Glowing skin. Youthful Complexion. Plump and natural highlights.
You might think that achieving these requires a 20-step skincare regimen or a monthly trip to the dermatologist—but no. Although both are the best practices for keeping your skin healthy, it’s always a good idea to start from within. This brings us to the nutrient responsible for getting that glow—collagen.
It is not unbeknown to everyone that collagen is the best gatekeeper of your skin. That’s why there are products that incorporate this power protein as one of their ingredients—from creams, and skin supplements, to masks and exfoliators. But before resorting to artificial boosters, there are many ways to protect natural collagen production.
How to protect your natural collagen for healthy skin?
First things first: start young. You don’t need to wait until your skin is saggy to prioritize your body’s natural glue. And the best method to get the maximum health benefits of collagen is to ensure that you eat a balanced diet and hydrate regularly. More than that, there are many ways to protect your collagen production—and here’s how!
- Use sunscreen daily.
The sun may not always be your best friend. Its harmful UV rays break down your skin’s first line of defense and slow down collagen production. So, wear your sunscreens every time you go out—and reapply as needed! It’s a part of your skincare routine that you should never skip (aside from cleansing) because aside from protection, it also helps get rid of hyperpigmentation!
If you have an upcoming trip to the beach, always choose a higher SPF to protect your skin from sun damage and irritation. Building back collagen may take time as you age, so always prioritize it to ensure full coverage when applying sunblock and sunscreens!
- Add protein and fruits to your diet.
Not everyone can abide by a clean diet. Don’t worry, though. There are groups of food that can help your body produce more collagen., in moderation, of course!
Eating protein makes up for more amino acids which improve the way your body processes natural collagen. To achieve it, you can incorporate seafood like tuna, herring, salmon, or chicken breast!
Loading up your snacks with healthy (and hearty) fillings also adds to the health of your collagen. Fruits such as pomegranate, grapefruits, oranges, and strawberries are natural sources of antioxidants that keep your skin healthy and your collagen production up and running!
- Choose the right skincare essentials!
Not all products that claim to be “collagen-boosters” are the right ones for you. Do research the ingredients included in the product before purchasing. More than collagen, consider hyaluronic acid, action, retinoids, and peptides—these elements can trigger and help your skin build up its collagen stack!
You can also explore more natural options. There are organic skincare products that are consciously made—not just for you but also for the environment. Packed with healthy ingredients, these have an overall reflection on your body’s collagen synthesis. For example, instead of retinoids, you can try bakuchiol.
The only downside here is allergens. You must always check what the item is made of to ensure that they have no potential allergic reactions to your body.
- Take supplements for extra collagen support.
There are both oral and topical supplements that you can apply or take for extra collagen support. Using products that provide collagen formation, rejuvenation, or protection is a great practice—especially when partnered by nurturing your body from within.
What others don’t know is that collagen doesn’t just take care of your skin—it’s also responsible for keeping your joints, ligaments, and bones intact. It is why taking supplements is not a one-stop solution to better your anti-aging regimen. They can help, and it’s a plus point that they’re easily accessible—but you also have to make lifestyle changes to stay healthy from within.
- Seek professional services.
Of course, nothing beats going to the dermatologist to get a professional perspective on your skin’s health. Nowadays, there are already rising trends and treatments addressing and protecting your natural collagen. So, if you have the extra budget and time for chemical peels and laser therapies, go for it.
- Hydrate!
Hydrating—sounds simple right? But drinking the adequate amount of water that your body needs is the best and most easy routine that you can do for your natural collagen. As you hydrate, your skin becomes moisturized, which helps repair your collagen cells.
Water is also needed for specific vitamins to get absorbed into your body systems—like vitamin C! Hydration, whether you do it or not, results in a domino effect. If you drink water regularly, you’re moisturizing the skin to become suitable for natural collagen to stack. Remember: dehydrated skin cannot repair or produce collagen, making your skin at risk.
The Takeaway: Protecting natural collagen starts from within.
Every day, your skin encounters various factors that can put your natural collagen at risk. From pollution to sunburns, you have to shield your body from the harms of these environmental factors. Factor in the nutrition, wellness, and nurturing aspect of taking care of your skin, and pair that with supplements that boost your natural collagen!
