Collagen face creams and masks are widely available to the public these days. But how effective are they? Unfortunately, it makes little sense to manufacture these creams since the contained collagen molecules are too large to penetrate and absorb into the skin. These skin care products will moisturize but they will not reduce wrinkles. However, there are some key effective ways to stimulate collagen production in your system through an intake of some beneficial nutrients simply by implementing them into your regular diet.
Collagen is connective tissue that creates a mesh holding everything together from our skin and bones to organs. When collagen production is strong, it makes us look young by making skin firm and by giving it ample elasticity. Collagen is naturally present and produced by the body but as we age, collagen production slows down causing young looking skin to lose that firmness and elasticity resulting in aging skin and wrinkles.
The best thing to do is create a natural environment that stimulates collagen production for younger looking skin. I’ve made a list of collagen power foods to get your skin to plump up again. Incorporate the below foods into your regular diet to effectively promote collagen production and de age from the inside out.
Collagen production thrives in a high antioxidant, omega fatty acid and mineral diet. Let’s look at some nutrients that your skin loves. Here are some yummy choices for younger looking skin:
Selenium protects skin from sun damage and promotes glutathione production. Glutathione is a super powerful antioxidant that reduces deterioration of collagen and elastin by neutralizing free radicals, which damage cells and age skin.
Source;
- Brazil nuts
Zinc reduces dry skin, inflammation in the skin and promotes skin cell growth and maintains collagen and elastin.
Source;
- Brazil nuts
- Turkey
- Horsetail herb
- Sprouted seeds
- Kiwi
- Potatoes
- Dark green veggies (kale, spinach, collards, asparagus, broccoli, peppers)
- Red and orange fruit and veggies (tomatoes, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits papaya)
Omega fatty acids fight dry skin and provide an ideal environment for collagen production.
Source;
- Brazil nuts, cashews, pecans, almonds
- Salmon, tuna
- Avocadoes
Vitamin A repairs skin and acts as an antioxidant.
Source;
- Brazil nuts
- Carrots
- Cantaloupe
- sweet potatoes
Vitamin C helps collagen formation by changing proline into hydroxyproline and lysine into hydroxylysine which is fights free radicals produced by too much sun that lead to prematurely aging skin.
Source:
- Brazil nuts
- Sprouted seeds
- Red fruit and veg (carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe citrus fruits, papaya, tomatoes)
- Dark green veg (kale spinach collards, asparagus, broccoli, peppers)
- Kiwi
- Potatoes
Vitamin E stimulates collagen production.
Source;
- Leafy greens
Catechins are phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and prevent the breakdown of collagen.
Source;
- Green Tea
Anthocyanidins are phytonutrients strengthen collagen by linking the fibers together.
- Dark berries like raspberries, blackberries, cherries, blueberries, black currant, acai.
Silica is a mineral that heals connective tissue.
Source;
- Horsetail herb
- Cucumber
Genistein stimulates collagen production and blocks enzymes that break down and age skin.
Source;
- Soy milk and Cheese
Lycopene acts as antioxidants increasing collagen production and protecting skin from the sun.
Source;
- Red vegetables – red peppers, beets, tomatoes
Sulphur supports collagen production.
Source;
- Olives (green and black)
- Cucumbers
- Celery
Add an antioxidant rich anti aging face cream to this diet and your skin is bound to look firmer and younger. Remember, collagen creams will moisturize but are not ideal for wrinkle reduction due to the large molecules. Antioxidant rich creams will reduce dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles as well as reduce inflammation. Adult acne sufferers benefit from this since antioxidant rich anti aging skin care can reduce acne as well as wrinkles!