Boost Your Collagen with these Superfoods

superfoods-skin-care

One of the keys to healthy, youthful skin is ample amounts of collagen. This protein is essential for keeping skin smooth and supple, while preventing skin laxity and the formation of facial wrinkles. If you want to ensure you have sufficient collagen levels to ward off those telltale signs of aging, Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery has a few collagen-boosting superfoods to add to your daily diet.

Collagen 101

Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body, found in blood vessels and connective tissue, in addition to the skin. While collagen is naturally produced by the body throughout our lives, collagen levels decrease as we get older. This is the primary reason our skin begins to lose its elasticity and loosens, especially around the cheeks and jawline. In addition, skin laxity leads to the formation of creases around the nose, mouth and chin.

Stimulating collagen production is possible and even essential to maintaining a youthful look. This process can be achieved using professional skin treatments. However, you can also support your collagen production right at home by choosing foods that have been shown to boost collagen levels and contribute to smoother, suppler skin.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and lime contain abundant amounts of vitamin C, which is a healthy source of collagen production. In addition, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells of the body’s from free radical damage – another important step in preventing signs of aging on the skin.

Red Fruits and Vegetables

Both fruits and vegetables that sport that lovely shade of red contain an important nutrient known as lycopene. In addition to its benefits on cardiovascular health and possible cancer-fighting properties, lycopene has been shown to boost collagen production. Stock up on tomatoes, red bell peppers, strawberries and chili peppers to get all the lycopene you need daily.

Leafy Green Vegetables

In addition to their abundance of vitamin C, leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale provide the important nutrient lutein. This antioxidant boosts collagen production, protects your cells from environmental damage and may even contribute to healthier eyes.

Soy

Genistein is the antioxidant found in soy food products that contributes to collagen production, while blocking certain types of enzymes that lead to aging of the skin. Get your soy by replacing some of your dairy products with soy versions of milk or cheese or developing a taste for tofu.
Organic and non-GMO soy is recommended.

White Tea

While white tea may not necessarily boost collagen production, some scientists believe it blocks an enzyme that can lead to collagen breakdown. White tea is less processed than black or green varieties, so it has the highest antioxidant levels of any of those beverages.

Garlic

This pungent bulb is rich in sulfur, lipoic acid and taurine, which may all contribute to higher levels of collagen production. Garlic also offers significant medicinal benefits and may protect your body against some types of cancer.

In addition to choosing foods that boost collagen production, there are skin treatments that successfully stimulate production of this protein for a natural, more youthful appearance. To learn more about your options in collagen-boosting cosmetic treatments, contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery today at 770-667-3090.