Article by: Jane Sandwood, freelance writer
Research suggests that collagen production in the body can be improved using Collagen Hydrolysate which is good news when considering that by the age of 45 the average person will have lost 35% of collagen from their skin. Collagen is what makes your skin look plump and firm and keeps it looking youthful. This is why it is important to take care of our skin especially as we age – taking simple steps to improve the look and feel of your skin by making changes to your daily routine or pampering your skin to help improve blood flow and rejuvenate your skins appearance.
What is Collagen and why it is important for our skin?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. It can be found in bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels and skin tissue. It enables the body to replace dead skin cells and most importantly it is what gives our skin its elasticity. Elasticity is important for as it gives the skin its firmness that helps minimise the development of wrinkles and therefore keeps the skin looking younger. As we age, the production of collagen in the body reduces, recent studies have shown that maintaining collagen levels does improve the appearance of your skin.
Can I improve collagen levels in my body?
As we grow older our bodies will naturally reduce the amount of collagen produced, this is just part the body’s natural ageing process, it is unavoidable. However, research indicates that manual and mechanical manipulation of human skin can improve the production and movement of collagen in the body. One of the most effective forms of manual manipulation is through massage therapy.
Having regular massage treatment, like facials, help to improve the blood flow and this maintains high oxygen levels which boosts the production of collagen naturally in the body.
You are what you eat
The common phrase, you are what you eat, very much applies to how your skin looks and feels. You can also help to improve and maintain collagen in your body by including certain foods in your diet. Recent research supports the idea that eating certain foods will help you to maintain healthy looking skin as you grow older. Increase Vitamin C intake from fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants produced by this vitamin help to fight free radicals that reduce the amount of collagen. Other foods that promote collagen production naturally include fish high in Omega-3 oils, nuts, beans and pulses. Eating a broad spectrum of these foods in your diet is important. You can track and monitor what you eat and when.
Growing old is just part of life, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. You can however improve the look and feel of your skin by taking steps to improve and maintain vital collagen levels. This can be done through good diet, exercise and treatments like facial massages.