Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin, which gives it strength and ensures its suppleness and hydration.
Due to age and environmental factors, the level of endogenous collagen (naturally produced by the body) decreases, causing the skin to lose its radiance, elasticity, and strength.
Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and pollution, can break down collagen, thereby increasing the risk of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, with aging, collagen production decreases, and structural changes occur, leading to a weakening of the connection between different layers of the skin. Because the skin has less structural support, specific signs of the aging process become noticeable.
Collagen levels begin to decline after the age of 20, which is why, after this age, it is recommended to introduce ingredients that can stimulate the production of this protein into the daily routine. At the same time, lifestyle has a significant impact on collagen levels.
The interesting thing about collagen is that stimulating the production of this protein causes a domino effect. The higher the collagen level, the more capable the body is of producing and maintaining it.
Table of Contents
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body naturally produces. It is found especially in the eyes, joints, and skin. Hyaluronic acid has many uses and benefits, from boosting skin, eye, and joint health to accelerating wound healing.
One of the most important roles of hyaluronic acid for the skin is that it helps in collagen synthesis and retains a large capacity for water.
As with collagen, endogenous hyaluronic acid production decreases with age. However, hyaluronic acid is among the ingredients used in numerous skincare products, such as serums, masks, eye creams, moisturizers, and cleansers.
Once introduced into the skin care routine, these hyaluronic acid products help stimulate collagen production, which ensures skin firmness and elasticity and prevents the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an essential role in maintaining an optimal collagen level by preventing the inactivation of two key enzymes in collagen biosynthesis: lysyl hydroxylase (which provides structural strength) and prolyl hydroxylase (which stabilizes the collagen molecule).
Vitamin C actually has a dual role. On the one hand, collagen synthesis cannot occur without vitamin C. On the other hand, vitamin C contributes to increased collagen production.
Another important role of vitamin C is that it protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays and pollution, influence the body's collagen level and affect skin health.
Vitamin C is one of the ingredients used in skincare products, especially anti-aging ones.
Also, consuming foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the level of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body. Oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are among the foods with a high content of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the ingredients contained in the first beauty food supplement launched by Ivatherm.
Collagen Elastin – contains marine collagen and elastin peptides, L-lysine, an essential amino acid that contributes to the synthesis and stabilization of the collagen network, natural vitamin C from Acerola, which has strong antioxidant properties and contributes to collagen synthesis, and zinc, a mineral with an antioxidant role for the skin. Part of the IvaRG range, Ivatherm's food supplement visibly reduces wrinkles in 28 days.
Retinol
Research indicates that, when applied topically, retinol can help protect the skin from sunlight, preventing ultraviolet rays from breaking down collagen. At the same time, retinol increases elasticity, leaving the skin firm and radiant.
Retinol promotes cellular regeneration. The small molecules that make up retinol pass through the epidermis and penetrate the dermis, where they help neutralize free radicals, which translates into increased collagen production.
Because retinol supports cellular regeneration, skin cells reproduce at a faster rate, and thus collagen production also increases.
However, retinol can increase skin sensitivity, which is why not all skin types tolerate it.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol, contributing, to the same extent, to cell regeneration to accelerate collagen production, but without causing irritation. Therefore, bakuchiol is ideal, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Because it stimulates collagen production, bakuchiol reduces signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and firmness, and reduces the appearance of pores. Thus, the skin is smoother, with a younger appearance.
Granactive Retinoid
Granactive Retinoid (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) is a retinoid ester, being among the anti-aging ingredients that support cell regeneration. Like bakuchiol, Granactive Retinoid has a significantly lower irritation potential compared to retinol.
A state-of-the-art ingredient, Granactive Retinoid is better tolerated by the skin, having anti-aging effects as good as those of retinol. Because collagen production begins to decrease from the age of 20, Granactive Retinoid can be introduced into the skin care routine to stimulate the synthesis of this protein, thereby improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Granactive Retinoid helps restore skin elasticity, evens and brightens the complexion, without causing irritation.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally found in sugarcane, fruits, and milk. They are made up of water-soluble molecules and have two essential roles: they help maintain an optimal moisture level in the skin and exfoliate skin cells from the surface.
Alpha-hydroxy acids can help promote collagen production, thereby replacing old damaged fibers with new collagen fibers.
Glycolic acid is the best-known AHA acid. Due to the fact that it has the smallest molecule among all acids, it penetrates the deepest into the skin.
Glycolic acid supports the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and maintains the level of elastin. At the same time, glycolic acid prevents the breakdown of collagen fibers due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Niacinamide
The skin looks healthy and radiant due to its firmness and elasticity. However, the skin naturally begins to lose its elasticity with age, due to decreased collagen production.
Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is a popular ingredient in anti-aging products because it helps the skin stimulate collagen production. By preventing the loss of elastin molecules, the proteins that help the skin maintain its shape after stretching, niacinamide fights wrinkles. Research has shown that products with a niacinamide concentration of at least 5% are useful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles that appear with age and due to excessive sun exposure.
Niacinamide also helps form skin cells, while protecting them from environmental factors.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that contribute to the formation of proteins. They can penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and transmit signals that contribute to the natural production of important proteins for maintaining skin health.
Elastin, collagen, and keratin are proteins that provide skin structure and strength.
Collagen is a protein made up of three polypeptide chains, which is why including them in skincare products can contribute to stimulating collagen production.
At the same time, peptides also have the role of slowing down the degradation of collagen fibers in the skin.
With the help of such ingredients, the skin can maintain optimal collagen levels with age, so that the complexion has a young and healthy appearance.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has long been used for healing and soothing wounds. The reason it is an effective remedy is that Aloe vera helps increase collagen production when applied topically or even taken orally.
By stimulating cell growth, Aloe vera supports collagen production in the skin. Some research has shown that Aloe vera gel can slow down the skin aging process. At the same time, Aloe vera can help retain moisture and improve skin integrity.
Ginseng
The anti-aging effects of the ginseng plant have been well studied over time. Ginseng is absorbed into the skin without causing adverse reactions, being useful in protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays.
At the same time, ginseng can slow down the degradation process of collagen fibers, helping the skin maintain its firmness.
Because ginseng root contains vitamins D and B12, oxygen circulation is improved, which contributes to increased collagen production in the middle layer of the skin, namely in the dermis.
Ginseng is an ingredient used to reduce signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles), to support collagen production, and to reduce inflammation. Thanks to its properties, ginseng helps the skin maintain its youthful appearance.
Collagen plays a key role in maintaining skin health, and because the production of this protein decreases with age, measures are needed to prevent the degradation of collagen fibers and stimulate its production.
Not only the skincare routine is important to stimulate collagen production, but also the lifestyle.
Adopting a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, implementing a rest routine (specialists recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night), keeping stress levels under control, giving up vices (smoking, alcohol consumption), and avoiding environmental factors that can affect the skin (pollution, ultraviolet rays) are essential steps to support collagen synthesis and prevent the degradation of this protein.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
10 ingredients that support collagen production
Collagen is the main structural protein of the skin, which gives it strength and ensures its suppleness and hydration.
Due to age and environmental factors, the level of endogenous collagen (naturally produced by the body) decreases, causing the skin to lose its radiance, elasticity, and strength.
Environmental factors, such as sun exposure and pollution, can break down collagen, thereby increasing the risk of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, with aging, collagen production decreases, and structural changes occur, leading to a weakening of the connection between different layers of the skin. Because the skin has less structural support, specific signs of the aging process become noticeable.
Collagen levels begin to decline after the age of 20, which is why, after this age, it is recommended to introduce ingredients that can stimulate the production of this protein into the daily routine. At the same time, lifestyle has a significant impact on collagen levels.
The interesting thing about collagen is that stimulating the production of this protein causes a domino effect. The higher the collagen level, the more capable the body is of producing and maintaining it.
Table of Contents
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body naturally produces. It is found especially in the eyes, joints, and skin. Hyaluronic acid has many uses and benefits, from boosting skin, eye, and joint health to accelerating wound healing.
One of the most important roles of hyaluronic acid for the skin is that it helps in collagen synthesis and retains a large capacity for water.
As with collagen, endogenous hyaluronic acid production decreases with age. However, hyaluronic acid is among the ingredients used in numerous skincare products, such as serums, masks, eye creams, moisturizers, and cleansers.
Once introduced into the skin care routine, these hyaluronic acid products help stimulate collagen production, which ensures skin firmness and elasticity and prevents the appearance of wrinkles.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays an essential role in maintaining an optimal collagen level by preventing the inactivation of two key enzymes in collagen biosynthesis: lysyl hydroxylase (which provides structural strength) and prolyl hydroxylase (which stabilizes the collagen molecule).
Vitamin C actually has a dual role. On the one hand, collagen synthesis cannot occur without vitamin C. On the other hand, vitamin C contributes to increased collagen production.
Another important role of vitamin C is that it protects the skin against damage caused by free radicals, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Environmental factors, such as ultraviolet rays and pollution, influence the body's collagen level and affect skin health.
Vitamin C is one of the ingredients used in skincare products, especially anti-aging ones.
Also, consuming foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the level of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body. Oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are among the foods with a high content of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the ingredients contained in the first beauty food supplement launched by Ivatherm.
Retinol
Research indicates that, when applied topically, retinol can help protect the skin from sunlight, preventing ultraviolet rays from breaking down collagen. At the same time, retinol increases elasticity, leaving the skin firm and radiant.
