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Biohacking is changing the way we see aging. Many of what used to be inevitable, such as age-related conditions and diseases, are now possibly preventable. Today, more and more individuals are joining the biotechnological movement, gaining better control over their health and quality of life. Grounded in science and research, this includes discovering better ways to protect and preserve the body’s largest organ: our skin. And one critical component in healthy and beautiful skin is collagen. In this post, we’ll share several top biohacks, so you’ll learn how to stimulate collagen production in skin.
Why is collagen essential?
First, let’s talk about the extracellular matrix (or ECM). It may sound like something straight out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s actually closer to a National Geographic story. With a large crisscross of proteins and molecules, perhaps you can compare a healthy ECM to a flowing river in a forest that sustains the ecosystem within it.
Similarly, the ECM is key to homeostasis, a state of balance necessary to maintain cellular activities and keep the body functioning optimally. It does so by maintaining its structure and supporting the surrounding cells. The fluids in this “river” contain the components needed for vital functions, such as cellular growth, repair, regeneration, and survival. Too little or too much of any bits in an ECM can impair how the cells interact and develop.
Of course, a process as complex as the extracellular matrix needs organizers. So, in comes collagen, the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix. A primary function of the super protein is cellular adhesion, which enables cellular communication and interaction. This allows them to function correctly and generate and maintain tissues within the matrix.
Collagen is also known as the body’s super glue that holds the skin together and up. Like a rope, its three intertwining chains form small yet stable collagen fibers with the strength of a pre-Delilah Hercules. Collagen is, in fact, even stronger than steel. Without it, your skin will drop like a construction project without a scaffold. Talk about a beauty slump.
Why do we still need to stimulate collagen production?
Our bodies naturally produce collagen, which makes our skin taut and firm. This secures the skin against damaging elements like chemicals, bacteria, and temperatures. But as we hit the age of 20, we produce 1% less collagen in our skin each year. And as if that wasn’t enough, other factors hasten the aging process, like the sun. Then you get free radicals from stress and poor lifestyle choices, such as a nutrient-deficient diet and smoking. The result is diminished collagen, and your skin begins to sag, thin out, and form fine lines and wrinkles.
How to stimulate collagen production in skin
If you think that past the age of 20, it all goes downhill―including your skin―then we’ve got news for you! Here are some top beauty hacks that can boost collagen production effectively and safely.
1. Sun protection
Your skin’s no. 1 frenemy is the sun. You may already know that Mother Nature’s hot mamma helps in vitamin D synthesis, which plays an important role in a healthy immune system and skin. However, its ultraviolet rays can also cause collagen to break down, damage your skin’s structure, and accelerate the aging process.
Defense is the best offense. Protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays by wearing sunblock with at least an SPF of 30. Re-apply every two hours, especially when you’re outdoors. Wear protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirts, and pants.
2. Foods rich in vitamin C
Vitamin C not only enhances the immune system and fights off infections but is also a vital nutrient that your body needs to produce collagen. Studies show that the sunshine vitamin helps transform DNA into RNA, the pro-collagen molecule that creates proteins.
Radiate with these foods abundant in vitamin C:
- Fruits like kiwi (which also repairs DNA), strawberries, cantaloupe, lemon, papayas, and tomatoes
- bell peppers
- Cruciferous veggies like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and broccoli
- Leafy greens like mustard spinach
3. Infrared light therapy
Collagen fibers are produced mainly with fibroblasts, a type of cell that boosts the formation of connective tissues. These fibroblasts are found in the skin’s deeper skin layers. So naturally, a “deep” problem will require a “far-reaching” solution in the form of infrared light therapy.
Infrared light is a kind of electromagnetic energy, like the warmth from direct sunlight. Its low-level frequency is powerful yet safe. With wavelengths longer than visible light, it can pass through the epidermis right down to the cellular level. Thus, it can repair and rejuvenate cells and stimulate collagen production.
HigherDOSE has developed at-home infrared light wellness tools, like the Red Light Face Mask and Infrared PEMF Mat, using nature-inspired technologies, so you can get high off your own supply. You may also opt for private in-room infrared sauna sessions at the HigherDOSE Infrared NYC saunas in Soho or Williamsburg.
4. Potent topical products
Many heavily-Tik Toked creams or lotions claim to be the solution to collagen woes. However, the outermost layer of the skin keeps these so-called collagen products from getting through, making them a waste of time and money. There may yet be hope via powerful ingredients that can penetrate this protective barrier: peptides and bioidentical collagen.
Peptides are amino acids that our bodies naturally produce. However, their chains are much smaller than proteins, allowing them to go through the skin. In addition, as antioxidant molecules, their lower weight can better stabilize free radicals, wild and solo molecules that cause oxidative damage to the skin. Thus, these peptides can protect the cells and tissues.
Research shows that copper peptide, a specific type of peptide, can bind with copper enzymes to enhance copper metabolism. Copper is a mineral found throughout our bodies essential to keep our immune system healthy, fight cell-injuring radicals, and, yes, form collagen.
Yet another potent molecule is bioidentical collagen, with hormones chemically identical to what the human body turns out. This enables our skin cells to interact well with topically applied collagen serum, such as the HigherDOSE Glow serum. This specific type of collagen also works effectively to increase the production of native collagen.
Amping up collagen production in skin
Who wouldn’t want smooth, soft, and firm baby-like skin? So imagine being able to reverse skin aging by boosting collagen to optimal levels! It’s doable with this two-step process:
First, choose a powerful yet safe light therapy device, such as the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask. This cutting-edge light therapy face mask combines red and near-infrared LED technologies to gently yet effectively stimulate collagen formation, soften fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce inflammation. It’s all the warmth and healing effects of natural sunlight without any of its damaging effects. After just one effortless session, you’ll wake up to a refreshed, invigorated, and youthful complexion, so you can glow on the move!
Second, go for a collagen product with copper peptides and bioidentical collagen, like the HigherDOSE Glow serum. This innovative heat- and light-activated formula is designed to boost the benefits of the HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask in stimulating collagen production and repairing and remodeling the skin. Used alone, the nourishing blend of bio-nutrients and hyper-clean ingredients is a powerful on-the-go hydration.
Ignite your skin’s vitality and supercharge your self-care only with HigherDOSE wellness tools, consumables, and experiences. Check out how you can get the high life with HigherDOSE today!
