Collagen production is one of the hallmarks of youth. But as we age, our bodies produce less collagen. Collagen is actually a protein fibrous tissue and, like elastin, forms the primary matrix that gives skin its elasticity and strength.
However, there are ways to counteract some of the adverse effects aging brings, so increasing collagen production is probably the way to go. Here’s how to do it.
How to Increase Collagen Production?
Countering the effects of aging doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are ways you can increase collagen production with food that you can find right out of your fridge and simple daily activities.
Food rich in Vitamin C
It would be nice if our bodies could make all of the collagen they need just by getting enough vitamin C that would provide us with the benefit of skin that is both soft and supple without costing us an arm and a leg.
Fortunately, there is a way to raise your collagen production by eating foods rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to maintain higher levels of collagen levels in your skin. It also contributes to the skin’s elasticity by helping the connective tissues to repair themselves.
If you eat plenty of citrus fruit, oranges, strawberries, green peppers, and tomatoes you can easily get enough vitamin C in your diet to help your body produce more collagen.
Hyaluronic acid is abundant in certain fruits and vegetables, and also in certain proteins. Hyaluronic acid is responsible for moistening and smoothing the appearance of wrinkles. It is actually more fragile than collagen, so it tends to wrinkle less as we age.
One way to increase the amount of hyaluronic acid in your skin is to increase your protein intake. This is the same as eating more fruits and vegetables.
To get the most out of your vegetables, consume lots of leafy greens (particularly cabbage and kale) and citrus fruits. Citrus fruits are rich in beta carotene – a type of vitamin C. The beta carotene helps to make your skin brighter.
Try to eat at least four servings of fruits and vegetables a day, and take a daily multi vitamin with high levels of vitamin c and vitamin h for healthy skin. Make sure to include vitamin c rich foods like spinach, Swiss chard, carrots, broccoli, turnips, kale, cabbage, parsley, marjoram, mushrooms and asparagus in your diet. You can also make a delicious and nutritious smoothie using avocado, lime, cucumber, cilantro, and spinach leaves.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has done wonders for healing and soothing wounds. The prime reason why it works so well in treating cuts and burns is that the plant contains a cell-growth stimulating property that helps increases collagen production.
Aloe vera can be used in its natural plant form or in the form of many products that you can purchase in the market.
Use sunscreen
We all want beautiful skin, but many of us forget to protect it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Daily wear of sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from UVA but also prevents serious illnesses like cancer. Vitamin E protects the skin from UVB as well. Try to find a good natural collagen producer to help protect and increase collagen production in your skin.
There are many natural ingredients found in sunscreen that help increase collagen production. Try using all-natural blends that do not contain harmful chemicals.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals, which are molecules that can damage the body. It is also found in numerous food and can also help increase collagen production.
These food include:
- Blueberries
- Green tea
- Yerba mate
- Licorice extract
- Mulberry extract
- Pomegranate extract
- Coffee extract
- Astragalus
- Cinnamon
- Basil, oregano, and thyme essential oils