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Most people want to increase their collagen production to reduce and prevent wrinkles. But there’s another reason you may want to boost your collagen, and that’s for acne scars. There are many effective solutions for how to increase collagen at home, all naturally!
I’ve had acne scars near my cheeks for several years and I’m always researching ways to improve the appearance of this area and make it look smoother. I tried massaging and needling the skin which seemed to help some but I wanted to do everything possible to help repair the skin so I added collagen to my regimen. I like taking collagen because an added benefit is that it prevents wrinkles.
Whether you want to reduce wrinkles on your face or acne scars, these 3 solutions for how to increase collagen production will make a significant difference.
Not only have the 3 ways listed below been scientifically proven, but it’s easier than you think. These are all things you can do at home!
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein we naturally make that keeps our skin plump, smooth and elastic. Pretty much, meaning that the more collagen you produce the better and more youthful your skin appears.
Collagen is what keeps your skin perky, firm, plump and smooth. Researchers had described human collagen fibers as having incredible tensile strength like that of steel cables!
Why You Should Increase Your Collagen Production:
If you want to reduce wrinkles and look younger or improve acne scars, the single best thing you can do increase your skin’s collagen production.
As we age, the amount of collagen we produce significantly decreases. Collagen production can also be impacted and reduced due to a lack of certain nutrients in the diet, sun damage, high stress (increases cortisol) and smoking as well.
I came across this interesting statistic that states that each year after age 21 your collagen production decreases by 1%. I haven’t been able to find any supporting research on it, but I would guess that’s about accurate.
3 Natural and Effective Solutions for How to Increase Collagen Naturally at Home:
1. Take Gelatin to Increase Collagen Production-
Gelatin is basically powdered collagen. This is very important on its own to improve acne scars and to help get the benefits of the following methods to help improve scars. One study found that those who ate gelatin had a 17% increase in collagen!
Make sure to use grass-fed beef gelatin. Take a tablespoon mixed in a small cup of water 2 times a day. Preferably, take it with a meal containing protein and vitamin C for optimal absorption.
*This is the kind of gelatin I use.
2. Massage Skin-
Massaging your skin increases circulation to the area and helps increase collagen production. Many recommend massaging your face for wrinkles, so the same principle applies for acne scars.
To do it: On clean face, take one teaspoon of jojoba oil and massage the oil on your skin with your fingers in a fast circular motion for 15 to 30 minutes, preferably 2 times a day. You can start with a few minutes and work up to longer, because your hands may easily tire. After several weeks of massaging my face with my fingers, I decided to try an inexpensive face massager because my hands get tired after 5 minutes. So, I’ve been using this one daily. It was only $12 dollars and it works great! It’s gentle, yet I can feel it working and my face feels a little tingly after.
3. Red Light Therapy-
I bought a red light for at home acne treatments last year. Then, I began seeing improvements in my acne scars. So, I researched how to increase collagen using a red light. I was surprised to find a lot of information showing good results on increasing collagen production from red light therapy.
Not only does the red light help reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts, but it increases collagen production! That’s why many use red light therapy at home to help reduce and prevent wrinkles, so the same principle applies for acne scars. The red light will help build collagen and lessen the appearance of acne scars. I use a red light device at home every day for 3 minutes on each area of my face that I want to treat.
*This is the red light I use at home.
Do these Methods for How to Increase Collagen Production Really Work?
It has been widely proven that stimulating collagen production reduces and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. There is research supporting the effectiveness of all 3 of these methods for how to increase collagen at home. You get the most benefit by using a combination of all 3 ways to increase collagen!
To get even more benefits from these methods you may want to add vitamin C into your regimen. A study at Tulane University found that increasing vitamin C levels in the body can help increase collagen stores. In particular, the research found L-absorbic acid vitamin C to be the most effective.
A controlled trial from the Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Journal found that using red light on skin resulted in efficacy for increases in intradermal collagen production compared to those that did not use the light.
As you can see, there is great evidence that using these methods can effectively increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles.
How are these methods working for me?
I’ve been using all 3 in combination regularly for over 8 months now and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my acne scars. They are not completely gone, but definitely not as deep and are now less noticeable. I’m hoping that if I continue to use them regularly, my scars will be less apparent.
Have you tried any of these methods to increase collagen production?
Hi Lori, the link to the device for the red light therapy is not valid anymore. Can you paste another link?
Thank you, Daniel
Try micro-needling with PRP, I have my first appointment next week. I can hardly wait. Helps to increase collagen, lift the face slightly and really improves wrinkles AND elasticity.
Wow, yes, I’ve been reading about doing that to increase collagen. Have you seen a big improvement?
Very informative! I really like this article. These are the best ways to increase collagen naturally. Thanks for sharing.
You could try microdermabrasion and glycolic acid peels too. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and those are also great ways to help with the surface of the skin
Thanks for the tips 🙂
Hello, I am new here. I need to know if I could use the baking soda and coconut oil toothpaste everyday? Is it really safe and its also hard for me to find the alternative for peppermint oil. Can you give me an idea. Please. Godbless
I use it every day 🙂