You might not know what it is, but collagen production is key when it comes to keeping your skin looking young, plump and wrinkle-free. Collagen is a protein produced by our cells that helps “hold” the skin together, keeping it looking younger and giving it firmness and elasticity. When we’re young, our skin stays plump and smooth because it constantly regenerates itself. But as we age, collagen production slows – and existing collagen can get damaged due to sun exposure and bad skin habits. The results? Wrinkles and sagging skin going south.

Luckily, there’re lots you can do to preserve your collagen and even boost its production…

1. Up your vitamin C intake for young skin

A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C in their diet were less likely to develop wrinkles than those who consumed lower levels.

“Vitamin C is crucial to the ­ formation of collagen – without it amino acids can’t be linked to form the protein,” says dietitian Jo Travers from thelondonnutritionist.co.uk.

“Good sources are red pepper, dark green leafy veg like broccoli and sprouts, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit.” Skincare that contains vitamin C is also thought to encourage collagen repair (it’s usually listed on the label as L-Ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate).

2. Stop smoking

“Smoking creates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which damage the collagen in your skin, hence the tell-tale sagging which many smokers are betrayed by,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe (drnicklowe.com).

3. Stay sun safe

Sun exposure is a prime suspect for hastening collagen loss. “UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage the deep collagen support structures there,” says Dr Lowe.

“My advice would be to wear an SPF15 broad spectrum cream (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) through the year.”

4. Reach for retinol

Retinoid creams – only available on prescription – have been proven to help boost collagen production.

“Retinoids reduce substances in the skin that break down collagen after sun exposure and also target receptors in the skin which increase the ­ production of collagen,” says Dr Maria Gonzalez of the Specialist Skin Clinic (specialistskinclinic.co.uk).You can get your hands on milder forms of retinoid in over-the-counter retinol creams.

5. Cut back on the sweet stuff

According to Dr Patricia Farris, co-author of The Sugar Detox: Lose Weight, Feel Great and Look Years Younger eating too much sugar can be a beauty disaster.

It causes premature ageing of the skin by a process called glycation. This is where excess sugar in the blood attaches itself to lipids, nucleic acids and proteins (especially your collagen) to form “advanced glycation end ­ products” or AGEs, which accelerate the ageing process and so cause wrinkly skin.

6. Exfoliate

Exfoliation – removing the top, dead layer of skin – helps speed up the natural process of skin and collagen renewal, says Amanda Elias, founder of skincare brand Bravura London (bravuralondon.com).

“My favourite way to exfoliate is with chemical exfoliants such as glycolic acid and lactic acid. They dissolve the glue-like substance that bonds dead skin to the surface rather than sloughing it away like scrubs do, and give a more even result, leaving skin looking healthier and more radiant.”

7. Add antioxidants to your skincare regime

Antioxidants help protect against free radicals that can cause ageing skin.

“The term ‘free radical’ describes a damaged skin cell,” says Amanda. “It’s ‘free’ because it’s missing an electron (healthy cells have two ­electrons, a damaged cell has one).

“Free radicals attach themselves to healthy skin cells and basically suck out the electrons they need, leaving healthy skin cells damaged.

“This process triggers an enzyme in the skin that breaks down collagen. Antioxidants help by neutralising the free radical so that it doesn’t have to feed off our healthy skin cells.”

Sip on green tea – it contains ­antioxidants called catechins – and eat foods high in lutein, an ­ antioxidant found in green leafy veg like spinach. Look for creams and serums containing antioxidants too.

8. Plant proteins, please

The menopause can make us wrinkly because, as we age, our oestrogen levels drop. Because oestrogen is vital to making healthy collagen, creases and crinkles can creep in to our skin.

Lots of foods contain plant ­oestrogens (phytoestrogens) that can help replace the effects of lost oestrogen. Try hummus, nuts, soy and pinto beans. Look for face creams containing phytoestrogens.

9. Massage

“Massaging your face daily will help boost the production of collagen, give skin a more plump appearance and help stimulate the lymph glands to promote clear skin,” says Nichola Joss, Sanctuary Spa Skincare Expert.

“Use a collagen boosting oil.”