How to Truly Support Collagen Production

To understand how to support collagen, it’s important to understand how collagen is made.

Collagen is produced by fibroblast cells located in the dermis. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for keeping skin firm, elastic, and resilient—they are essentially the framework of our skin. These cells maintain collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which means when fibroblasts are active, skin appears plumper, smoother, and stronger.

• Collagen provides firmness

• Elastin allows skin to stretch and bounce back

• Hyaluronic acid provides hydration and volume

Fibroblasts live beneath the skin’s surface layer, which means topical products cannot reach them directly. Rather than reacting to creams, fibroblasts respond to signals.

What Happens as We Age

As we age, fibroblasts become less responsive, collagen production slows, and existing collagen fibers become disorganized. This leads to loss of firmness, elasticity, and volume.

However, fibroblasts can be stimulated and retrained.

While “boosting collagen,” has long been a hot topic, you rarely hear about "signaling your fibroblasts"!

Signals That Activate Fibroblasts

Mechanical Signals (touch & movement)

These signals tell fibroblasts to “wake up” and build:

• Stretching

• Compression

• Massage

• Microchanneling / microneedling

Chemical Signals (nutrients & messengers)

• Oxygen and amino acids delivered through blood flow

• Vitamin C (required for collagen cross-linking)

• Growth factors

Electrical & Light Signals (energy without injury)

• Microcurrent (ATP stimulation)

• Red and near-infrared light (mitochondrial activation)

Why Circulation Matters

Fibroblasts need oxygen and nutrients to function. Improved circulation delivers these building blocks more efficiently. Without adequate blood flow, fibroblasts slow down—even when high-quality skincare is used.

Facial Massage is a highly effective and affordable way to Signal (mechanical signal) Fibroblast activity.

Here is why:

Facial massage increases circulation, which releases nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide:

• Improves microvascular dilation

• Activates cellular pathways involved in collagen synthesis

• Enhances fibroblast responsiveness

• Increases hyaluronic acid production

• Improves water retention in the dermis

*A well-hydrated dermis allows collagen fibers to organize more effectively, improving elasticity and strength.

Facial massage also supports lymphatic drainage, which reduces collagen breakdown.

• Poor circulation → lymphatic stagnation

• Lymphatic stagnation → inflammation + matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

• MMPs break down collagen

Best Practices for Results

For best results, facial massage should be performed 3–5 times per week, using gentle but deep and intentional pressure. Recovery time is just as important—collagen is built during rest.

Stimulate the fibroblasts, then allow them to do their work.

What Weakens Fibroblasts Over Time

• Chronic inflammation (over-exfoliation, harsh peels)

• UV exposure

• Smoking

• Poor circulation

• High cortisol (chronic stress)

• Glycation (excess sugar)