Why collagen is your skin's holy grail and how you can you boost its production naturally

Research shows that collagen is a key ingredient for skin health as it helps build a healthier skin barrier while also strengthening the hair, nails and bones. The result of optimum collagen within the body is healthy, glowing and supple skin. Today, the market is saturated with collagen-based products; from collagen-boosting complexes to supplements. The body decreases collagen production, typically around the mid-20s, which causes us to rely on collagen-boosting products. But is there a way to naturally boost collagen production within the body? HELLO! asked the experts. Dr Kavita Payyar, an aesthetic physician from New York City who has a new practice in Mumbai's Kemps Corner, weighs in, "Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 75% of our skin’s structure. It gives skin its firmness, elasticity, and youthful glow." When it comes to what collagen offers for the skin, Dr Payyar adds, "Collagen offers numerous benefits for the skin, making it an essential component in maintaining a youthful appearance. It helps improve skin elasticity and firmness, which in turn reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances skin hydration, promoting a smoother and plumper texture. Additionally, it supports the skin’s natural healing process and plays a key role in overall skin regeneration."

Dr. Meghna Mour, the Chief Dermatologist and Hair Transplant surgeon and co-founder of Skuccii Supercliniq, speaks about its importance, saying, "Collagen is a scaffolding structure that makes skin firm and youthful-looking. With time and environmental factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and stress, naturally, collagen reduces, and wrinkles, sagging, and dullness occur." As we age, collagen reduces, leaving skin dull and making it more vulnerable to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For this, the skin needs to produce more collagen, but can we? According to Dr. Mour, it's possible. "Collagen can be naturally supported through a healthy diet, good hydration, regular sleeping habits, and sun protection," she explains. To boost more collagen, we also need to avoid inflammatory lifestyle choices, for instance, "smoking and excessive sugar consumption need to be avoided as much as possible to delay collagen breakdown and maintain its natural production," she adds. 

There are certain ways to boost collagen, naturally, by making healthy food habits and curbing habits that risk long-term collagen production, by using topical skincare, oral supplements and lastly, by method of treatments. "Foods that contain high levels of vitamin C, amino acids, zinc, and antioxidants are particularly beneficial," says Dr Mour. Foods like oranges, lemons, leafy greens, bone broth, eggs, lean fish, meats, berries, nuts and seeds, tomatoes and bell peppers are a gold mine for collagen. "They are great sources of vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids or have lycopene, which is protective of collagen," she informs. 

When it comes to treatments, HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Thread Lifts and Radiofrequency are ideal to boost collagen, as recommended by Dr. Hina Mukadam, Dermatologist at Luna Clinic. "These are powerful tools which help in making skin more elastic. They help in boosting collagen and lending tighter skin with a reduction in the appearances of wrinkles." Dr. Spoorthy Nagineni, a Consultant Dermatologist at Zennara Clinics in Hyderabad, says, "the best way to boost collagen is to do in-clinic procedures like carbon dioxide laser, micro-needling with or without radio-frequency, skin boosters, and PDRN."

"The best way to boost collagen is through a comprehensive approach that includes both internal support and external stimulation. Oral supplements, particularly hydrolysed collagen peptides, are among the most effective forms. When paired with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, they can significantly improve skin texture and elasticity over 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use," believes Dr Payyar.  Coming to skincare, it’s very important to use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. "A water and sweat-resistant sun block that has PA+++,  Vitamin C and topical retinol helps in stimulating the collagen content of your skin," says Dr Nagineni.

Eat and treat your way to healthier, and plumper-looking skin by using a combination of food, supplements, skincare and treatments to boost more collagen and achieve better skin elasticity.   

Edited by Dayle Pereira