Collagen production naturally begins to slow around age 25, which can contribute to fine lines, dullness, looser skin and a loss of firmness over time, according to E! News.
To learn which treatments are most worth the investment, E! spoke with Elexsis Osuna, an aesthetic nurse at SEV Laser in Los Angeles, about the options she recommends most often. Osuna said that if she had to choose one collagen-stimulating treatment, she would pick microneedling.
She explained that microneedling creates millions of tiny channels in the skin, prompting the body to make new collagen. Osuna said the treatment can help improve smoothness and firmness in a way that topical skincare products cannot match on their own.
Osuna also said ingredients like retinol, peptides and vitamin C can support healthy skin, but they do not recreate the same controlled collagen-stimulating process. She noted that her own routine includes basic products she likes, along with AHAs once a week and sunscreen every day.
While microneedling is her top pick, Osuna also said she likes red light therapy as a boost, especially when paired with professional treatments such as microneedling or laser facials. She said it can help with redness, glow and collagen support, but views it as a complement rather than a replacement.
