Don’t get me wrong, collagen powders are great. They’re convenient, easy to use in everything from smoothies to soups, and delicious if you get the flavored versions. But the reality is that not everyone has access to them. Vegans won’t use them because collagen is animal-based. Others can’t afford to invest in a whole tub. Which is why I wanted to cover the many ways you can maintain and increase collagen without having to use any powders. In part one of this topic, I focused on nutrition. Specifically, the foods and nutrients that are needed for collagen production. In my opinion, you can’t get very far without a solid diet as your foundation. Otherwise, your efforts will collapse. As for today, I’ll be listing some things that can be done outside of food. These are the next steps after nutrition, so please, if you haven’t already, go back to part one before reading this list. So, let’s not waste any more time and jump right in!

Microneedling

The use of Microneedling has been brewing up a storm. Everyone from bloggers to beauty gurus is raving about it. I myself do a less potent version of it at home. For the full scoop on Microneedling, check out this post here. In the meantime, here’s a quick summary of what it is and how it increases collagen production.

Microneedling, which is also referred to as collagen induction therapy, is a procedure that involves the use of a small device called a dermaroller. The dermaroller is a roller with small, medical-grade needles on the surface. It is not painful and considered by the medical establishment to be a “minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure.” While many women get Microneedling treatments for things like dullness and acne scars, its purpose is to increase cell turnover in the skin and stimulate collagen production. The result is a smooth, glowing complexion. However, it takes multiple sessions to see a noticeable difference. So don’t be discouraged if nothing seemed to change after your first one. [1]

But here is how Microneedling works to increase collagen. The needles are sharp enough to cause micro-trauma to the skin, causing it to respond by making new tissue (aka, collagen). In a nutshell, you’re manipulating your body into making newer, better skin for you. Scars, poor skin tone, fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and sunspots can all be improved. [2]

Acupuncture for the Face

Believe it or not, Microneedling is basically a form of acupuncture, which has existed for thousands of years. Today though, spas and clinics are using acupuncture for the face as a natural alternative to Botox. Again, the use of needles to penetrate the skin and stimulate new collagen fibers to fill in is the intention. This “facial rejuvenation” practice is said to date as far back as 1279 AD (during the Sung Dynasty). [3] Today, it’s now being shopped around as the “new Botox.” But don’t be mistaken- it’s an ancient practice re-packaged by the modern beauty industry.

According to licensed acupuncturist Michelle Gellis M.Ac., L.Ac. “As you age, the 57 muscles in your face gradually lose their tone mass. Loss of tone and mass cases the sagging, deep wrinkling, and tired look associated with aging. Acupuncture stimulates the muscle function, and the face lifts itself via the acupuncture points. Thus returning the face to a healthier, revitalized, youthful appearance.” [4]

 Facial acupuncture is not only great at producing more collagen. It can also address other skin issues like rosacea, acne, enlarged pores, sagginess, puffiness, and dullness.

Facial Massage

Does the thought of using needles on your face make you squirm? Then consider facial massages as an alternative. Whether it’s done manually with your hands or a device, facial massage can stimulate the production of new collagen by increasing circulation. Not only that, it gives you a healthy “glow” thanks to the increase in blood flow. [5] If you’re doing it with your hands at home, be sure to use light to moderate pressure; you don’t want to cause any damage to the skin. A 2017 study published in the online medical journal PLoS One found that older women using anti-aging creams had even greater results after combining them with regular facial massage. [6]

 Red Light Therapy

Another popular practice in recent times is red light therapy. The use of red lights is continuing to grow alongside the research, showing its potential use in pain relief, balancing hormones, and improving sleep. With the skin, red lights aren’t exactly new. Many dermatologists use it to heal acne scars and treat wrinkles. But it’s also good for maintaining healthy skin. Board-certified dermatologist Rhonda Klein, MD, explains that red therapy, “… stimulates the production of collagen, elastin, and fibroblasts. RLT also boosts circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to your cells and tissues.” [7] Whether it’s to rejuvenate your skin or heal scars and wounds, red light therapy is backed with numerous clinical studies and research. While I wouldn’t call it a silver bullet, it’s worth exploring. [8]

Avoid the Damage

These next things don’t increase collagen. Quite the opposite, in fact. They damage it. If you ignore these things, all the red light therapy and Microneedling in the world won’t stop you from losing collagen.

• Sugar (i.e., from processed foods; natural sources from foods like coconut water and sweet potatoes don’t count)
• Pollution
• Sunlight (do not ignore sunscreen, especially during hot days or when you’ll be outside for a long time)
• Inflammation (sunlight, pollution, stress, over-exercise, poor diet, etc.)
• Smoking
• DehydrationAlcohol

Over to You

Maintaining healthy skin doesn’t have to be complicated. With a healthy diet, sunscreen, and occasional self-care treats in the form of Microneedling or facial massage, you should be in more than good hands. The one thing you cannot avoid is aging. Collagen production indeed slows down the older we get, but as I said before, with the right habits and holistic procedures, you can keep this natural process from getting too extreme. I’d like to hear from you, though- what have you done to maintain healthy skin? Got any secrets you’d like to share? Drop a comment down below!

Sources:

[1] https://bellusmedical.com/when-is-collagen-induction-therapy-appropriate-for-a-particular-patient/
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/microneedling#cost
[3] https://facialacupunctureclasses.com/acupuncture-collagen-induction-connection/
[4] http://gellisacupuncture.com/facial-rejuvenation-acupuncture/
[5] https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/7-ways-to-boost-your-collagen/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383004/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/
[8] https://joovv.com/blogs/joovv-blog/improve-skin-health-red-near-infrared-light-therapy