A type of protein, collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins present in the bodies of mammals, including humans. It makes up 25 – 35% of the protein content in the entire body. An essential part of the body, some people refer to it as the glue that holds the body together. Collagen works interdependently with elastin to support the body’s tissues. At a basic level, it gives body tissues their form, providing firmness and strength, while elastin provides much needed flexibility. A lack of collagen causes serious diseases, including brittle bone disease.
“That’s all well and good, but what does this have to do with me and my skin?” you may ask. And why do I keep hearing about it so much?At Pure Skin by Maggie, we firmly believe in treating the skin from the inside out, not just touching the surface with products. When it comes to the benefits of collagen, we want our clients to be aware of the basics, like food, that they can be doing to increase their body’s natural ability to produce collagen.
- Vitamin C is a critical nutrient for collagen production in the skin. But the foods that we most often think of in conjunction with Vitamin C (citrus anyone?), are not actually the best sources! Try some of these superfoods: hot peppers, sweet peppers, guavas, black currants, lychees, oranges & grapefruits, dark leafy greens, peaches, kiwi, and tomatoes. There are many more good sources of Vitamin C, but be creative with these superfoods in your diet and you will see a difference.
- Omega-3 fatty acids keep the skin soft and supple and can be found in cold water fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, cod and mackerel.
- Bring on the garlic! The sulfur in garlic helps your body produce collagen while the taurine and lipoid acid supports damaged collagen fibers.
- Tomatoes, particularly cooked, inhibit enzymes known as collagenases that destroy collagen.
- For those of you who prefer meat to vegetables, your more tender beef and chicken feet actually have collagen in them as well!
