How to Stimulate Collagen in the Face

Collagen is a protein that exists in the section of the skin called the dermis. A study performed by the Department of Pathology and Dermatology at the University of Michigan concluded as the skin ages, the body stops producing collagen in abundance. Skin lacking in collagen develops wrinkles and begins to sag. Collagen helps the skin to stay firm and maintain elasticity. You can avoid collagen loss by quitting smoking and applying sunscreen daily.

Take vitamin c. Doctor Jane Tiedtke and Doctor Olaf Marks of Cosmetochem International argue that vitamin c is essential in helping the body to synthesize collagen 3. This vitamin helps to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and helps to bring a firmness to the skin. High levels of vitamin c are harmful for the body and should be avoided.

Try copper peptides. The Mayo Clinic states that copper helps the skin to increase it's production of collagen. In order to apply copper to the skin safely, copper must first be bound to small proteins called peptides that create an organic copper peptide compound that is safe to use on the skin . High levels of copper are toxic to the body, do not apply or ingest more than the recommended dosage.

Eat foods rich in Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, also known as AHAs. AHAs are founds in certain fruits, vegetables and milk. The acids in AHA-rich foods are responsible for dislodging old skin cells that may be stuck together on the top layer of the skin. The old skin cells give the appearance of aging skin. Fruits such as grapefruit, pineapples, grapes and oranges, as well as lactic acid found in milk all contain Alpha-Hydroxy Acids. A study performed by the Department of Dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation concluded that AHAs help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging skin.