If you are already lamenting the inevitable slowdown in collagen production, the good news is that it is never too late to adopt the following solutions.
Use sunscreen every day
UV exposure plays a major role in the degradation of our collagen levels. If you protect yourself well against UV rays and wear them every day, whether it’s cloudy or not, it’s the best thing you can do to delay the slowdown of collagen.
So, don't forget to apply your SPF.
Smart snacking
Does anyone want bone broth? Made from collagen-rich bones, the broth is broken down into amino acids in the gut. These are then used as building blocks to produce more collagen. Still not enthusiastic?
The best sources of these amino acids are egg whites, meat, and cheese, while cabbage is a vegetarian option.
Other nutrients promote collagen production, including vitamin C (strawberries, broccoli, oranges, peppers), copper (shellfish, nuts, and red meat), and vitamin A (liver, egg yolks, carrots, and sweet potatoes). Ultimately, it is essential to have a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, especially foods rich in vitamin C.
Exercise regularly
Whether it's a virtual HIIT class, Pilates, or a run in the park, physical exercise can have a positive impact. Increased oxygen and blood supply allows for healthier skin. Increased blood circulation stimulates collagen production, which firms and improves skin elasticity.
Don't smoke
We all know by now that smoking damages our skin. Specifically, smoke and toxins release free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the skin, which limits collagen production. Smoking can expose your body and skin to harmful chemicals that can damage your skin's collagen and degrade important structural proteins.
Goodbye, sugar
Excessive sugar consumption can lead to glycation, a process that can weaken and make collagen fragile, thereby reducing its effect on skin elasticity, which leads to signs of premature aging.
Sugar molecules can attach themselves to collagen fibers when they are in the bloodstream. Excess glucose in skin fibers can then lead to glycation, which has the effect of stiffening skin fibers and causing them to lose their elasticity. This essentially leads to the loss of collagen and the appearance of more obvious signs of aging.
Take collagen supplements
Taking collagen supplements is a way to replace lost collagen or encourage the body's collagen production, depending on the product and its formulation. You can get collagen in the form of pills, powders, or drinks, which carry collagen peptides into the bloodstream to stimulate collagen synthesis and provide the body with the necessary elements to naturally build its own collagen.
@GlamourUK