How to Restore Collagen for Cancer Patients
An important goal for skin rejuvenation during and after cancer treatment is to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Topical and oral collagen can’t replace collagen in your body, so the use of collagen skincare and collagen supplements aren’t likely to be helpful. However, certain skincare ingredients, when formulated and used correctly, can protect existing collagen, stimulate collagen production and repair damaged collagen. On the other hand, existing elastin can be protected, but damaged elastin is difficult to repair.
Here are some proven skincare ingredients and modalities that can stimulate collagen and elastin.
As always, not all skincare products are suitable for everyone as our skin types and conditions differ. Please consult your oncology medical team and follow any instructions given by them.
Skincare Actives to Stimulate Collagen
Stem Cells, Growth Factors, Exosomes
Some of the most expensive skincare
Must be human derived in order to be effective
Must be formulated with extreme precision to be effective
May or may not be safe for use during cancer. Please refer to your oncologist.
Retinoids, Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Retinoids: ie retinol, retinoic acid, tretinoin
AHAs: ie glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids
Decades of research verifying ability generate collagen
Can cause significant skin irritation or damage to skin with impaired barrier function and sensitive skin
Increases photosensitivity (as do all exfoliants)
Not recommended during cancer treatment.
Vitamin C
ie: ascorbic acid, MAP, ascorbyl glucoside
Collagen cannot be produced without vitamin C in the skin.
The most effective form, ascorbic acid, is often irritating to sensitive/impaired skin and unstable.
Many other more stable and less irritating forms available, but also less effective.
Other forms of vitamin C must be able to convert into ascorbic acid to be used for collagen production.
Possibly safe during cancer treatment. Please refer to your oncologist.
Patch test and use with caution. Use one of the less irritating forms.
Antioxidants
Ie: vitamin C, vitamin E, Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Green Tea, Ferulic Acid
Important for protecting collagen and elastin against inflammatory aging.
Boosts the efficacy of sunscreen and protects skin when worn under sunscreen daily.
Proven to aid in preventing or reducing skin aging
Prevents hyperpigmentation
Must be formulated correctly to be effective
Often recommended during cancer treatment. Please refer to your oncologist.
Daily Sunscreen & Protective Clothing
Best form of protection for collagen and elastin from UV damage.
Prevents hyperpigmentation.
Use a mineral SPF 30 or more. Apply liberally and remember to reapply.
Strongly recommended during cancer treatment.
Modalities for Stimulating Collagen
Microneedling, Lasers, Injectables & Chemical Peels
Certain forms of these procedures are proven to regenerate collagen
Not recommended during cancer treatment
Seek a dermatologist or other medical provider when seeking these treatments after recovery from cancer treatment.
Red LED Therapy, Microcurrent Therapy
Non-invasive and gentle modalities
Specific parameters have been proven to stimulate collagen and elastin
Most beneficial when performed consistently at home
Use FDA cleared devices that are clinically proven.
Microcurrent is not recommended during cancer treatment.
Red LED therapy may be safe during cancer treatment, except for extreme photosensitivity. Please refer to your oncologist.
References
Antioxidants
Role of antioxidants in skin aging and the molecular mechanism of ROS: A comprehensive review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amolm.2025.100063
Sunscreen
Ultraviolet radiation and skin aging: roles of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and protease activation, and strategies for prevention of inflammation-induced matrix degradation - a review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18492178/
Red Light Therapy
Low-level red and infrared light increases expression of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in skin - https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)33160-3/abstract
Microcurrent
Do Microcurrent Facial Devices Really Work?
https://skintypesolutions.com/blogs/skincare/microcurrent-facial-devices
Stem Cells, Growth Factors, Exosomes
Stem Cells vs Growth Factors vs Exosomes In Skin Care
https://skintypesolutions.com/blogs/skincare/stem-cells-vs-growth-factors-vs-exosomes-in-skin-care
Vitamin C
Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid in Skin Care
https://skintypesolutions.com/blogs/skincare/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid-in-skin-care