Collagen is arguably the most important protein in our skin. It gives the skin its shape and structure and helps to keep it strong, elastic and able to return to its original shape after being stretched. But, as important as it is, the body slows down its production of collagen in our early 20s, and some researchers estimate that we lose 1 percent of collagen per year thereafter. So, then what? Then it’s time for Innovations Medical.
Here are a few ways to stimulate collagen production:
Facial massage. Facial massage can help increase collagen production, which can lift, tone and tighten your skin. Facial massages also help to boost your circulation, which can improve your skin’s appearance.
Collagen creams. Most collagen creams just sit on the surface of the skin. This is because collagen molecules are too big to go through the skin. We suggest you find a product with collagen amino acids instead. Collagen amino acids are small enough to get to the deeper layers of the skin and help give your face a full or plump appearance.
Eat healthily. If you want to boost collagen production, try eating a diet rich in beans, cabbage and garlic, as these foods are high in sulfur, which can help collagen formation and keeps the skin’s pigment looking healthy. We also recommend you eat foods rich in vitamin C, which can help reduce damage to the skin caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Foods high in vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and kiwi fruit.
Stop smoking. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it 1,000 times: Stop smoking. Smoking is not only terrible for your body, but it’s also super bad for your skin. This is because smoking kills off collagen and also causes premature aging by reducing circulation.
Stop sugar, too. Sugar is bad for your waistline, but sugar is actually bad for your skin, too. So, yes, your mom was right when she said drinking too much soda or eating too much junk would cause you skin problems. Why is sugar bad for the skin? Sugar can permanently attach itself to collagen, which causes it to become heavy, rigid and inflexible. When this happens, your skin becomes dry and loses its ability to stretch and retract.
Drink water. We have also mentioned many times that staying hydrated is not only good for your body but good for your skin, too. The more hydrated you are, the better your skin will look because hydration supports collagen survival.
Get some help. Looking to boost your collagen production? Try a skin-rejuvenating or skin-tightening service from Innovations Medical. Our services are designed to increase the production of this vital protein in order to help your skin look younger and improve skin quality or pigment. Choose from services like micro needling with Legend Skin Tightening, Fraxel Laser therapy or a chemical peel.
Learn more about what Innovations Medical has to offer by calling us now at 214-643-8665 to schedule your consultation, and let’s talk about collagen.