3 Underrated Ingredients To Restore Collagen & Keep Your Skin Firm

You can attribute a surprising number of skin gripes to a simple lack of collagen. Fine lines? They crop up as your skin thins and collagen levels dwindle with age. Crepey skin? A loss of collagen and elastic fibers. Sagging eye bags? Yup, that's all collagen! 

OK, this one might not sound so underrated. But many people do forget that the most effective way to promote collagen production in the skin isn't to slather on a serum but to start from within.  

See, research shows collagen peptides are able to enhance your body's own collagen production1 by stimulating fibroblasts, those same cells that make collagen and elastin to begin with. As a result, those collagen supplements can support skin elasticity, hydration, and smooth the appearance of texture (like fine lines and wrinkles)2. Another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that participants' moisture levels in the skin were seven times higher3 than those who did not take collagen supplements. 

That being said, not all collagen supplements are created equal. A stellar formula for skin health will deliver 10 to 20 grams per serving, contain nutrients that support collagen production through other pathways (like vitamin C), and features a clean ingredient list (aka, no artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, fillers, etc.). 

When it comes to topicals, you might consider retinol the collagen-boosting holy grail. Nothing against the buzzy vitamin A derivative—but we shouldn't forget about the collagen-restoring power of glycolic acid. The AHA has been shown to increase collagen production4 when used topically; the theory is that it triggers a restorative healing response in the skin, which spurs collagen production. 

Ever heard of astaxanthin? It's a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant properties, especially when it comes to dealing with free radicals from UV exposure—and "up to 80% of the signs of skin aging6—including thinning and loss of elasticity—are due to UV damage," board-certified dermatologist Cynthia Bailey, M.D., founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, previously told mbg. 

Consider snagging an astaxanthin-infused serum (like Maya Chia's The Super Couple), or you might supplement with the carotenoid, too: In one clinical, participants who took astaxanthin supplements saw improvements in skin elasticity7, while those who did not supplement saw worsening wrinkles.