Crack the Collagen Code

Consider this your skin's stay-young playbook

- LAUREN STACHIW

COLLAGEN EARNS A LOT OF BUZZ in the skin care world, and for good reason! This powerhouse protein keeps skin firm, plump and youthful. But here's the catch: Collagen production starts slowing in your 20s and continues to decline as the years go by, says Dara Spearman, M.D., a dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. No need to stress or add more wrinkles over it! We asked dermatologists and an aesthetician how to protect the collagen you have and make more-so you can turn back the clock and keep looking your best.

Step up your SPF game

You've heard it before: Daily sun protection is a must, especially for keeping collagen strong. “Aside from aging and natural collagen loss, UV damage is the number one cause of collagen decline,” says Dr. Spearman. In short, skipping sunscreen (or using one with a low SPF) speeds up sagging and wrinkles. Her advice: Make SPF 30 or higher a nonnego-tiable in your routine. Not a fan of traditional sunscreen? A tinted SPF prevents a white cast and evens out skin in one fell swoop. Another genius pick is sunscreen drops. These concentrated serum-like drops can be mixed into moisturizer or foundation (or used on their own) for seamless protection. Either way, just make sure SPF is part of your daily glow-up.

TRY: Eucerin Tinted Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen (Target.com); Coola Anti-Aging Sun Silk Drops (Coola.com)