Collagen and elastin are two key proteins that are essential for healthy, youthful-looking skin. As we age, our bodies' natural production of these proteins slows down, leading to common signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. 

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up 70-80% of our skin. It provides structure and firmness to the skin. Collagen fibers are like the scaffolding that supports the skin and keeps it smooth and resilient. As collagen production declines with age, skin loses its youthful fullness and begins to sag. Fine lines and wrinkles are collagen-deficient areas of skin that have lost their support structure.

Elastin fibers, on the other hand, provide the snap or bounce back to your skin. Like rubber bands, elastin allows your skin to stretch and then return to its original position. With age, the elasticity of our skin decreases as the amount and quality of elastin fibers decline. This leads to sagging skin and wrinkles that don't disappear once formed.

The good news is that there are a number of skincare ingredients that can help boost your skin's collagen and elastin levels. In this post, we'll explore some of the top ingredients to look for.

Retinoids and Peptides

Retinoids like retinol, retinaldehyde and tretinoin are Vitamin A derivatives that boost collagen synthesis. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating new collagen production in the skin. Retinoids are one of the most widely studied ingredients for reducing wrinkles and building collagen.

Peptides are chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the skin. Certain peptides have been shown to stimulate collagen production by tricking the skin into thinking collagen has broken down, therefore triggering an increase in collagen synthesis. The peptides palmitoyl pentapeptide and copper peptides are two to look out for.

Try Dp Dermaceuticals Retinal Active for a powerful formulation that effectively combines retinol and peptides to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging while being gentle enough for daily use.

Vitamin C  

Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and should be a staple in every anti-aging skincare routine. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting against free radical damage that breaks down collagen. It also plays a key role in stabilizing and synthesizing new collagen. Look for products containing L-ascorbic acid for maximum effectiveness. 

Try Dp Dermaceuticals Antioxidant Cocktail for protecting and repairing your skin from environmental factors, and rejuvenating it with a powerful combination of anti-aging antioxidants.

Lactic Acid

As an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to reveal fresher cells underneath. This removal of dead skin cells allows for greater penetration of active ingredients like collagen-boosting peptides and vitamins. Lactic acid is more gentle on skin than other AHA’s, while stimulating collagen synthesis itself.

Try Dp Dermaceuticals CLR Lotion to clear and reduce the potential for future breakouts, while hydrating and balancing oil production.

Bakuchiol

Found naturally in the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant, bakuchiol has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Recent studies have found it stimulates collagen production and reduces signs of aging similarly to retinol, making it a more natural option.

Try Dp Dermaceuticals R.E.R. Eye Serum for a perfectly balanced combination of rejuvenating agents and powerful antioxidants, especially formulated for the delicate eye area.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant well known for its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. But did you know it also promotes collagen production? Hydrated skin has the raw materials needed to create new collagen. 

Try Dp Dermaceuticals Hyla Active Serum for a powerful combination of triple-weighted hyaluronic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. This serum contains the highest concentration of HylaFuse (Hyaluronic Acid), encapsulating bio-active ingredients of Zinc, and Vitamin B5 to Promote regenerations and repair for a younger-looking skin.

How will you optimize your skincare routine?

There you have it - some of the top proven ingredients for increasing collagen and elastin within the skin for a more youthful appearance. 

When shopping for anti-aging skincare products, look for formulas containing a combination of these actives. Be sure to also include comprehensive sun protection in your routine, as UV exposure is the number one cause of collagen breakdown. 

With consistent use of these ingredients and SPF, you can help minimize signs of aging and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion for years to come.

Learn more at dpderm.com.