The main secret behind youthful and supple skin is collagen. It is a form of protein that plays a vital role in the structure of the skin, giving it a plump and younger-looking appearance. However, the problem is that collagen synthesis changes as we grow old.
Collagen production significantly reduces as we age which serves as a precursor to signs of aging such as skin sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. The less collagen the skin has, the earlier these signs of aging arise. But the good news is that we are not left without some options. In this article, we cover the top 3 steps on how to produce more collagen.
How to naturally boost collagen
Incorporate retinol into your skincare routine
Retinol, also known as retinoid in higher and stronger formulations, is not only the most popular anti-aging skin care ingredient but is also the most scientifically proven chemical to boost collagen production and skin cell renewal. Therefore, it has the power to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin texture and complexion.
It’s important to remember though that in excess or in formulations stronger than your skin can tolerate, retinol use may lead to skin irritation and dryness. If you’re a first-time user, it is best to start on retinol products of lower concentration for about 2-3x per week and build up from there. And since retinol may increase the skin’s sensitivity, you should never skip applying sunscreen throughout the day.
Eat your collagen!
As with almost everything, your diet can dictate your collagen production. There are various sources of collagen and food is one of them. Your food intake plays a vital role in how your skin looks and feels. Fortunately, there are foods with collagen that can help you maintain a relatively high synthesis of this vital protein. Some of the foods high in collagen you should be eating are:
- Bone broth
- Fish, especially fatty fish such as tuna and salmon
- Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes
- Leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach
- Berries
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Cashews
- Chicken
- Egg whites
Moreover, staying away from foods packed with processed sugar and refined carbs can do you a lot of good. These can promote inflammation and collagen damage, which can essentially lead to premature aging. Focus on high-collagen animal and plant foods and watch your skin transform for the better.
Don’t skip your sunscreen
If you do not know it yet, one of the most underrated benefits of wearing sunscreen is its capability to prevent the breakdown of collagen. This is because exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun causes collagen breakdown. Therefore, by religiously and regularly putting on sunscreen, you are protecting your skin from the signs of premature aging.
Conclusion
If you start seeing fine lines and sagging skin, you might be suffering from decreased collagen production. With that said, one of the most effective ways to combat the signs of aging is by supporting the sufficient synthesis of this vital protein. To keep your skin looking plump and young, add retinol into your routine, apply sunscreen, and make your diet collagen-rich. ♡
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