Collagen for skin is an important protein that keeps our skin healthy, radiant, nourished, and young-looking. It is the main structural protein found in our body, and keeps our skin cells together, It is produced by our body, but as we age, our body begins to produce less and lower quality collagen. As per studies, collagen production begins to decline by 1% every year after the age of 25, and about 30% in women who have hit menopause. Apart from age, there are various other factors that affect collagen production, such as UV rays, smoking, alcohol consumption.
Collagen has been famously and rightly called the “fountain of youth” and it is for a reason. Collagen boosts healthy skin. Since our body reduces the production of collagen after a certain age, we can ingest and consume collagen peptides and collagen-rich food in our daily diet to keep our skin healthy and radiant.
Importance of Collagen for Skin Health
Low collagen levels are directly linked to common signs of ageing- fine lines, wrinkles, laugh lines, sagging skin. This is because a reduction in collagen impacts skin elasticity, which is the skin’s ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape. When we are young, our skin possesses high skin elasticity, but as we age, we begin to notice various signs of ageing such as crow’s feet (small lines and wrinkles surrounding your eye), fine lines, wrinkles, loss in cheek volume, which are the direct result of reduction of collagen levels in our body. A decrease in collagen levels also leads to stiff joints, weak hair roots, and brittle nails.
When you provide your body right amount of collagen, the skin is soft, smooth, firm and well hydrated. Collagen helps the skin cells to renew and repair themselves. It also keeps the skin hydrated. This is why collagen has been seen as a very important ingredient for skin care over years.
Being a major component for skin, it is important to keep collagen levels high. Skincare experts and leading dermatologists across the globe suggest that it is better to consume collagen (collagen peptides) instead of injecting them. There are various research and clinical, studies to prove that consumption of collagen shows much better and faster results, due to the high rate of absorption.
However, when people talk about the importance of collagen, it is not limited to skin benefits but also extends to joints, hair, and nail health.
Benefits of taking Collagen for skin health
Increases Skin Elasticity – Regular intake of collagen shows significant improvement in skin elasticity and firmness. A study found that a nutritional drink containing collagen and other ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, significantly increased skin’s elasticity
Diminish wrinkles and fine lines – When collagen levels decrease, fine lines and wrinkles start making an appearance around your mouth, eyes, cheeks and forehead. Collagen products and supplements can help prevent these signs of aging and keep your skin supple and smooth for longer.
Improve hydration – Collagen helps the skin to appear younger and naturally glowing by providing the right and optimum moisture to skin.
Improve skin tone – The amino acids found in collagen help keep your skin looking smooth, even, and healthy. To fix an uneven complexion, collagen is the answer.
Naturally Moisturized skin – The loss of collagen due to aging or environmental factors can leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. By adding collagen back into your skin, you can give your skin the hydration it needs to maintain a smooth, soft, radiant appearance. Always remember that well-hydrated skin glows!
Collagen Food Sources
Adding collagen-rich foods that boost collagen production may also help create the building blocks (amino acids) you need for your skin goals. Important amino acids: proline, lysine, and glycine present in collagen enhance the collagen synthesis.
Here are the 5 biggest collagen-rich foods that can help to boost collagen levels in body:
Chicken and Fish
There is a reason why collagen is derived from fish and chicken sources. Both the sources contain ample amount of collagen. Most of the effective collagen supplements use fish or chicken-derived collagen. Various studies have claimed that collagen from animal sources is one of the most easily absorbed.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell pepper is full of Vitamin C which is the primary nutrient involved in collagen synthesis. Even the yellow and green peppers work well for the collagen factory. Vitamin C present in these peppers help in better absorption of collagen. It is said that the older the pepper gets; the more vitamin C it contains.
Greens
Dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collard greens etc are known for carrying all sorts of nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fibre, folate, carotenoids and antioxidants. These nutrients are extremely vital for keeping skin healthy and boost in collagen production.
Tropical Fruits
Tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, pineapple and guava are excellent sources of vitamin C. They play an important role in boosting collagen in body. These fruits also contain zinc, which is another co-factor for collagen production.
Beans
High in protein, beans often contain the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. Not just that, they are also are rich in copper, another important nutrient necessary for collagen production in body..
Summing it Up-
Healthy skin is not only an external affair. Apart from a well-balanced diet, it is extremely important to consume hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides) to keep it healthy internally. You may either take it in pill form or powder form, in order to attain high skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, boost skin hydration and keep it glowing naturally.