Retinol promotes cellular regeneration. The small molecules that make up retinol pass through the epidermis and penetrate the dermis, where they help neutralize free radicals, which translates into increased collagen production.
Because retinol supports cellular regeneration, skin cells reproduce at a faster rate, and thus collagen production also increases.
However, retinol can increase skin sensitivity, which is why not all skin types tolerate it.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol, contributing, to the same extent, to cell regeneration to accelerate collagen production, but without causing irritation. Therefore, bakuchiol is ideal, especially for people with sensitive skin.
Because it stimulates collagen production, bakuchiol reduces signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and firmness, and reduces the appearance of pores. Thus, the skin is smoother, with a younger appearance.
Granactive Retinoid
Granactive Retinoid (hydroxypinacolone retinoate) is a retinoid ester, being among the anti-aging ingredients that support cell regeneration. Like bakuchiol, Granactive Retinoid has a significantly lower irritation potential compared to retinol.
A state-of-the-art ingredient, Granactive Retinoid is better tolerated by the skin, having anti-aging effects as good as those of retinol. Because collagen production begins to decrease from the age of 20, Granactive Retinoid can be introduced into the skin care routine to stimulate the synthesis of this protein, thereby improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Granactive Retinoid helps restore skin elasticity, evens and brightens the complexion, without causing irritation.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)
Alpha-hydroxy acids are naturally found in sugarcane, fruits, and milk. They are made up of water-soluble molecules and have two essential roles: they help maintain an optimal moisture level in the skin and exfoliate skin cells from the surface.
Alpha-hydroxy acids can help promote collagen production, thereby replacing old damaged fibers with new collagen fibers.
Glycolic acid is the best-known AHA acid. Due to the fact that it has the smallest molecule among all acids, it penetrates the deepest into the skin.
Glycolic acid supports the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and maintains the level of elastin. At the same time, glycolic acid prevents the breakdown of collagen fibers due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Niacinamide
The skin looks healthy and radiant due to its firmness and elasticity. However, the skin naturally begins to lose its elasticity with age, due to decreased collagen production.
Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is a popular ingredient in anti-aging products because it helps the skin stimulate collagen production. By preventing the loss of elastin molecules, the proteins that help the skin maintain its shape after stretching, niacinamide fights wrinkles. Research has shown that products with a niacinamide concentration of at least 5% are useful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles that appear with age and due to excessive sun exposure.
Niacinamide also helps form skin cells, while protecting them from environmental factors.
Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that contribute to the formation of proteins. They can penetrate the superficial layers of the skin and transmit signals that contribute to the natural production of important proteins for maintaining skin health.
Elastin, collagen, and keratin are proteins that provide skin structure and strength.
Collagen is a protein made up of three polypeptide chains, which is why including them in skincare products can contribute to stimulating collagen production.
At the same time, peptides also have the role of slowing down the degradation of collagen fibers in the skin.
With the help of such ingredients, the skin can maintain optimal collagen levels with age, so that the complexion has a young and healthy appearance.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera gel has long been used for healing and soothing wounds. The reason it is an effective remedy is that Aloe vera helps increase collagen production when applied topically or even taken orally.
By stimulating cell growth, Aloe vera supports collagen production in the skin. Some research has shown that Aloe vera gel can slow down the skin aging process. At the same time, Aloe vera can help retain moisture and improve skin integrity.
Ginseng
The anti-aging effects of the ginseng plant have been well studied over time. Ginseng is absorbed into the skin without causing adverse reactions, being useful in protecting the skin against ultraviolet rays.
At the same time, ginseng can slow down the degradation process of collagen fibers, helping the skin maintain its firmness.
Because ginseng root contains vitamins D and B12, oxygen circulation is improved, which contributes to increased collagen production in the middle layer of the skin, namely in the dermis.
Ginseng is an ingredient used to reduce signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles), to support collagen production, and to reduce inflammation. Thanks to its properties, ginseng helps the skin maintain its youthful appearance.
Collagen plays a key role in maintaining skin health, and because the production of this protein decreases with age, measures are needed to prevent the degradation of collagen fibers and stimulate its production.
Not only the skincare routine is important to stimulate collagen production, but also the lifestyle.
Adopting a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, implementing a rest routine (specialists recommend between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night), keeping stress levels under control, giving up vices (smoking, alcohol consumption), and avoiding environmental factors that can affect the skin (pollution, ultraviolet rays) are essential steps to support collagen synthesis and prevent the degradation of this protein.
Resources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317151#9-ways-to-boost-collagen
https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-beauty/ways-to-preserve-and-boost-collagen-in-your-face/
https://www.healthline.com/health/ways-to-boost-collagen
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22915-hyaluronic-acid
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/#:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277239/
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-hydroxy-acid
https://www.allure.com/story/peptides-for-skin-types-benefits
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.