Collagen. It’s been a buzzword in the beauty industry for years. Alongside elastin, it’s one of the vital proteins that your skin needs to maintain plumpness, firmness, radiance – and to fight the signs of ageing. You may see collagen-boosting creams, supplements and even drinks that can be consumed, all in the name of supple, youthful-looking skin but the best way to boost collagen levels is through a combination of natural skin care products and a few healthy lifestyle habits.
WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the common form of protein that supports our skin’s structure and suppleness. It is found in tissues of the muscles, bones, tendons, blood vessels and the digestive system since the day we’re born but as we reach the age of 20, our bodies start to produce less and less collagen, which can result in wrinkles and sagging in skin.
Our bodies can’t produce collagen by itself, which explains why there are so many products on the market that claim to help stimulate collagen production in skin. But it’s not just about what we put on our skin - we also need other nutrients to aid the process of collagen production such as zinc, vitamin C and copper. Read on for our five top tips to help boost your skin’s collagen levels.
HOW TO INCREASE COLLAGEN NATURALLY
1. HYDRATE
Ever heard the saying ‘healthy skin starts from the inside-out’? It’s true: drinking at least 2L of water every day or consuming the equivalent in water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries, not only keeps you hydrated, but also produces the moisture-rich environment in which collagen and elastin thrive.
2. CHOOSE COLLAGEN-BOOSTING FOODS AND EAT WELL
Where possible, avoid sugar and choose foods that boost collagen such as nutrient-rich leafy greens, citrus, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower). These foods contain high levels of Vitamin C and Sulphur, both of which are essential to healthy rates of collagen production. Read our guide for eating your way to radiant skin for more health food tips.
3. APPLY NATURAL-BASED SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
Supplement your diet with a targeted natural skin care ritual. Our reformulated Nutri-Define range harnesses the power of liposomes - natural microscopic fluid bodies - to restore the skin’s barrier and enhance moisture retention. Natural ingredients including an extract from the Spilanthes flower, have been shown to boost the production of Collagen VII and Collagen I, two essential anti-ageing proteins, by up to 46%*. Use both Nutri-Define Supreme Rejuvenating Serum and Restorative Cream to achieve more optimal results.
4. PAMPER YOURSELF
Level up your daily skin care routine with a jade roller or facial massage tool. Regular face massages can boost blood circulation and promote collagen production - plus they’re a great way to unwind at the end of a long day. Need a bit more pampering? Discover our favourite (and easy) self-care rituals that you can add to your routine effortlessly.
5. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN
You knew it was coming: sun protection. While protecting your skin from the sun won’t boost collagen levels, it will preserve them. Sun exposure can speed up collagen breakdown, potentially undoing all the good work you put in elsewhere in your skin care ritual. To prevent this, apply our UV Defence Daily Lotion SPF 50+ 30 every day, even when it’s cloudy, and protect yourself further with a sunhat during the hotter months.
