Do you want to know how to rebuild collagen in the face? This post gives you five simple steps you can start today to start increasing your body’s collagen naturally.

Collagen is essential for healthy skin. It provides a supportive structure and gives the skin its elasticity and bounciness.
The amount of collagen in your body reduces as you get older and as you are exposed to UV radiation or pollution in your environment. Typically this decline in collagen starts when you are in your 20s and then drops by about 1% every year.
As your skin starts to loose the elasticity that collagen gives it, you will start to see fine lines, wrinkles and crepey skin.
The good news is it’s not too late to start boosting your collagen levels! This post contains five steps you can start taking right now to get the bounce back into your skin.
How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face
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1. Use Retinol, Peptides and Vitamin C in your Skincare Routine
Applying collagen to your skin will not have an effect as collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed. You therefore need to ensure you are using skincare actives which boost your skin’s collagen production.
The best three ingredients to boost your collagen levels are retinol, peptides and vitamin c.
How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face with Retinol
Retinol has been proven to boost collagen production. The following two articles are worth reading. They look closely at some of the evidence we have that retinol increases the elasticity of your skin.
- Improvement of naturally aged skin with vitamin A (retinol)
- Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety
If you are new to using retinol then I recommend you read The Beginner’s Guide To Retinoids Vs Retinol In Skincare before you start.
When I first started using Retinol I used a very mild product since it can cause dryness and flaking. The product I recommend for beginners, because it has such a low dose of Retinol, is the Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules.
- Gently twist tab twice to open capsule. Smooth serum over cleansed face and neck nightly before your...
- Visibly diminish the look of lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, tone, and clarity with...
- Retinol enhances skin’s natural collagen to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles whilst Ceramides...
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face with Peptides
Peptides when applied topically can also help signal the skin to produce more collagen.
They are are short chains of amino acids which act as building blocks in your skin and are responsible for your skin’s texture, strength and resilience.
Peptides are able to penetrate the top layer of skin and send signals to yours cells to produce more collagen.
My favourite products containing peptides are by Estee Lauder
- Cosmetics female
- Skincare-beauty
- Day face cream 15 milliliters
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential in collagen synthesis, and also has antioxidant properties. It therefore helps both in boosting your skin’s collagen production and preventing damage to collagen caused by free radicals.
For further reading on Vitamin C in skincare I recommend the following articles:
- Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications
- The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health
- Why Vitamin C Should be in Your Skincare Routine
- Vitamin C Serum – Proof that iWorks!
My favourite Vitamin C serum is the Indeed Labs C24 which contains 22% vitamin C.
- Reduces the appearance of premature ageing, fine lines, and wrinkles
- Improves the appearance and feel of skin
- Restores skin's youthful, glowing, radiant, and luminous appearance
- Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant
- Phtalate-free
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Protect Your Skin from UV Radiation with a good SPF
UV radiation plays a major role in the degradation of your collagen levels. The single biggest thing you can do to slow down this degradation is to wear sun protection every single day.
I use a sunscreen with SPF 50 every day and my current choice is Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart. It’s a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen so it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays with a combination of zinc and titanium dioxide.
I find it very hydrating and it also contains a tint (a bit like a BB cream).
This product is not only a SPF but also contains anti-pollution ingredients creating a barrier against pollutants in the air such as car exhaust and cigarette smoke. It also neutralises free radical damage caused by pollution.
- Visibly improves skin’s condition and maintains optimal skin health even in the most heavily...
- Outsmart pollution. Outsmart the sun. Outsmart visible aging. The first-of-its-kind skin shield to...
- Apply to pulse points such as the folds in the crook of your elbow, wrist, neck and cleavage....
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I also love the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Daily Defense Moisturiser which has a broad spectrum SPF 35. This moisturiser is slightly lighter than Prevage City Smart and does not have a tint.
- Elizabeth Arden
- Skin care
- Face moisturisers & serums
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other ways to protect your skin from UV radiation is to include ingredients such as niacinamide, azaleic acid, reservatrol, vitamin E, green tea and vitamin C into your skincare routine. These ingredients all neutralise free radicals caused by UV rays.
3. Ensure your Skin is Well Hydrated by Using Hyaluronic Acid
The more hydrated your skin is, the better the environment it gives for collagen to thrive.
In order to keep your skin well hydrated I recommend using hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid holds over a thousand times its weight in water and ensures moisture is retained in your skin.
I use hyaluronic acid topically as well as taking supplements. The products I recommend are:
Hyaluronic Acid supplements by Wild Nutrition
Wild Nutrition’s supplements contain extra low weight hyaluronic acid which has been clinically proven to reach the skin surface.
By having extra low weight it ensures optimum absorption in the skin layer.
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I wrote about this product in my article 5 Proven Ways to Reduce Under Eye Wrinkles
Hada Labo Super Hydrator lotion
This product contains three different molecule sizes of hyaluronic acid designed to rehydrate your skin at multiple levels.
- 4 types of Hyaluronic including Super Hyaluronic Acid
- Collagen & Retinol
- Multi layer hydration
- Fragrance Free
- Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I reviewed this product in my article Japan’s Number 1 Skincare Line
Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion
This product is similar to the Hada Labo Super Hydrator Lotion in that it also contains three different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
I found that this product was a very different texture to the Hada Labo serum in that it was thicker and creamier (the Hada Labo serum is very watery).
