A Comprehensive Guide to Biohacking Your Best Skin
September 8, 2025
Biohacking for radiant, healthy skin sounds like a massive undertaking (and maybe the latest trend), but in reality, biohacking is all about tapping into your skin’s natural processes and making realistic adjustments and implementations to support these processes best. Biohacking is about reverting to our individual roots when it comes to optimal wellness and taking a personalized, inside-out approach to promoting skin health and longevity.
There is a wealth of information available on biohacking your health and wellness. Our goal is to give you practical and actionable tips for starting your biohacking journey. If you’re new to the world of biohacking, it’s important to note that personalization in your efforts is key. While we provide ample tools and techniques in this article, we encourage you only to take away what feels actionable and right for your skin journey!
At Natology, addressing the skin from the inside out is the root of our integrative approach to optimal skin health. In this article, we are focusing on evidence-backed biohacking efforts to optimize your skin health at a cellular level. These efforts include in-clinic treatments, scientifically formulated topical treatments, and optimized lifestyle habits to discover true skin transformation and longevity from the inside out.
What Does Biohacking Mean in Terms of Skincare?
Biohacking refers to utilizing science-backed strategies and technology to optimize your skin health and longevity. Biohacking is not about quick fixes or complicated and expensive treatments, but rather a daily commitment to supporting your skin at the cellular level to build resilience, a healthy skin barrier, and age gracefully.
While there is no one-size-fits-all protocol for biohacking your skin health, there are three naturally occurring processes at the cellular level to begin focusing your efforts:
Cell turnover
Collagen production
Cellular activity & hormone health
Biohacking to Support Cell Turnover
Cell turnover is a naturally occurring process in which dead skin cells are shed and replaced with new, healthy cells. This process occurs about every 28 days. Cell turnover slows with age and, as a result, contributes to a dull complexion and uneven tone and texture.
A buildup of dead skin cells can be especially troublesome for acne-prone individuals, as these cells settle on the skin and can trap pore bacteria, leading to breakouts. You want to encourage ongoing cell turnover, especially as the skin matures, to keep producing new cells that leave you with a bright, healthy complexion!
There are several easy ways to support ongoing cell turnover both at home and in the clinic:
Regular Exfoliation for Cell Turnover
Sweep away dead skin cells on the surface with a weekly physical exfoliation. A physical exfoliation can take the form of exfoliating pads, brushes, or a scrub with gentle beads like AlumierMD’s MicroDerm Polish. Not only does sloughing off dead skin cells instantly brighten and improve your complexion, but over time, exfoliation improves your skin texture and tone, and improves the appearance of pigmentation. Plus, clean pores mean better product absorption for all your luxury skincare to follow.
Skincare that Promotes Cell Turnover
Retinol has a proven reputation for improving overall skin quality, including tone, texture, firmness, and clarity. Retinol works deep within the dermis to encourage rapid cell turnover, which over time can improve the appearance of acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, tone and texture, laxity, and an overall tired complexion. If you’re serious about biohacking your skin for aging and longevity, retinol should be on your bathroom counter.
If you’re new to retinol, we recommend consulting with an expert before beginning retinol use. Speak with a skincare expert today – book your virtual or in-person consultation here
Vitamin C has science-backed evidence for its antioxidant role in preventing premature signs of aging, protecting against cellular damage, and fading dark spots. Vitamin C serums also act as a mild exfoliant for gently encouraging cell turnover. The key to choosing the right Vitamin C serum is to ensure the antioxidant is stabilized. This is why we love AlumierMD’s EverActive C&E + Peptide for its unique packaging, ensuring stabilization of 15% Vitamin C so you get the absolute most out of this biohacking product. Not to mention the added bonus of peptides, which we will discuss a little later in this article.
Skin Treatments to Support Cell Turnover
Facials are not simply a self-care luxury. The benefits of clinical facials are backed by research for maintaining the longevity of your skin. Visiting your aesthetician just once a month for a maintenance facial offers a multitude of benefits that extend long after leaving the treatment room, and a consistent facial schedule allows you to get ahead of concerns like breakouts, environmental damage, and skin barrier stress – all of which lead to premature aging.
A clinical facial at Natology focuses on providing the skin with a deep cleanout, exfoliation, hydration and protection, all of which encourage the release of dead skin cells and bacteria, allowing healthy cells to surface.
Microneedling is a tried-and-true treatment for just about anyone at any stage of their skin journey. Utilizing tiny needles that create controlled micro-injury to the skin, the dermis is forced to produce new skin cells along with collagen and elastin to heal the micro-injuries. Microneedling is an effective preventative treatment for keeping the skin looking and feeling healthy, or can be used as a corrective treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, and pigmentation. Microneedling is a minimally invasive biohacking treatment for preserving your skin health and appearance as the skin matures.
