As we age, collagen production in our skin decreases. “If you never stopped making collagen and never damaged collagen, you would never get a wrinkle, your pores would stay small, you’d never get a scar, and your skin would stay nice and tight,” says Lisa Ginn, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in Chevy Chase, Md.   “Collagen is key.” To stimulate collagen production, which will help smooth fine lines and reduce the appearance of pores, Ginn recommends applying Vitamin A in the form of either a prescription or over-the-counter retinoid every night. As a bonus, retinoids can help lighten brown spots.