Why collagen is the secret to great skin
We all want glowing, hydrated radiant skin read on to get the secrets
Like many health secrets the answers lie in our lifestyles. For our body to make healthy skin it needs an abundant supply of nutrients from our diet, adequate hydration from clean water and plenty of rejuvenating sleep.
One of the main nutrients we need from our diet is protein and guess what the skin is made up of primarily ..yep protein in the form of collagen but this is where is gets a little complicated as protein is made up of smaller components called amino acids.
Our body makes collagen from the amino acids we get from our diet these include glycine, proline and arginine. So what is the best source of these amino acids? Collagen of course. Unless you are regularly eating “nose to tail” (all parts of animals) or regularly consuming bone broth, a quality collagen supplement is probably the easiest way to boost these collagen forming amino acids in your diet enhancing the health and radiance of your skin.
So to help you age gracefully make collagen supplements or bone broth part of your wellness / beauty regime. With around 70% of your skin being made up of collagen it is the secret to maintaining healthy youthful, hydrated skin. As we age the level of collagen gradually declines in our skin leading to dryness, wrinkles, ageing and dullness.
Tips to maintain your collagen levels
- Take collagen supplements
- Get lots of Vitamin C (to encourage collagen and elastin production)
- Eat an antioxidant and vitamin rich diet by consuming lots of organic fruit and vegetables (esp. berries, citrus fruit, garlic, carrots, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, dark leafy greens)
- Drink Green Tea and Aloe vera juice. Both shown to increase collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin to help your skin's elasticity and moisture
- Apply serums, moisturisers and oils that contain hyaluronic acid, apple stem cells, vitamin A and vitamin C
Tips to reduce collagen damage in your skin
- Avoid excess sun exposure (but do spend some time in daytime sun as it is crucial to human health)
- Keep alcohol intake to a minimum
- Eat a low sugar / low processed food diet
- Maintain hydration (non-fluoridated water)
- Eat a nutrient rich diet
- Avoid smoking
- Reduce stress