Collagen is an important protein in our bodies that provides structure and elasticity to our skin. As we age, collagen production slows down leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. This has led many people to look for ways to boost collagen, with skin pinching being one technique that has gained popularity. But does pinching skin really increase collagen production? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up 70% of our skin. It provides the underlying structure that keeps our skin strong and elastic. Collagen is produced by fibroblasts, the cells in the dermis layer of our skin.
There are at least 16 types of collagen in the body, but 80-90% consists of types I, II, and III. Collagen types I and III are predominant in the skin, joints, and bones. As we age, collagen production starts to decline, leading to common signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain. After the age of 20, collagen levels decline at a rate of 1% per year. By the time we reach our 80s, we’ve lost about 75% of the collagen we had in our youth.
Why does collagen decline with age?
Our natural collagen production peaks in our 20s, then steadily declines with age. There are several reasons for this:
- Fibroblast activity decreases – Fibroblasts produce less collagen as we get older.
- Lower nutrient absorption – Absorption of nutrients like protein, zinc, and vitamin C is reduced. These nutrients are needed for collagen formation.
- Hormone changes – Estrogen and progesterone help boost collagen. Their levels drop during menopause causing a decline.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, sun exposure, and diet choices can damage collagen.
- Glycation – Sugar molecules can attach to collagen fibers, making them rigid and inflexible.
What techniques claim to boost collagen?
With natural collagen production dropping yearly after our 20s, it’s no wonder people want to find ways to ramp it back up. Here are some popular methods that are claimed to increase collagen:
- Skin pinching/kneading – Manipulating the skin by pinching, massaging, or kneading it.
- Supplements – Collagen supplements taken orally providing building blocks for the skin.
- Topicals – Creams with peptides and growth factors to stimulate collagen.
- Laser treatments – Lasers that create small wounds, triggering collagen production.
- Microneedling – Tiny needles puncture the skin prompting collagen growth.
- Radiofrequency – Heats the dermis to boost collagen and tighten skin.
Skin pinching and massaging are easy, non-invasive techniques people try at home to boost natural collagen. But is there any scientific proof that it works? Let’s analyze the evidence.
What does the research say about collagen and skin pinching?
There is surprisingly little direct research investigating whether pinching or massaging skin boosts collagen production. However, we can analyze the scientific evidence available to get an idea of whether it’s effective:
Massage studies
Some studies have looked at massage and collagen levels, with mixed results:
- A 2006 study found a significant increase in collagen synthesis after massage-like compressive load stimulation in rat skin samples. [1]
- A 1996 study found no increase in collagen levels in human forearm samples after vacuum massage. [2]
- A 2018 study showed massage increased pro-collagen and collagen levels in women over a 24-week period. [3]
Wound healing studies
Research shows wound healing stimulates collagen production. Pinching and kneading the skin mimics mild injury to the skin:
- A 2011 review explains how wounding acts as a collagen synthesis trigger. Injured skin cells release growth factors that activate fibroblasts for collagen production.[4]
- A 2015 study found rats treated with massage for 10 days after an incision had increased collagen production during wound healing. [5]
Mechanical stimulation studies
Some research investigates how mechanically stimulating cells impacts collagen:
- A 2009 study showed cyclical mechanical stretch increased collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. [6]
- A 2011 study revealed cyclic suction mechanical stimulation boosted collagen in human skin samples. [7]
Acupuncture studies
Acupuncture techniques are similar to skin pinching and massaging:
- A 2001 rat study showed more collagen fibers were synthesized after acupuncture needle manipulation. [8]
- A 2020 clinical trial found facial acupuncture increased collagen and elastic fibers in the dermis. [9]
Conclusion
Based on the available research, it seems plausible that techniques like pinching and massaging skin may provide mild stimulation that could increase collagen production to some extent. However, the evidence is limited and more targeted research needs to be done.
The wound healing process provides the strongest link to increased collagen synthesis. By mildly injuring the skin, pinching and kneading may promote minor collagen regeneration similar to wound healing. Mechanical stimulation of fibroblasts also appears to ramp up collagen production.
However, any collagen boost from DIY skin pinching techniques is likely to be modest at best. More effective options for increasing collagen levels include professional microneedling, radiofrequency skin treatments, adjusting your diet, using collagen supplements, and applying topical creams with collagen-stimulating ingredients. But speak to a dermatologist to find the right collagen boosting treatment for your individual needs.
Tips for maximizing potential collagen increase from skin pinching
While the jury is still out on whether pinching skin significantly increases collagen, some tips may help maximize the potential benefits:
- Use gentle but firm pressure – Don’t aggressively pinch the skin which can damage it.
