Collagen is the foundation of connective tissue that supports the skin’s structure—making it essential for younger-looking skin. But, as we age, the body produces less of it, since naturally occurring enzymes break collagen down, in turn, causing the skin to thin, lose fullness and form wrinkles. The sun, pollution, free radicals and smoke are also responsible for disintegrating collagen.
While the body is constantly creating new collagen to repair what’s been damaged, around age 35, collagen production naturally begins to taper off, and the quality of collagen is not as good as in years past. The good news? In addition to topical products, and treatments, food is a great way to naturally boost collagen in the skin. “Stimulating collagen with at-home topical products, in-office treatments and proper lifestyle choices helps the skin maintain its strength, resiliency and volume,” says Richard C. Parfitt, MD of Madison, WI. Collagen is located within the dermis, below the outermost layer of skin.
Red vegetables, like tomatoes (technically a fruit), peppers and beets contain the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene acts as a natural sunblock, protecting the skin from damage while increasing collagen levels.
Dark green vegetables enhance collagen production. Rich in vitamin C, dark green vegetables like spinach and kale can rev up collagen production. In topical products, vitamin C has antioxidizing properties that stabilize the messenger enzymes that break collagen down. It also protects against free radicals to prevent weak collagen.
Orange Vegetables restore and regenerate. Vegetables that are orange in color, like carrots and sweet potatoes, are rich in vitamin A, which restores and regenerates damaged collagen.
Berries help to ward off damage to collagen. Blackberries and raspberries scavenge free radicals while simultaneously increasing collagen levels.
White Tea supports collagen structure. According to research conducted by Kingston University and Neal’s Yard Remedies, white tea may protect the structural proteins of the skin, specifically collagen. It’s believed to prevent enzyme activity that breaks down collagen, contributing to lines and wrinkles.
Citrus Fruits such as oranges, limes, lemons and grapefruits that are rich in vitamin C have the ability to help amino acids—lysine and proline—convert to collagen. Antioxidant vitamin C is also extremely important in helping to neutralize free radicals, which attack and break down collagen and elastin in the skin.
Garlic is one of the best sources of sulfur, which is necessary to collagen production in the body, garlic also provides lipoic acid and taurine that help rebuild collagen fibers that have been damaged.
Having a good skincare regimen is also essential to maintaining collagen and keeping the skin as moisturized and supple as possible. As you will see in our previous article, we love Yulin Jade Skincare, which you can enjoy with 20% Off by using code: VIBES20. We also have a variety of other skincare and wellness supplements available in VIBES Apothecary for you to checkout and incorporate into your daily lifestyle!
Be good to your skin and it will be good to you! Take care of your body from the inside out!
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