How to Double Down on Collagen for Younger Looking Skin

Why should we care about collagen so much?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and we lose it as we age, just like Hyaluronic Acid.

It provides much needed support to tissues by creating a link of fibers that protect the integrity of your skin.

As we age, especially after 35, collagen begins to break down more frequently and when you add in factors like stress, lifestyle, and external elements it shows up in the form of sagging, wrinkles and crepey skin.

When we are able to boost our collagen, we often notice an improvement in the tone and texture of our skin as it becomes firmer, supple, and more youthful looking. 

Retinol, Peptides and Acids, particularly glycolic, are collagen stimulating because they have a smaller molecular size that can penetrate your skin to give you anti-aging results.

But there are other ingredients that support their production, which we'll get to in a minute.

Think of them as a team, all working together to support one another in their efforts to improve your skin!

Retinol is an important power player because it helps to increase cellular turnover and the longevity of collagen, as well as block certain enzymes that destroy collagen altogether. 

When used regularly, Retinol has a progressive effect on your skin which leads to all things anti-aging! 

Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids (aka AHAs and BHAs), help to dissolve the bonding construct (some refer to this as "glue") that holds dead skin cells together on your skin.”

When the skin is disrupted by acids, it works to heal itself at a more rapid pace - bringing new skin cells up to the surface of your skin for a healthier appearance. 

Peptides are specifically known for fighting wrinkles because they contain building blocks of protein with a sophisticated built in system that tells your body to produce more of it! 

Let's not forget the other team members though that make it possible for the star players to perform so well.

This is not a full list, but some of my favorites that I think you'll recognize and appreciate. 

Vitamin E - antioxidant that preserves and protects collagen fibers and prevents free radical damage from oxidative stress.

Vitamin C - antioxidant that directly boost the synthesis of collagen which leads to stronger fibers that improve the integrity of your skin.

Aloe - Medical News Today reported that Aloe actually stimulates the correct cells to grow and said that, “The results showed that the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen almost doubled in the participants [using aloe]. There was also a significant reduction in facial wrinkles.”

BTW, we can't talk about Collagen without talking about SPF. I always say that if you do everything right and don't protect your skin you're going to undo all the hard work you've put in because the sun breaks down collagen.  

Of course, tackling collagen from the inside out is a fantastic way to double down on your anti-aging results, too.

As I've mentioned before, consuming supplements (i.e. collagen powder) may help boost collagen in general (the studies vary greatly) but there's no way to guarantee you'll see the results show up in your face, so it's still best to apply products topically if you want more pointed results!

Here are some of my favorite Collagen boosting foods I think you'll enjoy, too! 

• Sweet potatoes (I'm in love with Japanese sweet potatoes - they're even good cold!)
• Almonds (great to carry as a snack when traveling)
• Avocados (love to spread on toast for a light lunch or quick snack)
• Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
• Wild fish (if not vegan)
• Citrus (as a bonus, you get Vitamin C too!)
• Bone broth (great to sip on when you're not feeling well, too)
• Green tea (full of antioxidants and much less caffeine than coffee if you get jitters)
• Wild Blueberries (I love buying them frozen and eating them as a dessert!)
• Garlic (try baking it and spreading it on toast with a dash of salt)
• Bell peppers (try them baked (cut them flat) with olive oil and salt as a side dish)
• Tomatoes (thanks to our tomato farmer, Anoo, our Italian household has an ongoing supply!) 
• Cashews (tasty anytime snack)

Remember, the more you know the more you glow!

Do you have a collagen tip you love? Share it with us below! 

With love & appreciation,

Jentri