Our body is made up of different excellently healing elements that not only help us remain healthy that keeps our beauty intact. But obviously as time goes by many of these elements leave our body and make it difficult for us to maintain health as well as beauty. One such element in the human body is collagen which works to keep our body parts working properly and has a vitalizing impact on our skin. So keeping collagen levels balanced in body is significant and we are going to find out how.
What is collagen?
Collagen is one of the most integral proteins in the human body. Its composition is fibrous, hard and insoluble. Most of our bones, tendons and skin are composed of it. Naturally, its abundance in the skin makes it one of the most important ingredient of beautiful skin. There are two types of collagen based upon the source it comes from:
- Endogenous collagen as the name is natural and comes from the body.
- Exogenous collagen on the other hand is artificially synthesized and is usually in form of supplements to help improve collagen amount in the body.
Collagen benefits for skin
Collagen has innumerable benefits for the body that pertain to skin and cosmetics as well. Tops the list is the fact that collagen helps maintain the skin elasticity hence reducing any signs of premature aging. It also helps the skin retain its fresh look, smooth texture and improves your complexion.
Decrease in collagen
With age the collagen production deteriorates. This makes the skin look wrinkled and less elastic. The thickness of the skin is also decreased and it starts to look strangely pale and translucent. Loss of collagen also leads to hyperpigmentation forming dark patches on the skin. The blood vessels under the skin also become very visible because of the thin layer of skin.
How to increase collagen in skin
As discussed earlier collagen is a magical component for the skin. But how to retain it in a low budget? We have collected a few effective mask ideas to boost collagen in your skin giving it a revitalized and younger look. Keep on reading.
1. Gelatin mask
Gelatin is a regulated source of collagen and it is not a vegan product. Though it is obtained from the animals, it has a unique skincare and health properties. It is an important and abundant source of collagen and helps to maintain a flawless younger looking and clear skin.
Gelatin is great for consumption as well as external application on skin. It aims to improve the collagen in the body, diminishes the anti-aging appearance of the skin whether it is fine lines, wrinkles or stretch marks. It works on the skin to compact and tighten it and provide a soft and fresh skin tone.
Take one part of the gelatin powder with two parts of the warm raw milk. Let the gelatin dissolve in the milk completely. This can be done by using double boiler method as well. Apply this thick mixture onto the face, while it is slightly warm. Let it dry completely and peel it off once dried. This face mask works as a cleanser and ensures the removal of blackheads and boosts the collagen in the skin.
2. Avocado mask
For this mask you need an avocado, a boiled carrot, half cup heavy cream and honey 3 tablespoon. First mash avocado and carrot and mix cream and honey in them to make a paste. Apply it on face and leave for 10-15 minutes after which you can wash it.
3. Mango mask
Mango is a magical ingredient for skin so its mask can boost our collagen levels beyond measure. It is simple: just apply mango directly on face and leave it. Rinse after a few minutes with water.
4. Pumpkin yogurt mask
Pumpkins are rich in collagen. To make its mask we need pumpkin paste, yogurt, honey, almonds and olive oil. Grind almonds and mix all the ingredients together with a little bit of olive oil. Apply it for ten minutes and rinse with water. Afterwards use any moisturizer.
5. Carrot mask
Carrots contain antioxidants in abundance. It mask is simple to make and very effective. Just take a boiled carrot, yogurt and honey and mix and apply. Wash after 10 minutes and use moisturizer.
6. Kiwi mask
Kiwi has a high proportion of vitamin C content. Take I mashed kiwi and mix it with 3 tablespoons of sugar. Gently rub this paste on your face for about 30 seconds and rinse it off with water.
7. Peach mask
Peaches also have high content of collagen. Mixing it with Greek yogurt and applying on face can boost skin collagen.
Foods to improve collagen levels
Proper diet is substantial to improve collagen levels. Where age cannot be stopped to stop collagen from decreasing it can surely be delayed from being diminished through certain foods. These include the following.
1. Chicken
Many of the artificial collagen supplements are formed from chicken. The reason behind this is that chicken has the tendency to increase our collagen levels in larger amounts quicker than anything else.
2. Fish
Fish contains bones which are rich in collagen. So naturally it becomes number one choice in food to boost collagen. Increasing the intake of your favorite fish can surely increase collagen in your body.
3. Egg whites
Egg whites have handsome amounts of proline which is the basic component of amino acids responsible for collagen production.so egg whites must compose part of your routine diet.
4. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits have vitamin C which are responsible to make collagen. Eating citrus fruits in excess along with other tropical fruits can result in prodigious levels of collagen in the body.
5. Berries
Talking about vitamin C it has been researched that berries provide more of it than the traditionally famous citrus fruits like oranges. So it should also be on your list. Brownie reason to eat these it that berries contain antioxidants that help prevent skin damage of all kinds.
6. Garlic
Garlic is not just a flavor booster but also a collagen booster if we may call it. Its high sulfur content helps increase collagen.
7. Beans
Beans have a large amount of amino acids and copper content which are significant to the production of collagen in the body.
8. Cashews
Collagen is also created through cashew nut which contains zinc and copper in higher amount, helping to make collagen.
Preventing the loss of collagen
These are the proven ways to let the collagen remain intact.
- Reduce sugar intake
Sugar, refined carbs result in loss of collagen very early on in life so these must be avoided.
- Quit smoking
Injurious to health and injurious to beauty smoking should be avoided at all costs.
- Switch to healthy diet
Eating a healthy meal is integral to improving collagen in the body.
- Exercise
Exercise helps improve body collagen levels.
- Vitamin A treatments
Using creams, serums or moisturizers rich in vitamin A can help keep collagen alive in the body.
Conclusion
So now you know how you can keep your skin younger by boosting your collagen levels. Do try these home remedies to find out their effectiveness yourself.