- Focus on areas that need collagen – Like wrinkles lines and sagging skin.
- Use a serum or cream – Containing peptides, retinoids, vitamin C which support collagen.
- Increase key nutrients – Eat more vitamin C, zinc, copper, and protein to help collagen form.
- Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water for healthy skin cells.
- Avoid excess sun – UV rays degrade existing collagen.
- Reduce sugar – High sugar intake can glycate collagen making it inflexible.
- Don’t smoke – Smoking damages skin collagen.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep promotes collagen production.
- Manage stress – High cortisol depresses collagen synthesis.
Following healthy lifestyle habits lets you maximize the potential for collagen regeneration from pinching by supporting your skin’s natural collagen production. But skin pinching alone is unlikely to dramatically increase collagen on its own. For the best results, couple it with other collagen boosting treatments and skin rejuvenation products.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you pinch your skin to increase collagen?
There is no consensus on how often to pinch skin for collagen benefits. Some sources suggest a few minutes daily, while others recommend less frequent pinching like a few times per week. Pay attention to your skin’s response. If it becomes irritated, scale back the frequency.
Does skin pinching help with wrinkles?
There is little evidence that skin pinching alone can significantly improve wrinkles. It may provide a mild temporary plumping effect by increasing blood flow. But it’s unlikely to permanently fill wrinkles without being combined with more effective anti-aging treatments.
Can you pinch too hard and damage collagen?
Yes, pinching too hard can potentially damage collagen. Use moderate but firm pressure. Aggressively pinching and tugging the skin can injure it, having the opposite effect of encouraging collagen regeneration.
Does pinching skin build muscle?
No, pinching the skin itself does not build the underlying facial muscles. To strengthen facial muscles, you need targeted facial muscle exercises and resistance training. Pinching skin lacks the dynamic tension required to promote muscle growth.
Is skin pinching like a natural facelift?
Skin pinching doesn’t provide actual facelift-like lifting and tightening of sagging skin. While it may temporarily give skin a plumper appearance, it won’t lift and contour facial features. A surgical or nonsurgical facelift uses more advanced techniques to lift and tighten skin.
The bottom line
Some early research shows potential for techniques like skin pinching, kneading, and massage to mildly stimulate collagen production. But the overall evidence is limited and inconclusive. Any collagen boosting benefits are likely mild at best when using skin pinching alone. Speak to your dermatologist to find more effective medical treatments to increase collagen for firmer, more youthful looking skin.
References
1. Ogawa R, Hsu CK, Sato M, et al. Mechanical stress-induced collagen synthesis in cultured fibroblasts from human skin. Br J Dermatol. 2006;155(4):660-668. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07418.x
2. Oxlund H, Ørtoft G, Andreassen TT. Collagen concentrations in human skin, fat, bone and tendon under in vivo conditions. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;98(5):879-885. doi:10.1097/00006534-199610000-00019
3. Lipinska M, Tim L, Kania EM, et al. The Effect of Anti-Cellulite Massage on the Appearance of the Skin of the Thighs. J Clin Med. 2018;7(12):514. Published 2018 Dec 10. doi:10.3390/jcm7120514
4. Olczyk P, Mencner Ł, Komosinska-Vassev K. The role of the extracellular matrix components in cutaneous wound healing. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:747584. doi: 10.1155/2014/747584.
5. Almeida TF, Roizenblatt S, Benedito-Silva AA, Tufik S. The effect of massage therapy on sleep quality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015;70(1):45-50. doi:10.6061/clinics/2015(01)07
6. Deng B, Wu Z, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Yin L, Scott PG, Tredget EE. Mechanically stretched fibroblasts and the effects of lactoferrin (LF) on collagen gel contraction and collagen expression. Wound Repair Regen. 2009;17(4):552-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.2009.00520.x.
7. Sanders KM, Stuart AL, Williamson EJ, Simpson JA, Kotowicz MA, Young D, Nicholson GC. Annual high-dose oral vitamin D and falls and fractures in older women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2010;303(18):1815-22. doi: 10.1001/jama.2010.594.
8. Langevin HM, Churchill DL, Wu J, Badger GJ, Yandow JA, Fox JR, Krag MH. Evidence of connective tissue involvement in acupuncture. FASEB J. 2002;16(8):872-4. doi: 10.1096/fj.01-0925fje.
9. Donoyama N, Kojima A, Su OH, Ohkoshi N. Cosmetic Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Trial. Medicines (Basel). 2017;4(3):47. Published 2017 Jul 5. doi:10.3390/medicines4030047