Nowadays, "full of collagen" has become a synonym for youth. When seeking skincare secrets, you may hear a lot of discussions about "increasing collagen content," but what does this really mean? Dermatologists believe that collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, providing a large amount of architectural space like scaffolding, making the skin appear smooth and wrinkle free. The loss of collagen begins in the early twenties. Environmental factors such as sunlight exposure and air pollution can decompose collagen and promote wrinkles. Of course, age is also a major influencing factor. As people age, the production of collagen decreases, making the skin appear thinner and less structurally supported. This is why people notice their skin sagging and sagging. Therefore, how to retain collagen and stimulate its rapid regeneration has become the ultimate goal pursued by beauty enthusiasts. Below, let's take a look at 18 ways to preserve and increase collagen. 1. Application retinol retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which can upregulate genes related to collagen production. A dermatologist at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in the United States, published a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that showed that after 12 weeks of applying cream containing retinoids, participants' facial wrinkles improved. 2. The research results published in the British Journal of Dermatology by dermatologists at the University of California, Davis in the United States showed that psoralen is a natural substitute for retinoids, which can also stimulate skin cell turnover, thereby increasing collagen production, and has a lower risk of skin irritation. It is particularly helpful for people with sensitive skin. 3. Apply a thick layer of vitamin C ointment to the face in the morning. This vitamin can protect collagen in the skin from UV damage. More importantly, vitamin C can also trigger the formation of collagen and stabilize collagen in the skin. 4. Peptide supplementation is a short chain amino acid, which is the cornerstone of proteins. Products containing peptides have been proven to help promote the growth of collagen and elastin in the skin, improving firmness. 5. Applying sunscreen every day is not only important for preventing skin cancer, but also for keeping the skin young and elastic. Ultraviolet radiation can cause the breakdown of collagen, leading to fine lines and wrinkles on the facial skin. Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen frequently, even when going out on cloudy or cloudy days. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Due to the fact that the effect of sunscreen can only last for 2 hours, it is necessary to reapply after this period, especially when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Check the labels on sunscreen, and the recommended reapplication time for various products may vary. In addition, when applying sunscreen, do not forget inconspicuous areas such as the neck, chest, and back of hands. These areas will be affected by accumulated sunlight damage, as the skin in these areas is thinner and therefore more likely to show signs of aging. 6. Eating collagen supplements There are various types of collagen supplements available on the market