How to Boost Collagen Naturally
The talk about collagen and its importance for healthy, smooth and firm skin is relatively new, it was only a couple of decades ago that most people didn't know much about it
But knowledge is power, and now that we DO know about collagen, we can take conscious action to preserve and boost it.
Collagen is a skin protein that keeps our skin smooth, wrinkle-free and healthy, but such factors as sun exposure and pollution as well as aging cause it to decrease, leaving skin dry and sagging.
Collagen loss begins in the early twenties, so it's never too early to pay attention. Let's talk about how to boost collagen naturally.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a form of protein found in the muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels, digestive system and skin. It helps the skin cells renew and repair themselves and keep the skin moist and elastic.
With age, the body produces less collagen, which leads to stiff joints and signs of skin aging such as wrinkles, sagging, lack of elasticity and dryness.
That's why when we're young and our collagen levels are high, our skin is firm, smooth and soft.
The collagen levels are highest at an early age and start decreasing in the early twenties and more rapidly from the time we reach the age 25-34 years.
You've probably noticed that the skin is less elastic and more prone to wrinkles when you've entered your late twenties and thirties!
Besides aging, collagen loss is exacerbated by smoking, too much sugar and refined carbohydrates.
How to boost collagen naturally
The great news is that there are effective ways to preserve collagen and boost it naturally, though it helps to remember that we can't completely stop time!
The best way to get results is to approach this from different angles, from topical treatments to taking care of your body internally.
Here's how to rebuild collagen in the face naturally.
Topically
Topical treatments help preserve the collagen and protect the skin from sun exposure, pollution damage and slow down the aging process.
Retinoids
Retinoids and retinol are touted for their benefits to slow down aging and erase wrinkles. These vitamin A derivatives help regulate genes involved in collagen production, and, according to research, you can expect visual improvements in about three months. That means less visible wrinkles and smoother skin.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant extract and a natural alternative to retinol and retinoids. It's loved by many people because you get the benefits without the side effects, so if you have sensitive skin, it might be a better choice. It offers the same skin benefits of retinol without such side effects like dryness or irritation. Bakuchiol stimulates skin cell turnover and increases collagen production.
Vitamin C
Applying vitamin C serum in the morning is a great way to protect your skin from UV and pollution damage and applying Vitamin C at night helps your skin repair and being a powerful antioxidant it also stabilises collagen in the skin and triggers its formation.
Peptides
Another product to add to your routine and boost collagen for younger-looking skin is a peptide serum such as Cell Renewal Peptide Serum with Green Tea, Ginseng and Fig. Peptides are like building blocks for proteins that promote collagen in the skin and make the skin firmer.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is found in the nuts of the shea tree and has been used in skincare for centuries. It contains naturally occurring chemical compounds triterpenes that deactivate collagen fibre destruction and help preserve collagen.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for keeping skin healthy and protecting it from cancer. UV exposure ages the skin because it breaks down collagen, leading to wrinkles and fine lines, so sunscreen is your first line of defence to preserve collagen naturally.
Don't forget to wear SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily.
Wash and Exfoliate
When the skin is not exfoliated, there's a buildup of dead skin cells, which causes a drop in collagen levels. That's why you should thoroughly wash your face daily and exfoliate once or twice a week. Clean skin also allows for deeper penetration of other products, allowing you to achieve healthy, bouncy skin.
Internally
A healthy diet helps increase collagen production and is an important answer to the question of how to rebuild collagen in the face naturally. Make sure you limit the intake of unhealthy foods and eat more of the healthy ones!
Lean protein
Include more lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beef and pork into your diet to boost collagen for healthier skin. These types of foods contain amino acids, which are essential for collagen synthesis.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an organic component found in the human body. You've probably heard about hyaluronic acid serums, but it's also found in amino acid-rich foods like beans, root vegetables, and soy. Incorporate such foods into your diet or add a hyaluronic acid supplement to your routine to help increase skin collagen production.
Less sugar
Too much sugar in your diet is not good for anything. In relation to preserving collagen, sugar causes collagen to break down. Don't eat too many sugary foods, and always stay alert for the "hidden sugars" in products like sauces or dips.
Limit alcohol
Alcohol is also the enemy of collagen, and some studies have shown that it impairs the skin's ability to produce it and makes skin more sensitive to damage. So limit your wine and other alcoholic intake throughout the week!
Fresh fruit & veggies
Eat more fruit and veggies; they're full of amazing antioxidants! A diet rich in natural fruit and veggies helps fight the free radical damage that destroys collagen. The more diverse plants you eat, the better benefits you get!
Lifestyle
Lastly, an overall healthy lifestyle helps you to not just feel better and live longer, it also helps your skin to maintain and boost collagen naturally.
No smoking
It should go without saying at this point, but here it goes - smoking is bad. It ages your skin, creates toxic free radicals that damage collagen, and speeds up wrinkle and fine line formation. Ditch this bad habit even if you only smoke occasionally.
Stress reduction
When a person is stressed, it shows! Stress weakens the body's immune system, ability to repair and renew, cause inflammation and speeds up aging. If you're experiencing a lot of stress, try finding ways to reduce it through meditation, deep breathing or exercise.
Exercise
Our bodies need to move, and exercise keeps us healthy and looking younger. It helps slow down the aging process making skin smoother and giving you that beautiful glow.
Sleep
Lastly, don't forget your 7-9 hours of sleep! The entire body renews when we sleep, and, according to some studies, it helps with collagen renewal. Besides, we look much better and healthier after a good night's sleep!
SCOUT Collagen Boosters
Customers often ask us how to boost collagen naturally, and besides the tips we've shared just now, we always recommend some of our products that help achieve that goal.
Our beloved Six Oils of Rejuvenation is the holy grail of treatment oils! It deeply hydrates, revitalises the skin, and boosts collagen production, moisture retention and promotes elasticity.
Six Oils of Rejuvenation
Our Crème Compact Foundation with Vitamin E, Jojoba & Shea Butter is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, minerals, collagen-boosting shea butter and is perfect for mature skin.
Crème Compact Foundation with Vitamin E, Jojoba & Shea Butter
