Collagen is more than a buzzword — it’s a building block of your body. But as collagen production naturally slows with age, understanding how to preserve it becomes a meaningful part of your wellness journey.
Katelyn Hefner, an AdventHealth esthetician at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and MedSpa, is here to help you preserve your collagen and care for your skin — inside and out.
Collagen 101: Here’s What You Should Know
From skin elasticity to joint health, collagen is an essential protein that plays a key role in how we look, feel and function. “Collagen is an important protein found in our body. It’s what keeps our skin looking smooth, firm and youthful,” Katelyn explains. “Around the age of 25, we start to lose approximately 1% of our collagen each year. This is when we may start to notice fine lines, sagging, and loss of firmness.”
Aging is part of life, but it doesn’t mean your skin needs to lose its glow. You can incorporate a few simple techniques to help you age gracefully and have vibrant skin for years to come.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Reducing Collagen Loss
“Aside from natural aging, the sun is the number one cause of loss of collagen. UVA rays penetrate the dermal layer of the skin, where collagen lives, damaging DNA and breaking down collagen fibers over time,” Katelyn says. “Some lifestyle choices, such as smoking and lack of sleep, also play a role in collagen degradation.”
There are a few steps you can take to help slow down collagen loss, including:
Science-Backed Skincare Products: Retinol, Sunscreen and Vitamin C
The three most important skincare products you can use to preserve collagen are vitamin C, retinol and sunscreen. Katelyn breaks down the basics of each one:
- Retinol: Retinoids (or retinol, tretinoin, etc.) support collagen by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. This helps repair existing damage and strengthen your skin’s structure over time.
- Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum sunscreen is arguably the most important product for protecting collagen. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which leads to wrinkles and skin sagging. Daily sunscreen use prevents this damage and helps preserve your skin’s firmness and long-term elasticity.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects collagen by neutralizing free radicals, unstable molecules caused by environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution and smoke. Free radicals break down collagen over time and vitamin C acts like a shield. Additionally, it plays a direct role in collagen synthesis, meaning it helps your skin produce more collagen.
Oftentimes, people look for a quick method to restore their collagen levels as they age, but most topical collagen-boosting products on the market don’t live up to their claims. “Topical collagen creams or collagen masks can sound appealing but won’t have any effect on rebuilding collagen on a deeper level,” Katelyn says, “Instead, look for clinically backed ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids and peptides. As for vitamins and supplements, some may support collagen production internally, but results can vary. The best results come from a solid topical routine and sun protection.”
Caring for Your Skin at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and MedSpa
At Serene Aesthetic Surgery and MedSpa, we offer a variety of treatments that aid in collagen preservation and stimulation, such as microneedling, chemical peels and laser treatments.
- Chemical peels use exfoliating acids to remove the damaged outer layer of your skin. This process stimulates cell turnover and encourages the skin to regenerate new collagen.
- Lasers deliver controlled heat or light energy into the deeper layers of the skin. This creates a targeted wound healing response, which stimulates the production of collagen.
- Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled punctures and micro-injuries to the skin. This triggers your body’s natural healing response, which includes producing more collagen.
“If you’re new to skincare and interested in preserving collagen, my number one piece of advice is to start wearing sunscreen daily. Without sun protection, all the fancy products or treatments in the world won’t make a lasting difference. The sun will just undo your progress,” Katelyn explains. “Once SPF is in your daily routine, you can gradually add in collagen-supporting skincare or book a consultation at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and MedSpa so we can guide you on your skin journey.”
Helping You Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin
Preserving collagen isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about supporting your body’s natural strength and vitality. By making small, intentional choices today, you can nurture your skin, joints and overall well-being for years to come. Our skilled estheticians offer compassionate care to help you feel your best. Schedule a consultation at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and MedSpa to get started today.
