Collagen is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix found in the body’s various connective tissues. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. 

It’s essential for healthy joints. It also keeps skin elastic to lessen wrinkles. As people get older, their collagen levels fall, and collagen fibers become thinner and weaker. You can’t measure exactly how much you have, but when it drops you may have symptoms such as joint pain or stiff tendons or ligaments. Your muscles may weaken. You could also have papery skin.  Experts believe this may contribute to skin aging. For this reason, many skin care products contain forms of collagen.

Besides time, three main things will lower your collagen levels: sunlight, smoking, and sugar. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light makes its fibers unravel. This can lead to sun damage, such as wrinkles. Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage it, which can make skin sag and wrinkle. Sugar causes the fibers to cross-link and tangle. This makes your skin less elastic over time.

Ways to Boost Collagen

1. Foods to Boost Your Collagen Levels

You can help your body make more collagen by eating healthy foods. To make it, your body puts together amino acids called glycine and proline. You find these acids in high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, eggs, dairy, and beans. Other nutrients, like vitamin C, zinc, and copper, also play a part. You can get vitamin C in citrus fruits, tomatoes, and leafy greens. For zinc and copper, try shellfish, nuts, whole grains, and beans. 

2. Skin Care

 Look for skin care with ingredients that boost collagen production. Bakuchiol (similar to retinoids, bakuchiol stimulates collagen producing receptors in the skin) , hyaluronic acid and high quality Vitamin C all help amount and quality of collagen in the skin and enhance skin elasticity.

3. Collagen supplements

People takecollagen supplements for their joint and skin health. A 2021 review concludes that hydrolyzed collagen supplements for 90 days can reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and hydration. But for many people, there are negatives for taking collagen. Common side affects include bloating, heartburn, and feelings of fullness. Also, since it is derived from animals, many contain hormones, steroids, antibiotics, pesticides and GMO’s.

A great option to avoid these unwanted side affects and ingredients is to take a collagen booster (sometimes called Vegan Collagen) like the SkinElixir Collagen Builder. A vegan dietary supplement that features antioxidant Vitamin C to help build collagen, Hyaluronic Acid to help skin retain moisture to support and maintain smooth looking skin, Biotin to support and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails; and a blend of Sea Buckthorn Powder, Pine Bark Extract and Vitamin C for antioxidants. All of the benefits of collagen for the skin, hair and nails but none of the negative side affects…win – win! 

If you have any questions about boosting collagen or skin health, please reach out. I love helping people look and feel their best!