Have you heard of the word “collagen” and wondered what collagen is all about? Well, collagen is a naturally occurring protein which is very necessary for the skin in order to maintain utmost skin and hair health.
While our body does produce collagen, it gets depleted as we age and therefore, we need to support this collagen production through external sources and also stimulate its production in the skin.
This article will tell you different ways in which you can stimulate the production of collagen in the skin.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our bodies and is extremely beneficial to all aspects of beauty and health. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin and tendons and makes up one-third of the protein found in the human body.
It is very essential for skin health as it can strengthen the skin and can promote skin elasticity and skin hydration. It can help prevent premature signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines. It also boost hair growth and treats any hair loss.
In case your body lacks collagen, then your skin will experience various symptoms and signs like – premature ageing, dullness, appearance of wrinkles and fine lines etc.
4 Important Ways to Stimulate Collagen Production in Skin
1. Collagen boosting foods
Foods that can boost collagen production:
For those who consume the right kinds of collagen rich foods, do not require to consume collagen supplements.
Here are some collagen rich foods:
- Fruits like – citrus fruits, tropical fruits like guava, kiwi, pineapple, avocado, mango
- Vegetables like – garlic, leafy greens, beans, tomatoes, bell peppers
- Other foods like – bone broth, egg whites, chicken, fish and shell fish, berries, flax seeds
- Nuts like – cashew nuts
Note: All food items (fruits, vegetables etc) that are rich in vitamin C, can help synthesize the production of collagen in the skin.
2. Collagen supplements
Commercially sold collagen supplements are generally considered safe, but certain people may be allergic to the products used in the supplement. Therefore, check the label for the ingredients before buying the supplement or consult your doctor to get a proper supplement recommendation.
3. Collagen drink powder that boost collagen production –
You can make this collagen ready-mix powder at home and consume it on a regular basis to help stimulate the production of collagen in your body for healthy skin and hair.
You will need:
- 25 grams pumpkin seeds – ( rich in glycine)
- 25 gram roasted soy beans (rich in proline)
- 1 tbsp amla/ indian gooseberry powder or gojiberry powder ( rich in vitamin c)
- 50 grams dry roasted oats
- 1 tsp turmeric ( rich in antioxidants)
- 25 grams of dark chocolate or cacao powder ( rich in copper)
Method to make the powder:
Into a mixer grinder, add in the ingredients and grind into a fine powder. you can use 70% and above dark chocolate while blending the ingredients or use raw cacao powder. This powder can be stored in a container.
To consume: You can add 1 tbsp of this powder in your oatmeal or smoothie and consume on a regular basis.
4. Collagen boosting products
Hyaluronic acid or retinoids can help the skin promote more collagen. Thus, using hyaluronic acid or retinoids in the form of a topical cream can help boost collagen production in the skin.
Caution: Make sure to get a medical recommendation before starting any treatment using retinoids for the skin, as certain skin types and body types may be allergic to it.