Collagen makes up approximately 75 - 80% of our skin. It makes sense that if we want healthy, youthful looking skin, we need to maximize the creation and preservation of our collagen to keep everything plump and elastic. Here are 3 things you can do to maximize this youth enhancing protein.
1. Eating Amino Acids
There isn't a lot of evidence to show that taking collagen supplements will result in that collagen reaching the skin. We do know that any time you ingest a protein source it is broken down by our digestive system into the base amino acids and then recombined into complete proteins to use where needed, including creation of collagen. Whether you're a meat eater, vegetarian or vegan, be sure to eat a variety of foods which on their own (think salmon, chicken, quinoa) or combined (beans + rice) will result in a complete protein source and all the amino acids required for healthy collagen production. Be sure to eat foods rich in Vitamin C as well, since C is necessary in collagen synthesis.
2. LED Red Light Treatments
You may have seen pictures of your favourite celebrities undergoing red light therapies or "cold laser" which incorporates an array of LED lights at a specific wavelength (approx 660nm) to stimulate collagen production and speed up tissue repair.
Our bodies respond when exposed to different wavelengths of light (Sunlight and Vitamin D for example). Red light is excellent for stimulation of fibroblasts resulting in the creation of proteins such as collagen and elastin. The end result? increased elasticity and a plumper, smoother appearance. See Unicorn Cold Laser Mask.
3. Peptides In Your Skin Care
Regularly applying a product that contains high levels of active peptides can go a long way in maintaining the youthful appearance of skin. Peptides such as Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide and Cu Complex Copper ferment penetrate the skin and signal cells to produce collagen for a plumping benefit. After 4-6 weeks of use a high percentage of people will see an improvement in skin suppleness and smoothness. See BV9 Platinum Serum