Collagen is a type of protein produced in the skins dermis, it provides the skin with strength, smoothness, elasticity and resilience, it’s the structure that gives your skin support- elastic tissue made of protein holds skin shape and flexibility. When the skins collagen is damaged or weakened, your face becomes lax or loose, develops wrinkles and sags. The skins collagen production declines as we age, collagen is damaged by environmental factors such UV rays from the sun.
Feed your body the essential building blocks to maintain collagen and elastin, collagen itself is a protein, the major components of collagen are the amino acids glycine and proline. We also need to eat plenty of foods containing vitamin C, copper and magnesium which are essential co factors for collagen production.
Proteins:
Amino acids including glycine and proline. These can be found in foods such as chicken soy and lean meats, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops and raw spirullina.
Magnesium:
Is a vital element with vitamin c, for collagen production. Dark leafy greens like raw spinach with nuts and seeds, mackerel, beans, lentils, brown rice, and avocado.
Copper:
Stimulates collagen growth, foods to include in your diet are seafood such as squid and oysters, with vegetables and seeds, such as kale, shiitake mushrooms, sesame seeds, nuts and pulses.
Zinc:
Studies have shown that zinc supports the production of elastin. Foods rich in zinc include shell fish, oysters, beef and lamb, wheat germ, to help maintain the skins elasticity.
Vitamin C:
Has been known to play a crucial role in the regulation of the structural protein collagen. Bell peppers, guava, dark leafy greens, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kiwi, citrus fruits, acerola berry, amla berry and strawberries are all good sources of vitamin C.
Remember to protect your skin from the inside and out with plenty of antioxidants from foods and botanical's. By including some of the foods mentioned here, you will soon begin to see a difference in the quality of your skin.
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