A Dermal Clinician on the Best Ways to Preserve Collagen
Yads Cauchi is a Dermal Clinician, Nutritionist (BHSc, MSc) and Beauty Journalist. She's also a mum of four. Evidence based skin health and nutrition are her thing and she works from her own skin clinic based in Canberra - you can find her there, or on Instagram and TikTok @yadscauchiskin.
Collagen is the secret weapon behind firm, youthful skin— have you ever seen a baby’s plump skin up close?
That’s collagen.
It’s a structural protein that keeps skin firm and resilient, kind of like scaffolding that holds everything together.
Although, here’s the thing… from our mid-20s, we start losing about 1% of our collagen every year which means every year we move further and further away from that plump/juicy face we once had as kids.
This leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and obviously a loss of skin elasticity over time.
Sun exposure, stress, sugar, and even lifestyle habits can also speed up that breakdown.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom.
There are plenty of ways to protect and boost collagen production, which is something you want to be doing to ensure long term skin health - and as a dermal clinician I can safely say that with the right skincare ingredients, lifestyle habits and in-clinic treatments, small tweaks can = a big difference.
The Top Causes of Collagen Breakdown.
Firstly, apart from ageing what causes collagen breakdown?
- UV exposure: Sun damage is the leading cause of collagen breakdown. UV rays trigger enzymes that degrade collagen and accelerate skin aging - hence why SPF and staying out of the sun is mandatory in the fight against collagen loss.
- Sugar and glycation: Excess sugar binds to collagen through a process called glycation, making it stiff and brittle, which leads to wrinkles and loss of elasticity over time. There’s no need to cut it out altogether, but it’s important to eat sugar mindfully.
- Stress and cortisol: Chronic stress does a lot of damage to the skin, but in re. to collagen it raises cortisol levels, which can inhibit collagen production and contribute to thinner, weaker skin over time.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep all impair the skin’s ability to repair and produce collagen meaning this can really speed up the visible signs of ageing.
How to Boost and Preserve Collagen.
Topical Skincare:
- SPF: Again with the protection! This has to be the most important collagen-preserving product in your routine (coupled with staying out of the sun!)
- Retinoids & Peptides: Retinoids are the gold standard for stimulating collagen. It’s so important to find one right for your skin and peptides will encourage your skin to keep producing more collagen on its own.
Try:
Societe Intense Firming Complex 30ml - a collagen boosting peptide complex. You can use this when you’re pregnant and/or combine it with a retinoid.
Cosmedix Elite Refine Rx- is a potent retinoid that boosts collagen production and fights fine lines and wrinkles.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant will prevent collagen breakdown by neutralising free radicals and support collagen synthesis, especially when you pair it with your SPF in the morning. The key is finding the right derivative for your skin.
Try:
Societe Triple C Vitamin Therapy Serum - this vitamin C is a little bougie, but worth it as it caters for a lot of skins. Also formulated with peptides for an added age management boost.
- Exfoliating acids (AHA’S glycolic and lactic): Yes these ingredients stimulate collagen production by accelerating cell turnover and triggering the skin’s natural repair process! Overuse will do the complete opposite though, but a little gentle exfoliation is beneficial for most skins.
Try:
Cosmedix Elite Rx Clean - a gentle way to incorporate a little lactic acid daily for the skins that can. Or when you feel a little dull and need a boost.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment 100ml - is one of Australia’s most loved glycolic acid formulas. Best swiped on the skin a few times a week.
- Growth Factors: These are great, more advanced actives that signal skin to repair and regenerate plus boost collagen production. Great as a cherry on top to a skincare routine for anyone wanting more.
Try:
Osmosis Skincare StemFactor Growth Factor Serum 30ml - this serum contains over 600 growth factors and is designed to target all aspects of age management.
Myth busting note: Products marketed to include “collagen” don’t actually add collagen to your skin. The collagen molecules in these creams are too large to penetrate deeply, so they can’t directly boost collagen production. However, these creams can still hydrate and temporarily plump the skin, giving it a smoother appearance. Just a handy thing to know!
Another great ingredient for helping with skin elasticity? Peptides! Listen to the Beauty IQ Expert episode below to find more...
Best In-Clinic Treatments for Collagen Production.
There are so many ways to boost collagen production via in clinic treatments! That’s why they’re there, and the older we get the more we need them.
Microneedling: is everywhere and very popular. This treatment creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin that trigger the skin’s wound-healing response to produce fresh collagen and elastin.
Laser Treatments: Fractional lasers like Clear + Brilliant, and Fraxel create microscopic columns of thermal injury in the skin, stimulating collagen production while leaving surrounding tissue intact for faster healing. It’s great for improving texture, fine lines, pigmentation, and overall skin rejuvenation!
Chemical Peels: are also great as they accelerate cell turnover and encourage collagen renewal and strengthen the skin’s structure.
Side note: You can overdo collagen stimulating treatments! Excessive treatments, such as frequent microneedling or laser therapies, can lead to inflammation, or even damage, ultimately hindering the collagen production process. It’s important to give your skin some time to heal and regenerate between treatments for best results.
Try: Societe Rejuvenating Peptide Mask - 5pc or the Societe Eye Peptide Mask - 10 pieces post-treatment. Both great at healing the skin using peptides that can support collagen production.
Lifestyle Habits for Long-Term Collagen Health.
Sleep: Prioritising deep sleep is essential for collagen health, this is when the body undergoes significant repair and regeneration during the sleep cycle.
Stress management: Chronic stress can also lead to elevated cortisol levels, which accelerates the breakdown of collagen and negatively affects skin elasticity. I know it sounds woo woo but managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, or relaxation techniques can help protect collagen and is so beneficial for overall health.
Adequate protein intake: Protein and amino acids are the building blocks of collagen, making them essential for skin health and repair so we need to make sure we’re eating enough. A diet rich in high-quality protein sources can help support collagen production and will ensure the skin remains firm, smooth, and resilient over time!
The Best Strategy for Long-Term Skin Health.
The best way to preserve and increase collagen in the skin naturally is always going to combine the right skincare, lifestyle habits and in clinic treatments.
Remember, SPF, retinoids, vitamin C and peptides are king, while injuring our skin (safely) in clinic is going to keep skin health in check.
However, we can’t ignore our lifestyle. It’s so important to prioritise sleep, manage stress and eat balanced, because at the end of the day not only will this support the skin’s natural collagen production but it will help you feel really good as well!
Catch up on more of Yad's expert advice in the articles below:
