Collagen is a protein that’s found in the middle layer of the skin, aka the dermis, and it’s responsible for keeping the skin supple, firm, and youthful-looking. As we get older though, our bodies stop making as much collagen, and subsequently, we start to see signs of aging, like sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Of course, aging is no big deal—in fact, it’s a pretty beautiful thing. And yet, there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to slow down the progression a bit. With that said, one of the primary ways to maintain youthful skin is to boost collagen production, which can be done via diet as well as topically with skincare.
How to build collagen with vegan skincare: the ingredients
“Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, serves as an antioxidant that helps to protect against free radical damage that leads to various signs of aging including dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of collagen,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She says everyone can benefit from using vitamin C, especially in the morning because it can help to protect against damage that occurs throughout the day due to UV exposure and other environmental factors like pollution.
“It can also be helpful for those who are specifically looking to brighten the skin, even out their skin tone, and improve the appearance of dark spots,” adds Dr. Garshick. “Moreover, it’s known to boost collagen production and stabilize collagen mRNA to help with collagen synthesis.”
Find vitamin C—along with a boost of clean caffeine—in the 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum from Youth To The People.
In addition to vitamin C, peptides—like those found in the Superfood Eye Cream—can also aid in rebuilding collagen—hence why they’re becoming so popular in skincare formulas.
“Since proteins are made up of peptides and our skin relies on key proteins like collagen and elastin, including peptides in your skincare routine helps to support the body's natural production of collagen, which translates into skin firming, tightening, and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick.
She also points out that, unlike collagen, which is too large to penetrate the skin topically, peptides are shorter chains that are able to enter the skin and tell it to boost collagen production.
“When peptides are applied to the skin, they provide a signal to the body that healing or recovery needs to take place and this actually helps to boost natural collagen production,” explains Dr. Garshick of how exactly this works. “Essentially, peptides tell your body to produce more collagen, which in turn helps with sagging skin and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the texture, elasticity and tightening of the skin.”
Vitamin C and peptides in YTTP products
Knowing the powerhouse benefits that vitamin C and peptides both provide, you’ll find them in several Youth To The People formulas. Vitamin C and peptides are present in the 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum, the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask, and both of the Superfood and Dream Eye Cream. On top of that, vitamin C can be found in the Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Oil, and peptides can be found in the Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist.
Written by Kaleigh Fasanella for Youth To The People
