Four Ways to Healthy Skin
Healthy, blemish-free, radiant skin is a real confidence booster at any age, and we want that for you, so we’ve researched a short list of things you can do to maximise the health of the skin you are in. These tips are achievable for anyone, and for those of you already taking our collagen they will augment the benefits of taking your supplement. Let’s go!
“Skintrition”
What you eat has a huge impact on the structure, function and integrity of your skin. Skin nutrition is a huge topic, but to summarise: optimal protein, micronutrients, fatty acids and hydration while keeping added sugars nice and low.
Increase protein, lower sugars: Amino acids from protein are the building blocks of your body, including every inch of your skin. The recommended intake for general health is at least 0.75 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight every day from lean meats, seafood, dairy and legumes, and getting this amount consistently will help keep your skin firm and resilient. In particular, proline, which is abundant in collagen, gelatin and foods like bone broth, increases collagen production in the dermal fibroblasts (skin cells). Increasing protein while lowering sugars from processed foods will also stabilise blood sugar, preventing the collagen-degrading process known as glycation that happens when blood sugar is too high.
Micronutrients: Eat all the colours! Vitamins, minerals and antioxidant polyphenols from fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as minerals from seeds, nuts and wholegrains protect skin from collagen-damaging free radicals that are formed during exposure to environmental toxins, alcohol, UV rays, stress and as byproducts of normal metabolism. Of particular importance are vitamins A, C, E, D, carotenoids and the minerals selenium, zinc and copper, with vitamin C being essential for catalyzing a crucial step in collagen production. We’ve added vitamin C and phenolic antioxidants to our product Collagen Infusion, but also, did you have a kiwifruit today?
Healthy fats and Hydration. Water and fatty acids work together to keep you looking glowy, rather than dehydrated and inflamed. Stay hydrated by drinking water or herbal teas throughout the day and including fatty fish, nuts, seeds (particularly chia and flax), avocado and olive oil in your daily nutrition. Alcohol and caffeine can both dehydrate your skin, so if you’re going to indulge, take extra care to rehydrate.
Be Sun Smart
UV radiation from the sun is one of the fastest way to decrease collagen content in your skin (eek!), and you can easily see this by comparing the skin on your hands to somewhere less exposed. Invest in a good daily sunscreen, preferably with antioxidants included, and find a stylish hat for especially sunshiny days.
Get the circulation going
How good does skin look the day after a good, sweaty exercise session? Skin benefits greatly from increased blood flow, which delivers fresh nutrients and flushes away metabolic byproducts while increasing muscular tone. More localized stimulation such as facial massages, micro-needling and exercises like ‘face yoga’ can also help keep you looking firm and looking fresh. Even a good laugh that makes your cheeks ache is a face workout!
Cleanse
This one doesn’t need much elaboration. When the day is done, get that gorgeous face squeaky clean so your skin can breathe and repair overnight.
So there you have it! Nothing complicated, just a few powerful habits to work into your days so you can look your best and of course, if you’re really struggling with acne or chronic skin problems, it’s not failing to consult with a dermatologist or skin expert to get you headed in the right direction.