Collagen is a fibrous protein that helps to keep the bones, teeth, blood vessels, joints, and skin healthy. Many recommend collagen for wrinkles because this protein can help to repair skin damage and reduce the fine lines and wrinkles that can appear as natural collagen production decreases with age. Using collagen for wrinkles helps to restore the skin’s elasticity, reducing wrinkles and fine lines and making the skin smoother and firmer, all of which will help to promote a younger, more youthful appearance. While there are many ways to stimulate the production of collagen, like eating the right foods, collagen for wrinkles can also be found in many topical creams. There are also collagen supplements that may replenish and restore the collagen the skin may have lost.
Many might be tempted to try topical collagen for wrinkles, however, many insist the collagen molecules contained in most of these creams are too big to be absorbed into the skin and, as a result, such creams have few real benefits. Some might find a better topical option to be retinol cream, which is derived from vitamin A, a powerful anti-aging nutrient. Retinoids, which have been proven effective in various trials and studies, not only prevent the loss of the skin’s natural collagen, they also stimulate the production of new collagen. The use of retinol creams, however, is not without its risks. These creams can make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, meaning sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible, and one must be diligent about using sun protection.
Another option is the injection of collagen for wrinkles, which some consider among the more drastic options. Other procedures that can increase collagen production include laser treatments, laser light therapy, and chemical peels. These options can be pricey, and many prefer more natural and less expensive methods of stimulating natural collagen production.
A diet that contains foods rich in antioxidants — like leafy green vegetables, beans, prunes, red berries, and citrus fruits — will help protect from the free radicals that can break down collagen. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help with collagen production, so one should have plenty of foods like nuts, tuna, salmon, flaxseeds, and fortified eggs in her diet. Smokers who wish to reduce the visible signs of aging should keep in mind that smoking breaks down the collagen in the skin, making it more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.