Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, providing structural support, strength and flexibility throughout the skin, bones and joints. However, as we age, the rate and quality of production naturally decrease and stores start to deplete. This causes joints to stiffen and skin to sag.
The good news? Changes to lifestyle, diet, and LED light therapy can all help boost collagen production, reversing signs of ageing so you can look and feel your best.
Understanding collagen production in your skin
Collagen is naturally produced in the skin by specialised cells called fibroblasts. As we get older, these cells become less effective, slowing production and causing collagen levels to drop.
Lifestyle factors also play a major role. UV exposure, smoking, and drinking alcohol are all known to cause oxidative stress and reduce blood flow, reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed to create new, healthy collagen, while speeding up collagen breakdown. This can lead to premature ageing. When collagen is broken down faster than the body can replace it, the skin’s structure weakens, leading to lines, wrinkles and sagging.
Natural ways to increase collagen
The following lifestyle changes can help to support production, naturally:
Nutrition and supplements to boost collagen
A diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, is essential. Protein is made up of amino acids, which form the building blocks of collagen, while vitamin C helps to link them together.
Skincare that stimulates collagen
Formulations containing retinol and peptides can help to increase collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts (skin cells that make collagen), while vitamin C is needed to bind collagen structures together, for stronger, more effective stores.
Sleep to support collagen production
Aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep a night is key for healthy collagen production, as this is when the body repairs and regenerates, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol (known to reduce collagen production) drop.
Red light therapy for collagen production
Red light therapy is a safe, pain-free and non-invasive method for boosting collagen production. By penetrating the skin and increasing the production of ATP (the fuel cells need to function), red light therapy helps cells to work more effectively. This includes fibroblasts, responsible for collagen production.
For targeted, clinically proven facial LED therapy, the CurrentBody Skin LED Red Light Therapy Mask combines red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and deep near-infrared (1072nm) light to penetrate up to 10mm into the skin. After just 8 weeks, you can expect to see firmer, smoother skin, increasing skin brightness by 27%.
Support your skin with science-backed collagen boosting
Explore our LED Red Light Therapy Mask and complement your sessions with science-backed lifestyle adjustments to support collagen production at home and reverse signs of ageing, one session at a time.
