5 Simple Ways to Boost Collagen in Your Body

Everyone desires youthful-looking skin. The saying, “you are what you eat”, rings especially true in this regard. Your diet plays a key role in the way your skin looks. And while talking about healthy-looking skin, a discussion on collagen cannot be far behind.

Collagen is a protein in your body that is responsible for giving the skin its structure, stretch, and suppleness. Your body has type 1, 2, and 3 collagen. But with age, its production in the skin decreases, and this is what causes wrinkles to appear. Supplements like marine collagen powder are produced with the aim of enhancing its levels in your body so that the skin attains a good texture.  

Apart from supplements, there are also other ways of boosting collagen production in your body. Here are some things you can do.

1. Add Foods Rich in Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C

Hyaluronic acid is a crucial compound to boost collagen in the skin. You can make it a part of your diet by eating food items rich in amino acids, like soy, beans, and root vegetables. Hyaluronic acid is also available in the form of supplements in the market.

The most critical vitamin for producing more collagen is vitamin C, and because of this, it is a staple content in many skincare products. Vitamin C is abundant in leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, papaya, and broccoli.

2. Antioxidants 

Antioxidants shield your body from damaging free radicals. Many antioxidants protect and restore the skin in different ways. There are several food options from which you can get ample antioxidants, and they include:

• Blueberries
• Green tea
• Mulberry extract
• Coffee extract
• Cinnamon
• Thyme, oregano, basil, and essential oils

3. Avoid Environmental Damage

Skin cells are continuously being formed and destroyed, while harsh weather and environmental aggravators like pollution and direct exposure to the sun can significantly damage the skin. The process of replacement of these damaged cells minimises the levels of collagen in the body. So to avoid your skin cells from damage, protect them from harsh sun rays, pollution by slathering sunscreen every time you go out into the sun.

4. Retinoids 

Retinoids are the most studied anti-aging compounds that are shown to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinoids are chemical compounds, and they are closely related to vitamin A. Topical vitamin A-based drugs increase collagen production and trigger the growth of blood vessels in your skin. This, in turn, enhances skin colour.

Today, topical vitamin A treatments are a part of many people’s skincare routine. So, It’s wise to start using such drugs if you are concerned about premature ageing. However, remember that it may take three to six months of regular use till you start noticing a visible change in the texture of your skin.

5. Marine Food

Animals like shellfish and fish have bones that are made of collagen. On the other hand, the “Meat” of fish has lower levels of collagen. The parts that have the most of it include the head, scales, or eyeballs. But these are less commonly consumed by people.

Marine collagen is a fast-absorbing one, and this is why marine collagen powder is preferred by those wishing to enhance the levels of this protein in their skin.  

Keeping your skin healthy isn’t just about eating superfoods and applying topical treatments. Although they are effective, you also need to pay attention to your mental health. Try to keep stress at bay by engaging in regular physical exercise. This way, you will not only improve your mood but will also boost circulation in your skin and keep it looking radiant.