Did you know? Collagen isn’t just the protein that gives your skin stretch – it’s the most common protein in the body! Collagen strengthens your bones and joints and ensures you have enough help to protect your body from aging. Skin with healthy levels of collagen isn’t just younger-looking; it also works together with elastin to make your skin firmer.
The bad news is that the levels of collagen we produce decrease as we age. The good news is that there are some ways you can encourage your body to create more, and collagen production in the body works like a snowball – the more you have, the more your body can make.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to encourage your body to produce collagen naturally.
Vitamin C
You’ve heard it since elementary school, but Vitamin C is important, not just for warding off the sniffles. Vitamin C is key to the production of hyaluronic acid, which is critical for retaining moisture in the skin. In one study, the data suggests that hyaluronic acid helps promote the production of collagen. If you keep yourself stocked up on Vitamin C, you may not just be doing your immune system a favor, but your skin as well. Oranges, grapefruit, green peppers, broccoli, and spinach are some common foods with high Vitamin C content.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is known for soothing sunburns, but did you know aloe also has the potential to increase collagen production in the skin? Aloe stimulates skin cell growth and helps to calm inflammation, which is why we like it when we’ve roasted in the sun for a little too long. Aloe vera’s collagen support makes it a great supplement. You can find aloe vera supplements and aloe vera juice at health food stores, and applying aloe vera gel (even when you aren’t sunburnt!) to your skin topically can also support collagen growth.
Ginseng
Ginseng is an herbal supplement long known for its anti-aging properties. Studies have shown that Ginseng supports the production of collagen and the reduction of signs of aging. It also has the potential to help protect you from the damaging effect of UVB rays. The antioxidants in ginseng help to protect and promote healthy, young-looking skin.
Keeping your collagen levels high as you age can help bypass some more severe aging signs. Along with supplementation, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to keep your skin looking as fresh as possible. If you’re worried about increasing signs of aging and want to take your skincare routine to the next level, chat with your Advanced Dermatology professional to see what steps would be best for your skin.