Mar 20, 2025
8 Ways to Stimulate Collagen Production in Mature Skin
As we get older, our skin naturally starts to lose its firmness and smooth texture. One big reason for this is that our bodies make less collagen over time.
Written by
Mito Team
Collagen is a protein that keeps our skin strong and elastic. The good news is that there are many simple and proven ways to help your skin make more collagen, even as you age. If you’re looking for how to increase collagen or just want to keep your skin looking fresh, these tips are a great place to start.
1. Use Skincare That Boosts Collagen
Some skincare ingredients are especially good at helping your skin make more collagen. When choosing products, look for these:
Retinoids (Vitamin A): These help your skin cells turn over faster and boost collagen. Start slow to avoid irritation.
Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps protect your skin and plays a big role in making collagen.
Peptides: These small proteins send signals to your skin to produce more collagen.
Growth factors: These help your skin repair and grow, which increases collagen over time.
If you’re wondering what produces collagen in the skin, these ingredients help trigger the process.
2. Wear Sunscreen Every Day
The sun’s UV rays break down collagen. That’s why using sunscreen every day is so important, rain or shine. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher helps protect your skin and keeps collagen from wearing down. It’s a simple step for anyone wanting to increase collagen production.
3. Eat Foods That Help Collagen Growth
What you eat affects your skin. A healthy diet is one of the best natural ways to get collagen. Try to eat:
Protein-rich foods: Meat, eggs, beans, and legumes give your body the building blocks for collagen.
Fruits and veggies: Berries, citrus, leafy greens, and peppers are full of antioxidants that protect collagen.
Bone broth: This is a natural source of collagen and amino acids that help your skin.
Zinc and copper: Found in nuts, seeds, and shellfish, these minerals support collagen production.
If you're looking for how to get collagen naturally, start by making smart food choices.
4. Try Collagen Supplements
Studies show that collagen supplements, also called collagen peptides, may improve the skin’s elasticity and hydration. These are popular supplements to increase collagen production. Look for ones with added vitamin C or hyaluronic acid for better results.
5. Look Into Professional Skin Treatments
Certain treatments from dermatologists help your skin create more collagen. These treatments work by gently damaging the skin to start the healing and collagen-making process. Here are some options:
Microneedling: Tiny needles create small holes in the skin to boost collagen.
Laser treatments: These remove damaged skin and help new collagen form.
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy: This uses heat to tighten the skin and increase collagen.
Ultrasound therapy (like Ultherapy): Sends sound waves deep into the skin to stimulate collagen.
These collagen-stimulating treatments are great for anyone serious about how to boost collagen production.
6. Get Good Sleep and Reduce Stress
Lack of sleep and stress harm your skin. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol break down collagen. On the flip side, getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep helps your skin repair itself. Stress-reducing habits like exercise, meditation, and deep breathing also help. These are easy, natural ways to get collagen support through your daily routine.
7. Avoid Smoking and Cut Back on Alcohol
Smoking and drinking too much alcohol age your skin faster. Smoking slows blood flow and hurts collagen and elastin. Alcohol dries out your skin and takes away important nutrients. Cutting back or quitting these habits helps increase collagen naturally and improve skin health.
8. Drink Plenty of Water
Water keeps your skin hydrated and plump. While it doesn’t directly create collagen, staying hydrated helps your skin work better. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and eat water-rich foods like cucumbers, melons, and citrus fruits.
Embrace Healthy Collagen Production
You don’t need extreme methods to stimulate collagen production in mature skin. Whether you’re learning how to get collagen naturally or just want the best way to get collagen for healthy skin, these tips help. By using the right skincare, eating well, staying hydrated, and considering professional options, you keep your skin strong and glowing.
At Mito Health, we believe that caring for your body both inside and out is essential for healthy aging. Want to learn more about how collagen fits into the bigger picture of wellness? Join us for a comprehensive blood panel that analyzes over 100 biomarkers related to hormones, sleep, and metabolism, all of which impact your skin health.
