1. Add Retinoids, the Gold-Standard Topical, to Your Routine
12 weeks
Retinoid/retinol are vitamin A derivatives that upregulate genes involved in collagen production. “Research shows an improvement in facial wrinkles after applying retinol for 12 weeks,” says Chwalek, referring to a study published in March 2016 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

2. Try Bakuchiol if Retinoids Are Too Harsh
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to a retinol/retinoid, and is thought to similarly stimulate skin cell turnover to rev collagen production with less of a risk of irritation, according to a study published in June 2018 in the British Journal of Dermatology. “This may be particularly good for people with sensitive skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

3. Protect Collagen With Topical Vitamin C
Slather on a vitamin C serum in the morning. The vitamin is an antioxidant that protects the collagen in your skin against UV damage, says Chwalek. More than that, she says, it triggers collagen formation and stabilizes the collagen proteins in skin.

4 . Pack in Peptides
Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of proteins, according to Paula’s Choice. Products with peptides, Garshick says, “have been shown to help promote collagen and elastin in the skin, improving firmness.” (Indeed, past research establishes this collagen-boosting effect!)
5. Slather on Sunscreen Every Morning

Sunscreen is vital for skin cancer prevention — but also for keeping skin young and springy. “UV exposure can lead to the breakdown of collagen, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you’re never too young to start wearing sunscreen regularly,” says Garshick. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
6. Then Reapply Sunscreen Throughout the Day

Sunscreen lasts for two hours, says Garshick. “While making sunscreen a part of your daily routine is essential, it’s also important to reapply throughout the day, especially on days with extended sun exposure,” she says. Check the label on your product; reapplication recommendations vary, though the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends doing so every two hours.

7. Don’t Forget Below Your Chin
In your collagen-preserving sunscreen routine, don’t forget your neck, chest, and the back of your hands, says Garshick: “These areas can see the effects of cumulative sun damage, as the skin in these areas is thinner and therefore more likely to show the effects of aging,” she says.

8 . Sport Shades to Protect Around Your Eyes
To discourage crow’s feet from forming, wear sunglasses. Wraparound shades stop UV rays from sneaking in around the sides. The good news is that even cheap sunglasses will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

9 - DON’T SMOKE — AND STOP IF YOU DO
Smoking cigarettes ages your skin in a variety of ways. “Smoking decreases blood flow and oxygen to the skin. It also creates toxic free radicals that damage collagen and elastin fibers, and sop up antioxidants in the skin,” says Chwalek. Ultimately, this speeds up wrinkle formation, and past research shows the habit ages your skin faster.

10 . Limit Your Added Sugar Intake
A diet rich in sugar promotes the formation of advanced glycation end products (aptly called AGEs) that break down collagen, says Chwalek. Limit sugar consumption by reading the back of food labels and looking at either the “added sugar” line in the nutrition label or reading the ingredient list.