Collagen production

Wrinkles are caused by various inevitable factors like exposure to the sun and pollution. These break down the collagen in your skin. This is why you see wrinkles in the mirror. And of course age is a major factor. The older you get, the less collagen you produce. This means your skin gets thinner, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging of the skin.

Here are some great tips to prevent wrinkles and saggy loose skin before they start forming!

1. Try Retinoids: The ultimate secret to collagen production

Retinol or retinoids are derived from Vitamin A. They regulate collagen production majorly. Many studies show that up to 12 weeks of regular retinoid usage shows massive improvements in wrinkles, sagging skin and other signs of ageing. 

2. Bakuchoii: A retinoid alternative

If you have sensitive skin, retinoids can be too harsh to use. Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to a retinol/retinoid, and it functions similarly to retinols to improve and boost collagen production in ageing skin. 

3. Vitamin C to protect existing collagen

Slather on a vitamin C serum in the morning. Vitamin C is the ultimate antioxidant. It protects existing collagen in your skin against sun and UV damage, alongside triggering and stabilising collagen production. 

4. Load up on Peptides

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. They are called the building blocks of proteins. Peptides improve firmness and promote the formation of collagen in skin, preventing signs of ageing and wrinkles. 

5. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!

Apart from protecting you from skin cancer and other skin damages caused by the sun, sunscreen is vital for keeping your skin soft, smooth and bouncy!

UV damage is a major factor for causing fine lines and wrinkles in ageing skin. But its never too late to start using it regularly as you can prevent further damage. 

6. More SUNSCREEN!

The effects of Sunscreen only last for a couple of hours. Yes, it is important to use it every morning as a part of your daily routine, but it is equally important to keep reapplying it throughout your day, especially if you work outdoors or have a day out in the sun.

7. Protect the skin beyond your face!

Any products you use to prevent ageing including retinoids and sunscreen, you must also use them below the face including neck, chest, arms and back. Wrinkles, skin sagging and fine lines don’t just occur on your face! In fact, signs of ageing are more noticeable in these areas. 

8. Take internal collagen supplements

Collagen supplements are available as powders, capsules and drinks. Including these in your diet means improving skin elasticity, density and hydration from the inside.

9. Eat a lot of lean protein

Include high-protein foods containing amino acids in your diet. Proteins and amino acids are critical for collagen production, Lean protein sources include fish, seafood, skinless chicken breast, and lean cuts of beef and pork.

10. Try to avoid sugar

Sugar increases the formation of AGE. That's short for advanced glycation end products. These break down collagen in the skin and promote the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. So try to avoid sugar in your diet as much as possible.

11. Eat natural produce

It’s no news that including fresh fruits and vegetables have a big range of benefits including preventing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Healthy, smooth and plump skin is a part of this list!  Fresh produce prevents the formation of free radicals in the skin that damage collagen, along with providing nutrients and vitamins to help with glowing skin

12. Avoid sun exposure with hats!

Hats can be a great fashion statement for men, but they can also shield your face and scalp from UV damage.

13. Sunglasses are your new best friend

UV damage to the skin around the eyes can cause wrinkles called crows feet. You don’t need to invest in a fancy pair of sunglasses. Any cheap pair that has wrap around sides will do.

14. Drop those cigarettes!

Smoking can not only literally kill you, but it also decreases oxygen and blood flow to the skin. The free radicals that form in your skin can also break down collagen and cause thinner, dull skin. So stop smoking to stop ageing! 

15. Get a chemical peel

Chemical peels use acids like glycolic acid that literally peel away the top layers of your skin and boost collagen production. There are mild at home options if you do not want to go to a dermatologist and avoid long downtimes. Chemical peels resurface, tone and even out your skin and help with dark spots and fine lines

16. Talk to your dermatologist

Your dermatologist can determine whether procedures like microneedling, lasers etc are suitable options for your ageing skin. Medical treatments are highly effective in reducing the signs of ageing significantly and boosting collagen production. 

17. Destress and relax

Don’t stress! Stress disables the body to repair and heal itself. It is a massive factor in skin ageing according to research. Use effective de-stressing techniques and try to relax! Stress can do you no good

18. Maintain an active lifestyle

Physical activity can not only be a great way to relieve stress and tone your body, but it can also keep your body, mind, and skin young. 

19. Don’t drink too much!

Alcohol speeds up ageing by breaking down collagen. It also damages your body's immune system making it more prone to damage from pollution, sun damage and other factors. 

20. Don't skip your beauty sleep!

Your body heals and repairs itself while you sleep. Sleeping boosts collagen renewal and allows your body to reset and refresh, preventing signs of ageing and wrinkles. Also, what better way to bust some stress other than catching a few winks of sleep?