It’s no secret that collagen, a naturally occurring protein created by the body, is important in keeping the skin looking plump and youthful. Collagen is what makes up the structural foundation of the skin, making it elastic and resilient to many damaging factors including pollution and gravity. Lower collagen levels are synonymous with line and wrinkle development.
Unfortunately for most people, collagen levels in the skin naturally begins to deplete in the mid-to-late 20’s. And the rate of depletion is startling, with an overall reduction in collagen level of about 1% per year.
There are some easy things you can do to help maintain or even boost your collagen levels and fight back against aged and dull skin. Here are seven suggestions to boost collagen in your skin:
Facial Massages
Yes, a simple massage can both strengthen muscle memory and spur collagen production. Gently massaging your facial muscles daily can also boost blood circulation, making the skin look refreshed and more youthful. Simply apply moderate (not heavy) pressure in circular movements along the cheeks, chin, and forehead.
Diet
What you eat greatly impacts your overall health, including skin health. Lentils, leafy greens and garlic are all great foods to eat for collagen boosting, specifically because they are high in Sulphur. Vitamin C rich foods like broccoli, oranges, and kiwis also help the body form collagen while simultaneously preventing oxidative damage. Lastly, try to limit sugar consumption, as glucose has been traced to directly breaking down collagen.
Quit Smoking
Here’s another reason to kick the smoking habit: not only are cigarettes harming your lungs, they’re also aging your face by creating wrinkles and a blotchy skin tone. Smoking eats away at collagen and other skin proteins leaving the skin looking wrinkled and leathery in appearance.
Hydration
Maintaining a proper level of hydration in the skin is an easy way to aid collagen production. In fact, a high moisture environment is ideal for both collagen and elastin to thrive.
Vitamins & Supplements
There are many great vitamins and supplements that can help increase collagen production and strengthen the skin. Supplements that are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc are ideal. We sell a variety of skin-focused supplements here at Iderma, our online store.
At-Home Collagen Products
Skin care lines have been focused on producing products that contain active growth factors including collagen. Products such as Neocutis Bio-Gel can be applied topically to deliver collagen stimulating agents to the skin. These products contain peptides, growth factors, and other ingredients which promote collagen. Products that also contain glycolic acid and retinol are also effective.
Regular exfoliation (either mechanical or chemical) can also help your skin get a collagen boost. See our previous blog on the right way to exfoliate!
