We have all seen bloggers, Instagram influencers and celebrities blending collagen powder into smoothies and oatmeal. The collagen supplement powders promise everything from a firmer and younger looking skin to a radiant complexion. But do these collagen supplement powders really make any difference to your skin? Let us hear it from dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah.
Do not rely on collagen supplement powders
Collagen is the building block of your skin. It makes your skin supple and heals your skin. But the oral collagen is not rigorous enough to have any visible effect on the health of your skin. The collagen molecule is enzymatically digested in the stomach and the intact collagen does not get distributed in the skin to produce any noticeable changes. However, according to a study published in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal, ingestible collagen has been showed to improve hydration of skin in women above 30 [1].
Eat a protein-rich diet
If you are eating a balanced diet including protein-rich foods, your body converts those nutrients into essential amino acids that keep your skin and bones healthy. These essential amino acids are then sent to the bloodstream that supplies the dermis that is the deepest part of your skin with naturally produced collagen. So eat plenty of collagen-rich foods like fish, bone broth, quinoa and lean meat to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Try this natural food diet plan to look younger.
Keep the moisture intact
The most important thing to do to maintain younger looking skin is following a routine that ensures that the moisture is intact on your skin. The more hydrated your epidermis, the more youthful your skin will be. First of all, look for gentle cleansers that are without foam. Foaming washes typically have sulphates that dry out the skin, making it less nourished and more wrinkled. Look for cream cleansers such as ‘Avederm Soothing Facial Cleanser’ or ‘Cetaphil Cleanser’ that gently get rid of dirt while moisturising your skin. Get youthful with these 6 latest beauty treatments for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Reference:
[1] Sara Sibilla1, Martin Godfrey1, Sarah Brewer2, Anil Budh Raja3 and Licia Genoves, An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies, Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 2015, 8, 29-42.
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