As we age our skin loosens its elasticity and firmness due to the loss and breakdown of collagen in the dermal layer of the skin. The best thing we could do for ourselves is to create a natural environment that stimulates collage production for maintaining healthy, glowing, firmer skin.
Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids that are found in our bodies and exist naturally in our skin, as a structural support. It is vital for strengthening blood vessels and giving skin it’s elasticity and strength. Some benefits of collagen to your skin’s appearance are:
- It helps keep your skin youthful and glowing
- It reduces wrinkles and smoothes the skin
- It helps prevent loose and sagging skin
Some natural solutions to boost and build collagen are to take a collagen supplement , incorporate power foods in your diet and use a topical natural skin care cream that will plump up your skin again. Incorporating these few steps into your daily regime can effectively start promoting collagen production and de-aging from the inside out.
Collagen Supplements
They are tricky in results and not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As with any treatment, how soon someone can see results after taking them varies from person to person but a high quality supplement can help firm thin, loose skin. They come in both pill and liquid form. If you decide to incorporate a collagen supplement ( can be found at your local supplement store) into your diet you should also increase your vitamin C intake. This combo will help the body produce collagen.
Power Foods
Collagen production in the body thrives from a high antioxidant, omega fatty acid and mineral diet. Here are some foods you can choose from.
- Brazil Nuts.
Contain Selenium which is a powerful antioxidant. It works alongside vitamin E and C which are essential for the immune system. Studies suggest that a Selenium rich diet can help protect the skin from sun damage, age spots and skin cancer. - Fish, Lean Red Meat, Legumes (particularly peanuts), and poultry.
Contain Zinc which helps to reduce skin damage, keeping the skin soft and supple. Zinc also reduces inflammation and promotes skin cell growth, maintaining collagen and elastin. - Oily Fish, Flaxseed Oil, Almonds, Walnuts, Linseed and Avocado’s
Contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Make sure you get enough omega 3 and omega 6 fats. These are essential fatty acids which cannot be made in the body and must be obtained through diet. Omega 3 fats encourage the body to produce anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help skin, particularly inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. They also fight dry skin and provide an ideal environment for collagen production. - Carrots, Cantaloupe, and Sweet Potatoes.
Contain Vitamin A which repairs the skin and acts as an antioxidant. - Guava, Red Fruit and Vegetables, Citrus Fruits, Papaya, Tomatoes and Dark Green Vegetables (kale, spinach, collards, and broccoli).
Contain Vitamin C which is sensitive to heat, so foods eaten in their raw form will retain more of their vitamin C than cooked foods. Vitamin C helps collagen formulation by changing proline into hydroxyproline and lysine into hydroxylysine. These fight free radicals produced by too much sun that leads to prematurely aging skin. - Leafy Greens and sunflower seeds
Contain Vitamin E which stimulates collagen production. - Green Tea.
Contains Catechins which are phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and prevent the breakdown of collagen. - Dark Berries (raspberries, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, black currant and Acia).
Contain Anthocyanidins which are phytonutrients that strengthen collage by linking the fibers together. - Cucumbers and Horsetail Herb.
Contain Silia which is a mineral that heals connective tissue, keeping collagen from breaking down. - Soymilk and Cheese.
Contain Geinstein which stimulates collagen production and blocks enzymes that break down and age skin. - Red Vegetables (red peppers, beets, and tomatoes).
Contain Lycopene, an antioxidant which increases collagen production and protects the skin from the sun. - Olives (green and black), Cucumbers and Celery.
Contain Sulphur which supports collagen production.
Natural Skin Cream
Adding an Antioxidant rich face cream like YASOU Cellular Day Cream (which is high in antioxidants and skin firming ingredients) and the Cell Renewal Night Cream (with cell regenerating and HyadisineÒ ingredients) to your skin care routine is bound to make your skin look firmer and rejuvenated.
These face creams work on the layers of skin where new skin cells are formed and where collagen gives the skin the support and firmness it needs to appear vibrant and wrinkle-free. By increasing skin cell turnover, your body is stimulating collagen production. Antioxidant rich creams will reduce dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles.
While supplements, diet and creams can give your skin a healthy glow, there’s no guarantee they will make you look like you’re 20 again. But who needs that? Let’s embrace our age and look the best we can.
(Image: Daria Shertsova | Pexels)