Chemical peels are another top-tier treatment for cell turnover. Chemical peels use glycolic, lactic, salicylic, mandelic and fruit enzymes to safely exfoliate away the superficial layer of skin, revealing a brighter, smoother, and healthier complexion. At Natology, we have a menu of available peels targeted to specific skin concerns like pigmentation, acne, anti-aging, and scarring. Whether you’re new to chemical peels or a seasoned pro, we have a safe and effective peel option for you to give your skin a fresh start.
Biohacking to Support Collagen Production
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, responsible for giving your skin its shape and structure, along with fostering strong nails and hair. Science has shown that collagen production begins to decline in our 20s, and this dip in collagen is one of the primary drivers of visible aging. As collagen declines, our skin begins to lose its structure and plumpness, resiliency, and becomes more susceptible to stress.
Biohacking collagen production can greatly help in preserving your skin’s structure and longevity. Luckily, collagen preservation is a highly researched topic, and there are several science-backed tools available to you to restore lost collagen.
Skin Treatments Proven to Boost Collagen
Microneedling, laser peels/resurfacing, PRF, and Sculptra are popular in-clinic treatments that work in the dermis layer of the skin where collagen is produced. Even with expensive skincare and supplements that help boost collagen, in-clinic treatments are essential to biohacking your collagen production for visible results.
The purpose of microneedling is to create controlled micro-injury to the skin, forcing a healing response. Included in this healing response is an abundance of collagen and elastin production, new healthy cells, and a noticeably improved complexion. Microneedling has been shown to improve the appearance of acne scarring, break up and fade pigmentation, and reduce visible lines and wrinkles, with studies showing a 400% increase in collagen and elastin after a series of microneedling treatments spaced one month apart. At Natology, we recommend a minimum of 3 back-to-back sessions.
View microneedling packages at Natology in Calgary, AB
Laser peels and custom laser resurfacing are minimally invasive treatments that utilize controlled energy (heat) to gently remove the superficial layer of the skin and penetrate to the dermis to stimulate collagen. Laser resurfacing is effective at regenerating the skin, addressing concerns like scarring (both pitted and pigmentated), texture, and surface imperfections.
Learn more about corrective laser treatments at Natology in Calgary, AB
PRF or platelet-rich fibrin is the second generation of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). PRF is an all-natural gold standard treatment for tissue regeneration and facial rejuvenation. PRF involves drawing a blood sample from the arm and spinning the vial in a centrifuge machine to separate the blood components, allowing for fibrin and platelet extraction. These components are then injected or microneedled back into the skin, resulting in a surge of growth factors, including collagen, providing natural rejuvenation to the skin. PRF is effective for scar correction, dark and tired under eyes, overall complexion rejuvenation, and wound healing.
Learn more about PRF at Natology in Calgary, AB
Sculptra is the first FDA-approved injectable that uses Poly-L-Lactic Acid to stimulate collagen production, gradually improving visible signs of aging. This includes restoring lost facial volume, firming the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles and addressing other common signs of aging that result from a loss of collagen. Sculptra offers a subtle and natural rejuvenation to support the skin’s aging process.
Learn more about Sculptra at Natology in Calgary, AB
Supplementation & Skincare Shown to Boost Collagen
Some collagen supplements can be hard on sensitive stomachs and even contribute to acne, so it’s important to do your research and find a suitable and high-quality supplement. Most collagen supplements and powders are derived from beef or fish; this is important to keep in mind if you follow a vegan diet. There are vegan collagen options on the market, but the quality and efficacy will need to be researched to ensure you’re getting all the same benefits.
Our favourite collagen supplement sold in our Calgary clinic is Whole Body Collagen by Designs For Health. This is a research-backed collagen peptides powder that not only supports the skin, but also the joints, bones, hair and nails.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been shown to promote collagen production. HA serums like Ultimate Boost Serum by AlumierMD work deeper into the skin for lasting hydration, plumpness, and strengthening of the skin barrier with consistent use.
Vitamin C is another collagen-boosting serum to add to your lineup. We introduced Vitamin C earlier for cell turnover. This is a powerhouse serum that offers an abundance of protection for the longevity of your skin. We can’t help but spotlight EverActive C&E + Peptide by AlumierMD again for its inclusion of MATRIXYL Synthe’6, which is derived from a peptide naturally found in collagen that specifically targets fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C is a cofactor in the synthesis of strong collagen. It’s also worth mentioning that sun exposure aids in the breakdown of collagen, and Vitamin C has proven sun-protection benefits, though it must be used in addition to your SPF, not instead of it. All in all, Vitamin C is a highly recommended addition to your skincare routine for biohacking the longevity of your skin!
