It’s a known fact that collagen is the cornerstone of firm, healthy skin. But with age, it starts to naturally break down within the body—not to mention the fact that things like a poor diet, the environment, smoking, sun exposure, and a lack of hydration contribute to collagen degradation, too. “Collagen is important for healthy skin all over the body because it provides skin with structure, thickness and pliability,” says New York dermatologist Anne Chapas, MD. These products and treatments help to boost collagen internally for better-looking skin.
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The Supplement
The reason why collagen-boosting supplements are a big business is because they flood the body with the nutrients it needs to jump-start the process of collagen synthesis from the inside out. Lumity ($115) is a four-week program that uses a mix of amino acids, omega fatty acids and herbs to make a noticeable difference in the texture of the skin.
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The Serum
Although the molecular size of collagen itself is too large to work its way deep within the skin to make a difference, products with retinol, peptides and growth factors, like Rodial Bee Venom Body Serum ($78) can produce new, healthy collagen.
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The At-Home Tool
The newest incarnation of microneedling is GloPRO Device with Body MicroTip Attachment ($245 total), an at-home tool that uses LED therapy. Using tiny needles—they feel like a light scratch on the skin—microscopic injuries are made that promote new collagen.
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The Treatment
Treatments offered at your doctor’s office work on the dermal layers of skin to really get collagen production going—it can take six months to see results. Chicago plastic surgeon Julius Few, MD says, “Radio-frequency treatments work best for creating new collagen.”
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The Collagen Food
Sakura Beauty Chocolates ($45) are a tasty and easy way to feed you body with what it needs to create new collagen. Loaded with plant-sourced collagen boosters, this organic treat smoothes, hydrates and soften skin in weeks.
