Collagen plays a crucial role in all things skin, hair, nails, joints and bones. However, through age and other lifestyle factors, our collagen levels can sometimes decline. But how do you prevent collagen decline and increase your collagen intake? Carry on reading to discover our 5 ways to increase your collagen intake, including collagen-rich foods and collagen supplements.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is made up with essential amino acids that can help provide structure to your skin, hair, nails, joints, bones and cartilage.
There are multiple different types of collagens, with type I and III being the most common, which you can find in our collagen supplements.
Without collagen in the body, visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles and fine lines, as well as joint ache and pain can occur.
What Impacts Our Collagen Levels?
The main culprit that can impact our collagen levels is ageing. When we’re younger, we have a plentiful supply of the essential amino acids needed to produce and maintain collagen. However, as we hit our mid 20s, the body relies on additional support that will regenerate and support our collagen levels.
Other factors that can impact our collagen levels may include certain lifestyle choices, e.g., smoking, diet, or sleep, and having too much UV light exposure.
Luckily, we’ve put together a few ways you can help support your collagen levels and help fight off collagen decline.
How to Boost Your Collagen
1. Incorporate Collagen-Rich Foods
Incorporating collagen-rich foods into your diet can help maintain your natural collagen levels. From snacks to main meal options, here are just some collagen-rich foods you should add into your diet:
- Fish
- Chicken
- Egg whites
- Bone broth
- Dark leafy greens
- Citrus fruit
2. Apply SPF
Making SPF a part of your everyday routine can help provide your skin with protection from environmental damage, such as the weather, pollution and sun exposure, helping to reduce your chances of collagen loss. Even when the sun is hiding behind the clouds, you should always apply a good sunscreen, such as SPF 30, to help you protect the collagen already in your skin.
3. Try Hyaluronic Acid
As a must-have skincare ingredient, hyaluronic acid is an important nutrient found naturally in the skin. This gel-like molecule is found in foods rich in amino acids and works with water to retain your skin’s moisture. Lower levels of this moisture-retaining nutrient means that your complexion can become dehydrated, maximising visible signs of ageing. Add hyaluronic acid into your diet with our Beauty Collagen, available in three delicious flavours.
