Most guys don’t start thinking about collagen until something in the mirror changes. The jawline is not quite as sharp. Fine lines linger a bit longer. Skin that used to bounce back now looks a little creased after a long week. You still feel like yourself, but your face is telling a story of late nights, sun, and stress.
At Anthony, we see collagen as one of the big levers you can pull if you want your skin to look firmer, smoother, and more “awake.” You don’t need to obsess over every ingredient you use, but knowing what collagen is and how to support it can give your skin a real leg up.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that works like scaffolding under your skin. Think of it as the framework that helps your face keep its shape. When you’re younger, your body produces plenty of it. Skin feels thick (in a good way), elastic, and resilient, even if you’re rough on it.
What Does Collagen Do For Your Skin?
Most of the action happens in the dermis, the deeper layer under the surface. There, collagen fibers are woven together with elastin and other components. Together, they give your skin structure and bounce. When you smile or frown, that network stretches and then returns to its original position.
Over time, production slows down. Somewhere in your late 20s and into your 30s, your body gradually makes less collagen each year. You might not notice it at first. Then one day, you realize the lines next to your eyes don’t fully disappear when you stop smiling, or your forehead lines are still faintly visible even when your face is resting. That is collagen loss in action.
Men’s skin tends to be thicker than women’s, which means you can sometimes “get away” with more for longer. But the decline still happens. Sun exposure, pollution, smoking, poor sleep, and stress can all speed it up. Shaving can also play a role, since it’s a repeated form of friction and micro-irritation.
When collagen levels drop and existing fibers get damaged, skin looks less firm and more deflated. You might notice:
- Fine lines showing up around the eyes and mouth
- Deeper creases in the forehead
- Drooping at the jawline or around the nose and mouth
- A general loss of that springy, smooth feel
You can’t stop time, but you can absolutely influence how fast those changes show up on your face. That’s why smart skincare is needed.
How To Stimulate Collagen Production In Skin
There’s no magic cream that “rebuilds” all your collagen overnight. Anyone promising that is just lying. What you can do, very effectively, is create conditions where your skin is protected, gently resurfaced, and consistently fed the ingredients it needs to make the most of what it has.
Protect What You Already Have
The fastest way to look older than you are is to ignore sun protection. UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin. Even a good routine will struggle if you keep frying your skin. Using a daily SPF like Anthony’s Day Cream SPF 30 is non-negotiable if you’re serious about holding on to firmness. You don’t need to slather on a chalky mess. This one hydrates, protects, and sits comfortably on male skin.
Sleep and lifestyle matter, too. You don’t have to live like a saint (or in a cave), but chronic sleep deprivation, heavy smoking, and constant sun exposure will undo a lot of hard work. Think of skincare and lifestyle as teammates. They work best together.
Use Ingredients That Push Collagen in the Right Direction
Certain actives are known for their role in supporting collagen and improving how skin behaves:
- Vitamin C helps protect existing collagen from oxidative stress and supports new collagen formation.
- Retinoid-style ingredients (like Vitamin A treatments) can help speed up cell turnover and improve the look of fine lines over time.
- Acids such as glycolic acid gently resurface the skin so newer, fresher cells come to the top, and deeper layers get the signal to renew.
Our High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum delivers a dose of antioxidant support in a lightweight formula designed for men. You apply it after cleansing, before your moisturizer. With regular use, it helps brighten tone and supports a smoother, firmer look.
Anthony’s High Performance Anti-Wrinkle Glycolic Peptide Serum goes after fine lines and texture from another angle. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates, while peptides help signal the skin to support its structural proteins. Used consistently, it can help soften the appearance of crow’s feet and forehead lines.
For guys ready to get more serious about aging, our High Performance Vitamin A Facial Treatment is another tool. It’s built to encourage renewal and refine the surface over time, which makes skin look more even and less slack.
Keep the Surface Healthy
Collagen lives in the deeper layers, but what you do on the surface matters a lot. If your barrier is constantly irritated, dry, or inflamed, you're making it harder for your skin to function well in general.
Gentle cleansing with products like Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser or Algae Facial Cleanser keeps pores clear and removes daily buildup without stripping. Exfoliating with our Facial Scrub once or twice a week sloughs off dead skin cells so your serums and moisturizers can absorb properly.
Hydration is another important player in the collagen story. Well-hydrated skin looks plumper and shows lines less prominently. Quality options like our All Purpose Facial Moisturizer, Oil Free Facial Lotion, or Hyaluronic Acid Serum help keep water in the skin so your canvas looks smoother and more elastic.
Best Collagen-Boosting Skin Care Products For Men
You don’t need to turn your bathroom into a lab to support collagen. A focused lineup is usually more effective than a crowded shelf, and a strong “collagen-conscious” routine for men pulls from a handful of categories.
Start with cleansing. Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser is ideal if you want a deeper clean and smoother texture. It uses glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate while it washes, which helps keep skin brighter and more receptive to treatments. If your skin runs more dry or sensitive, our Algae Facial Cleanser offers a gentler, hydrating cleanse with soothing ingredients.
Next, add a serum that speaks directly to your concerns. For daytime, Anthony’s High Performance Vitamin C Facial Serum is a smart move. It helps defend against environmental stress while supporting collagen and brightening dull areas. For nighttime or more targeted anti-aging, our High Performance Anti-Wrinkle Glycolic Peptide Serum is a solid option. It works on fine lines, rough patches, and early slackness with tested actives that play well together.
If you want to go a step further, in the evening, our High Performance Vitamin A Facial Treatment is a strong all-rounder that keeps skin comfortable and balanced. During the day, swapping to Day Cream SPF 30 stacks hydration on top of UV protection, which is crucial for collagen support.
The eye area deserves a mention, too. Crow’s feet are one of the first things men notice when collagen changes. Anthony’s High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream hydrates and supports that delicate skin so lines look softer and the area appears more rested. Used daily, it supports everything you’re doing for the rest of your face.
Want to learn even more about collagen for men? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
