. \u201cWithout it, the body cannot form functional collagen properly,\u201d says Bachar. \u201cIt acts as a cofactor for the enzymes responsible for stabilizing and cross-linking collagen fibers\u2026[it] works to rebuild collagen while also protecting collagen.\u201d He recommends something like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum<\/a> or the Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum<\/a>.<\/p>\n As you may know by now, peptides are a go-to for optimal skin health, and they are especially crucial if you are looking to support and stimulate collagen<\/a>. Dr. King says copper peptides in particular have the added bonus of supporting wound healing. We love something like Medicube\u2019s PDRN Pink Peptide Serum<\/a> or SkinMedica\u2019s TNS Advanced+ Serum<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dr. King says that niacinamide works to reduce collagen degradation caused by inflammation and helps support<\/a> the skin barrier. Bachar agrees, adding that it stimulates dermal fibroblasts to increase collagen production, while also coming with many other benefits to keep skin super healthy. \u201c[It] is one of my favorite ingredients because it\u2019s versatile and generally very well-tolerated across different skin types and tones,\u201d he says. \u201c[It] strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, improves hydration, and brightens the skin, helping reduce hyperpigmentation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\nRetinoids<\/h2>\n
Vitamin C<\/h2>\n
Peptides<\/h2>\n
Niacinamide<\/h2>\n