Between facials, peels, creams, serums, and more, we’re all looking for that perfect anti-aging skincare routine! While products and treatments certainly help, there’s another huge contributor to maintaining healthy, youthful skin – eating foods that help the body produce its natural anti-aging protein…collagen.
Here we explain the benefits of increasing collagen production and the foods that will help make that happen.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein within the body and is what gives skin its structure, suppleness, and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen every year, thus resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and thinning skin.
This is where that much-needed boost of collagen comes into play, which can be found in the form of supplements, and better yet, collagen-rich foods. The skin experts at Skin NV break down the best foods to boost your skin’s collagen!
Citrus Fruits
Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of pro-collagen – the body’s precursor to collagen. So, getting enough of it is critical to the health of your skin! Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are packed full of pro-collagen, so make sure to incorporate these foods into your diet!
Fish (with the skin on!)
Like other animals, fish and shellfish have bones and ligaments made of collagen. In fact, some people claim that marine collagen is one of the most easily absorbed collagens! While the more undesirable parts of the fish contain the most collagen (head, scales, or eyeballs…yuck), the meat and skin still offer a healthy dose.
Leafy Greens
Greens like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and rainbow chard get their color from chlorophyll – a nutrient well-known for its antioxidant and collagen-boosting properties.
Garlic
Not only does garlic add powerful flavor to your foods, but it is also a major player in boosting collagen production! Garlic is high in sulfur – a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen. If you love garlic, you’re in luck! The more the better!
Eggs
The incredible, edible egg contains collagen in the yolk that will help keep your skin looking young, and the egg white carries the amino acids required to make collagen.
Red & Orange Vegetables
Vitamin C is one of the primary nutrients involved in collagen synthesis, and red and orange vegetables such as red and orange bell peppers and tomatoes are chockfull of it! Tomatoes also contain high levels of antioxidant lycopene, known to protect skin from sun damage and collagen breakdown.
Skin NV is South Tampa’s Premier Med Spa!
Do you want healthier, younger looking skin? The experts at Skin NV can help! To learn more about our skin rejuvenation and restoration treatments and products or to schedule a consultation call (813) 839-4141!