While you can't completely reverse the aging process or restore collagen to its youthful levels, you can take steps to stimulate collagen production, and minimize further loss. It is important to start with understanding the factors you have control over that can contribute to collagen decline.
Yes, it is possible to rebuild collagen in the face to reduce signs of skin aging and achieve smoother, firmer skin. Collagen formation can be stimulated through collagen treatments such as dermal fillers which increase levels of hyaluronic acid and promote cell growth for healthy cells.
The good news is, though you may not be able to bring back the lost collagen, there are ways to help get things moving and slow further loss. With the right skin care products and treatments outside and in, there's so much you can do to get back that spring back in your skin.
Bone Broth
Chicken bone broth is a potent source of collagen. This broth, made by boiling chicken bones in water, is believed to extract collagen, thus supporting body health.
However, new collagen growth can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to complete. Keep in mind that while certain procedures can be very effective at restoring and replacing collagen, these results aren't permanent. Depending on the collagen rebuilding procedure and areas treated, results can last a year or longer.
Which fruit has the most collagen? Fruit doesn't contain collagen. But many fruits are high in vitamin C, which helps with collagen production. Fruits high in vitamin C — like oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, and papayas — can help your body make more collagen.
Good news: Unless you're allergic to their ingredients, there are no known side effects of taking collagen peptides. As with anything else, check the label closely, but if you're allergy-free, you should be A-OK to try collagen peptides.
Collagen-Boosting Food
A few items she says to stock up on: citrus fruits (Vitamin C also has the ability to help amino acids convert to collagen), red veggies (think tomatoes, beets, and red peppers, which are high in the antioxidant, lycopene), and dark leafy greens (kale and spinach are great sources of Vitamin C).
Besides time, three main things will lower your collagen levels: sunlight, smoking, and sugar. Too much exposure to ultraviolet light makes its fibers unravel. This can lead to sun damage, such as wrinkles. Many of the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage it, which can make skin sag and wrinkle.
Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.
At this time, there isn't enough proof that taking collagen pills or consuming collagen drinks will make a difference in skin, hair, or nails. Our bodies cannot absorb collagen in its whole form. To enter the bloodstream, it must be broken down into peptides so it can be absorbed through the gut.
Osteoporosis – Not inherited genetically, brought on with age, associated with reduced levels of collagen in the skin and bones, growth hormone injections are being researched as a possible treatment to counteract any loss of collagen.
Collagen type II is the form in the cartilage lining the joints. Undenatured type II collagen (UC-II) supplements come from the breastbone of chickens. One study showed that UC-11 improved pain, stiffness, and function in knee OA better than a placebo, and slightly better than glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
Both biotin and collagen supplements have benefits for hair health. Biotin aids keratin production, while collagen supports hair follicles and growth factors. Most experts recommend a combination for the biggest impact. Take biotin to boost keratin levels along with collagen for stronger, thicker strands.
A high-dose intake of the collagen peptides increased body weights and caused liver dysfunction. A high-dose intake of the collagen peptides could profile the profiles of SCFA metabolism.
Another natural source of collagen is egg whites. Although they do not contain high levels of collagen, egg whites are rich in proline, which can form collagen in the skin. Moreover, egg whites contain 6.2 grams of protein, which is equivalent to 10% of an adult's daily protein needs.
Collagen production naturally declines with age, but other factors, such as sun exposure and smoking, can also speed up this process. Consuming enough Vitamin C, zinc, and certain amino acids can support its synthesis.
The first signs that collagen is working can be noticed when you look at your skin; regular collagen can begin to improve the skin's overall elasticity and improve hydration levels after (at least) six weeks.