Diet & Lifestyle Tips to Boost Collagen
Unprotected sun exposure is one of the quickest ways to deplete collagen production. We can’t overstate the importance of a daily mineral SPF. Take the opportunity to also invest in some chic sunglasses and a cute hat to bring along with you on your walks and outdoor activities to further future-proof your skin.
You can also support your collagen production right from the end of your fork. Foods high in antioxidants like dark berries (such as blueberries), green tea, and leafy greens are collagen-supporting. As are the bones and skin of fish, the connective tissue of red meat, and bone broth.
Our bodies naturally make less collagen as we age. A mindful approach to your health and wellness becomes even more crucial as we get older. Prioritizing sleep, exercise, and keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum are key to being, looking, and feeling healthy and promoting strong connective tissues and protein like collagen.
Biohacking to Support Cellular Activity & Hormone Health
Cellular health and hormone balance are two of the most powerful levers you can influence for skin longevity and healthy aging. Your cells are constantly repairing, regenerating, and protecting themselves, and your hormones act as chemical messengers that guide processes like collagen production and inflammation. When either system is out of sync, it often shows up first in the skin.
Topical Ingredients to Positively Influence Cellular Health
We’ve already discussed retinol’s role in improving the appearance of the skin. Alongside retinol, here are some other ingredients that you may already have on your bathroom sink that can positively support cell function:
Peptides, which act as cellular messengers to produce more collagen and elastin and promote a healthy skin appearance.
Niacinamide, which plays a big role in reducing redness and inflammation and repairing a compromised skin barrier.
Vitamin C has been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis and provide antioxidant protection. Vitamin C is a key ingredient for protecting the cells against free radical damage.
Mineral SPF is a daily defence against sun damage. Unprotected sun exposure can cause damage at the cellular level and slow every process we have talked about in this article, not to mention the increased risk of skin cancer.
Diet & Supplementation to Support Positive Cellular Expression
The way to biohacking cellular behaviour is through proper nutrition. Research has confirmed that your diet and supplementation regimen can affect gene expression and change cellular behaviour.
Antioxidant-rich foods like dark berries, green tea, and cruciferous vegetables have positive anti-inflammatory benefits. These antioxidant activities can prevent or even reverse cellular damage and premature signs of aging.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, flaxseed, chia, and walnuts, along with supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids have a range of health benefits, with research showing potential reduction of chronic inflammation. EPA and DHA specifically influence immune cell function and can diminish inflammatory gene expression.
Diving deeper into Hormone Health
Your hormones are messengers that touch every single process in the body. Hormone health is far too often overlooked when it comes to skin longevity and addressing common skin concerns. You can easily support your hormone health through various nutritional implementations and proper sleep and rest, but sometimes, with hormonal imbalances, we need to dive deeper. Hormone testing at Natology in Calgary provides an intricate map of hormonal activity as it relates to the skin, so you know where to recalibrate and focus your biohacking efforts.
Reaching optimal nutritional levels through diet alone can be challenging. Thoughtful supplementation helps fill those gaps, supporting nutrient balance while also being able to regulate stress and hormone activity. When your body maintains internal balance—homeostasis—it shows on your skin. At Natology in Calgary, we carry a range of curated supplementation options to further support our clients’ skin and wellness from the inside out.
Ready to get serious about your supplementation? Our Naturopath is here to support you! Schedule a consultation here
Getting the Biohacking Tools You Need
We’ve covered a lot of ground in this article! The number one mistake when it comes to improving your skin health is doing too much at once. This article is meant to give you an array of options to optimize the three cellular processes strongly connected to your skin health so you can pick and choose what feels attainable for your personal journey. Many of the topics discussed in this article offer support for more than one process, making them worthy investments for the future of your skin.
Natology’s team of skin experts are here to guide you. If you’re ready to learn more about taking control of your skin health and future-proofing your skin, we want to come along on your journey! Schedule a complimentary consultation with an aesthetician or a naturopathic consultation and discover tools, tips, and guidance for achieving skin transformation.
Psst… To stay in the know on everything skin, check out our podcast for skin and wellness enthusiasts: Balanced Beauty Talks. New episodes drop bi-weekly. Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
*All the information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a health professional before undergoing skin treatments or incorporating supplementation.
References
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