3 Little Ways To Keep Skin Plump & Restore Collagen

Yes, there are ways to rejuvenate your skin—and we'll talk about them in a second—but it’s certainly easier to just keep what you have already plump and healthy, no? UV damage, environmental stressors, internal stress, and skin inflammation can all damage our skin barrier, degrade the proteins that make our skin firm, and deplete the molecules that keep them hydrated. 

The first thing to be mindful of is UV damage, as that accounts for about 80% of premature aging1. So please wear sunscreen daily: There’s nothing better for your skin care routine than a diligent SPF habit. 

But you’ll also want to incorporate antioxidants. "It's basically a substance that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals," board-certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin in NYC Orit Markowitz, M.D., explains about antioxidants for healthy aging. "Antioxidants are things that interact with free radicals, and they decrease these free radicals on our skin, creating a healthier environment." Adding in an antioxidant serum (like a vitamin C serum) daily will do wonders for your skin in the long run. 

But here’s the hard truth: collagen, elastin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid all naturally decline with time—regardless of how well you protect them in the first place—so here’s how you can replenish and rejuvenate them in your skin. 

2.

Use inside out support for long-term, sustained care.

In order for the body to produce these lipids, proteins, and various other skin structure substances, it needs the right nutrients. Eating a diverse, nutrient-dense diet is essential for skin longevity. 

Here are a few nutrients to keep an eye out for:

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3.

Find a high quality hyaluronic acid product for an instant fix. 

Consistent, long-term care is always the best method—but who does love immediate gratification and a quick fix from time-to-time? For quick plumping action hyaluronic acid serums will give you supple, dewy skin instantly. Hyaluronic acid is a beloved humectant as it can attract and hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. And by pulling in and holding that moisture, it can give your complexion that gentle plumping effect.

However: It’s not a long-term solution. HA serums are fabulous for many reasons, but they won’t provide sustained or compounding results. (Essentially, you’ll get a lovely boost while wearing it, but eventually it’ll wear off and you’ll need to reapply.) But that doesn’t mean using it isn’t worth-while. Personally, I use an HA serum almost every day because I love how soft it makes my complexion look. 

Another great use case: using hyaluronic acid in lip products, like in this lip balm. Finding one with a low molecular weight (look for sodium hyaluronate on the label) can give the lips a soft, plush look while keeping them moisturized throughout the day. 

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