Sometimes I like to use these together if my skin feels particularly dehydrated. I find that the Hada Labo product is more of a serum whereas the Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion can be used as a moisturiser.
- Maximum air speed on high 190 metres per minue
- Fan diameter 235mm
- Easily removable fan cover for convenient cleaning
- Quiet running
- Automatically swings 45 degrees left and right
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I reviewed this product in my article Hydraluron Intense Moisture Lotion
4. Eat a Diet that will help your body produce collagen
Vitamin C Rich Foods
Vitamin C helps with the production of collagen and can boost collagen levels in your body. The following foods contain Vitamin C:
- peppers
- broccoli
- spinach
- citrus fruits
I also take a vitamin C supplement which contains a form of vitamin c that is encapsulated in lipids to stop the body eliminating it.
- Many times more powerful than other oral forms of Vitamin C including Vitamin C Powder and Vitamin C...
- Double blind, placebo controlled, clinically proven to significantly Increase skin elasticity. This...
- Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C is very gentle on your stomach, very low acidity.
- Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free, Non-GMO, Hexane-Free and Zone/Paleo Diet Approved
Last update on 2021-02-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This particular form of vitamin c has been proven to increase the elasticity of the skin over time.
A study showed that over 16 weeks this supplement can increase your skin’s firmness and elasticity by 61.4%. It also leads to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on both the face and body. You can read the study that was done here.
Proline Rich Foods
Proline is an amino acid that plays a role in collagen production. The following foods contain proline:
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Eggs and Dairy
- Meat
- Bone broth
Glycine Rich Foods
Glycine also plays a vital role in collagen production. The following foods contain glycine:
- Beans
- Nuts and Seeds
- Eggs and Dairy
- Meat and Fish
- Bone broth
The main food I always include in my diet which I recommend to boost your collagen levels is Bone Broth.
Bone Broth contains both glycine and proline (two essential amino acids to boost collagen levels). It also contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc and sodium.
Lysine Rich Foods
The third amino acid that plays a role in supporting collagen production is Lysine. The following foods contain lysine:
- Legumes
- Nuts and Seeds
- Cheese, particularly parmesan
- Cod and Sardines
- Eggs
- Soybeans
Foods Rich in Copper
Copper plays an important role in maintaining collagen so eating foods rich in copper may help to boost your collagen levels. The following foods contain copper:
- Nuts
- Red Meat
- Spirulina
- Shiitake Mushrooms
- Dark Chocolate
- Leafy Greens
Foods Rich in Vitamin A
The following foods contain vitamin A:
- Liver
- Egg Yolks
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Cod Liver Oil
- Orange and yellow vegetables and fruits
Foods Rich in Sulphur
Foods rich in sulphur aid the formation of collagen and also help to maintain healthy pigmentation. The following foods contains sulphur:
- Beans
- Cabbage
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Fish and Meat
- Fruit
5. Cut Out Sugar and Smoking
Sugar
Excessive sugar consumption may lead to glycation. This is a process where the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins in your body. It can cause collagen to become weak and brittle and make your skin more likely to wrinkle.
I would recommend cutting out refined sugar from your diet completely. You should check breakfast cereals and store bought products for added sugar. This article on the NHS website may help you find sources of sugar in your diet of which you may not be aware.
A diet with foods containing a low glycemic index can also help to stop spikes in your blood sugar levels. Examples of foods with low GI include oatmeal and barley.
I try to cut out refined sugar completely and make my food from scratch so I know exactly what is in it. I am aware in today’s world we need to find a balance between remaining healthy and also enjoying life so I will occasionally still have a desert on my birthday or special occasions!
Smoking
Many of the chemicals in tobacco smoke damage collagen. As a result people who smoke long term will find their skin begins to wrinkle prematurely. If you are a smoker I have listed some resources below which may help you to stop smoking.
Conclusion
Here is a recap of the 5 ways you can boost your collagen levels:
- Use Retinol, Peptides and Vitamin C in your Skincare Routine
- Protect Your Skin from UV Radiation with a Good SPF
- Ensure your Skin is Well Hydrated by Using Hyaluronic Acid
- Eat a Diet that will help your Body Produce Collagen
- Cut Out Sugar and Smoking
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FAQs on How to Rebuild Collagen in the Face
What foods help produce collagen?
Your body produces collagen by combining amino acids that you get from protein rich foods. It is important therefore to get enough protein in your diet from foods such as meat, fish, beans, dairy and eggs. You should also aim to get enough vitamin C, zinc and copper by eating citrus fruits, peppers, broccoli, tomato, and leafy greens.
What are the side effects of taking collagen?
They may cause heart burn and acne.
What depletes collagen?
Exposure to UV radiation, pollution and cigarette smoke as well as too much sugar in your diet.
What is the best source of collagen?
Your body makes collagen by combining amino acids. The process requires protein, vitamin c, zinc and copper.
Does taking collagen really work?
There has been some evidence to suggest that taking collagen supplements over several months can improve skin elasticity. Other studies have also shown that collagen supplements can increase bone density and improve joint pain.
What is collagen made of?
Collagen is a protein made from the amino acids, glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine.
You may also be interested in the following posts:
- 7 Reasons Niacinamide Should be in your Skincare Routine
- 7 Best Supplements for Glowing Skin
- 5 Proven Ways to Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles
I have just started taking a collagen supplement. And I am trying to drink more water. My weakness is sugar. I can’t seem to cut it out. Thank you for the tips