Collagen is a protein responsible for healthy joints and skin elasticity, or stretchiness. It’s in your bones, muscles, and blood, compromising three quarters of your skin and a third of the protein in your body. Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look.
Why You Need To More Collagen
As we age, existing collagen breaks down, and it gets harder for your body to produce more. We begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20’s and lose as much as 30% during the first five years of menopause.
How to Add Collagen to Your Diet
All collagen starts off as procollagen. Your body makes procollagen by combining two amino acids – glycine and proline. This process uses vitamin C. You may be able to help your body produce this important protein by making sure you get plenty of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C. Large amounts are found in citrus fruits, bell peppers and strawberries.
- Proline: Large amounts are found in egg whites, wheat germ, dairy products, cabbage, asparagus, and mushrooms.
- Copper: Large amounts are found in organ meats, sesame seeds, cocoa powder, cashews, and lentils.
In addition, your body needs high quality protein that contains the amino acids needed to make new proteins. Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, legumes, and tofu are all excellent sources of amino acids.
How to Reduce Collagen Loss
It’s also important to avoid collagen-destroying behaviors such as:
- Eating too much sugar and refined carbs. Sugar interferes with collagen’s ability to repair itself.
- Getting too much sunshine. Ultraviolet radiation can reduce collagen production.
- Smoking. Smoking reduces collagen production which can impair wound healing and lead to wrinkles.
Interestingly, laser skin rejuvenation treatments use light and heat energy to cause controlled damage to the surface of the skin, so that your body reacts to heal the tissue by creating new skin. The result? Collagen production!
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Turnure to learn about our collagen boosting laser skin treatments and which one is right for you! (916) 624-4959.
