Collagen is everything if you want firm, supple skin. This naturally occurring protein is responsible for smoothing wrinkles and maintaining skin’s elasticity. Unfortunately, once we hit age 20—that’s right, 20—our collagen supplies start breaking down. Skin becomes thinner, more fragile and less resilient.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to boost collagen.
1. Eat a Vitamin C-Rich Diet
Research shows that a vitamin C stimulates collagen production and helps reduce oxidative damage. Eat a diet rich in this antioxidant vitamin to promote smoother, firmer skin. Produce like kiwi, mangoes, citrus, berries, tomatoes, red bell peppers and green leafy vegetables are excellent sources.
2. Facial Exercises
A regular Facercise practice boosts collagen production and improves blood flow. Facial exercises also combats muscle atrophy and helps define contours. There is no better way to get firmer, stronger skin!
3. Facial Massage
Facial massage is great way to stimulate collagen production while reducing stress. Use upward motions when washing or massaging your face.
4. Eat Foods Rich in Sulphur
Sulphur is a trace mineral that aids in collagen formation. Some good sources are beans, garlic, eggs, cabbage and nuts like almonds, walnuts, peanuts and Brazil nuts.
5. Protect Against Sun Damage
The sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays cause photodamage and break down collagen. Wear sun protective block every day, rain or shine. At a minimum, apply it to your face, neck, décolletage and hands. Eat foods that contain the antioxidant lycopene, which helps fight sun damage from the inside out. Tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, guava, papaya, cabbage and red bell peppers are awesome sources.
6. Avoid Sugar and Smoke
Two of collagen’s worst enemies are smoking and sugar. Smoking restricts blood flow, which leads to collagen depletion. Sugar attaches to collagen and weighs it down, decreasing flexibility and making it stuff. Eliminate both if you want youthful, glowing skin.
If you’re ready to change your life, try Facercise, our revolutionary system of facial exercises.