How to Boost Collagen Under the Eyes
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that maintains the structure, smoothness and elasticity of your skin. As you get older, collagen naturally decreases. This decrease in collagen production can also cause wrinkles and baggy eyes.
It's important to find ways to help boost the production of this protein to keep the skin under your eyes looking healthy and smooth. Luckily, there are numerous ways you can boost the production of collagen.
Gently Exfoliate
Apply a high-quality under-eye exfoliating cream such as Bioelements Eye Area Exfoliating Eye Cream or Natura Bisse Glyco Eye Hidro-Exfoliating Eye Cream. These creams work by shedding off the surface layer of dead skin cells.
During the exfoliating process, dead skin cells under your eyes are replaced by new cells. This allows the growth of new skin collagen 2. You can buy under-eye exfoliating creams at your local pharmacy. Make sure to follow the directions in the package before applying.
Use Tretinoin Cream
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Apply tretinoin (Retin-A) cream under your eyes. This medication, when applied as directed, can increase collagen thickness over time. Consult your physician or dermatologist for more information about this medication.
Check Your Diet
Eat foods that are high in ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on a daily basis. Ascorbic acid is vital in collagen production in your tissues. Your body breaks down collagen every day.
Getting enough ascorbic acid will help your body maintain the production of collagen. Sources of foods rich in ascorbic acid include citrus fruits, kiwi fruit and bell peppers. You can also take one 500 mg ascorbic acid tablet daily along with these foods.
Wear Sunscreen
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Apply sunscreen under your eyes every day when applying the aforementioned methods. Applying sunscreen lotion under your eyes will help prevent fine lines, wrinkles and skin discolorations. Purchase sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 and above and apply one hour before heading outdoors.
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References
- "User's Guide to Vitamin C: Learn What You Need to Know About How Vitamin C Can Improve Your Total Health"; Hyla Cass, MD, Jim English and Jack Challem; 2002
- "Age-less: The Definitive Guide to Botox, Collagen, Lasers, Peels and Other Solutions for Flawless Skin"; Fredric Brandt, MD; 2002
- Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from anex vivomodel and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291–301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174
- Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16.
- Cúneo F, Costa-Paiva L, Pinto-Neto AM, Morais SS, Amaya-Farfan J. Effect of dietary supplementation with collagen hydrolysates on bone metabolism of postmenopausal women with low mineral density. Maturitas. 2010 Mar;65(3):253-7.
- Czajka, A., Kania, E. M., Genovese, L., Corbo, A., Merone, G., Luci, C., & Sibilla, S. (2018). Daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides combined with vitamins and other bioactive compounds improves skin elasticity and has a beneficial effect on joint and general wellbeing. Nutrition Research, 57, 97–108. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2018.06.001
- García-Coronado, J. M., Martínez-Olvera, L., Elizondo-Omaña, R. E., Acosta-Olivo, C. A., Vilchez-Cavazos, F., Simental-Mendía, L. E., & Simental-Mendía, M. (2018). Effect of collagen supplementation on osteoarthritis symptoms: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. International Orthopaedics, 43(3), 531–538. doi:10.1007/s00264-018-4211-5
- Hays NP, Kim H, Wells AM, Kajkenova O, Evans WJ. "Effects of whey and fortified collagen hydrolysate protein supplements on nitrogen balance and body composition in older women." J Am Diet Assoc. 2009 Jun;109(6):1082-7.
- Kirmse, M., Oertzen-Hagemann, V., de Marées, M., Bloch, W., & Platen, P. (2019). Prolonged Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Resistance Exercise Training Affects Body Composition in Recreationally Active Men. Nutrients, 11(5), 1154. doi:10.3390/nu11051154
- Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-9.
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55.
- Tomosugi N, Yamamoto S, Takeuchi M, et al. Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2017;24(5):530–538. doi:10.5551/jat.36293
Writer Bio
Frank Dioso is a trained medical technologist working for prominent research institutions such as Quest Diagnostics and California Clinical Trials. He has, for many years, ghostwritten clinical trial reports for confidential pharmaceutical drugs and is currently contributing his clinical laboratory science knowledge to online how-to articles.