Can You Boost Collagen Production? Here Is What The Science Says

As the science progresses, it's always worth checking in to see if you need to upgrade your beauty routine. The buzz word for good skin, hair and nail care right now is collagen, and rightly so. Boosting your collagen levels is great skincare housekeeping, but beware: this is not the only thing you can do to improve your skin's appearance. Stimulating collagen production is actually easier than you think.

Here we list what you can do to make a REAL difference to your skin, hair and nails, and how to increase collagen levels naturally.

What is collagen? Why do collagen levels deplete?

Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body and it’s one of the main building blocks of skin, hair, nails, bone, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Think of it as the body’s scaffolding. In skin, collagen and its partner protein, elastin, provide strength and elasticity, helping skin appear plump and youthful. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen levels decline. After menopause, women experience a dramatic loss in collagen production. External factors also accelerate depletion: smoking, excess sugar, and UV light exposure.

For many, recourse often comes in the form of collagen creams and supplements. However, there is little to no science suggesting these actually work. Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin, and most collagen supplements have not been proven effective.

Here’s how you can boost collagen production naturally:

1. Eat a collagen-boosting diet

"Your body is very good at producing collagen naturally, building it from amino acids in the proteins you eat," says pharmaconutritionist Professor Paul Clayton, LYMA Director of Science. "The amino acids in collagen are common and found in a wide range of foods."

Step one: ditch processed foods, as they are empty calories with no nutritional value. "Skin requires a wide range of micronutrients. The Mediterranean diet is a great start," says Prof. Clayton.

Plant-centric foods rich in phytonutrients include spices, leafy greens and berries. Dark chocolate, red wine (in moderation) and coffee also have a place. Add oily fish (mackerel, sardines, salmon), edible seaweeds, nuts, pulses and legumes.

Clayton also recommends healthy fats from coconut, avocado, nuts, seeds and egg yolks to nourish skin from within. Vitamin C-rich foods also support higher collagen and hyaluronic acid levels. If your diet lacks essential vitamins for skin health, consider supplementing.

2. Focus on antioxidants

Lycored Lycopene™ is a powerful carotenoid antioxidant that protects collagen. Free radicals cause enzymatic collagen breakdown — known as ‘collagenases’ — which leads to sagging and loss of elasticity. Formulated at 30mg in LYMA, LycoBeads® Natural Tomato Lycopene block free radicals and support collagen reserves.

Lycopene occurs naturally in tomatoes, grapefruit and papaya, but is fat-soluble, meaning limited bioavailability. A clinically-backed supplement dose ensures effective skin support.

3. Take the right supplements

"If collagen supplements worked, we would use them in the LYMA formula," says LYMA founder Lucy Goff. "But there is no science there. Instead we chose keratin, a highly bioavailable patented version proven to directly improve skin, hair and nails."

LYMA contains Cynatine® HNS, the world’s first solubilized active keratin. Peer-reviewed studies show 80% improved skin smoothness in 90 days, a 65% boost in hair shine, 88% stronger nails and a 12% reduction in wrinkle depth.

"Some trials suggest collagen supplements lead to minor improvements," adds Dr. Clayton, "but others show little to no effect. Collagen is not a targeted approach. Keratin, however, contains unique amino acids like cystine — around 25% of keratin — which play a vital role in hair growth and skin repair."

Following a nutrient-rich diet and supplementing with LYMA every day protects and nurtures skin, hair and nails. Our ingredients are clinically proven to promote hydrated, plump, smooth skin.

4. Consider laser treatment

Laser treatment stimulates natural collagen production. However, most lasers do this by damaging skin cells, which isn’t healthy long-term. Instead, cold laser therapy — originally developed for hospital use in deep tissue repair — rejuvenates skin and muscle within the dermis without trauma. The LYMA Laser brings this clinic-grade technology safely into the home.

By stimulating collagen and elastin growth factors, using the LYMA Laser for just 15 minutes daily over 30 days visibly rejuvenates skin appearance and resilience.

5. Perfect your skincare routine

The skin is most exposed during the day, but transforms while you sleep. Ensure both morning and evening routines are optimized.

The best skincare practice includes double cleansing, toning, applying vitamin C and peptide-rich oils, and layering with hyaluronic acid. Always use SPF — even in cloudy weather — to prevent UV damage, preserve collagen, and delay skin aging.

When was the last time you felt amazing in your skin? If your complexion has been depleted by age, sun or lifestyle, LYMA can restore a dewy glow and resilient texture all year round.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or skincare protocol.