Collagen is arguably one of the most talked about proteins in both aesthetic and medical fields and for very good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays an essential role in providing structure to our skin and in helping our blood clot.
It’s one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments as well as being found in blood vessels, corneas and teeth.
Unfortunately, as we age, our bodies produce less and lower quality collagen. One of the visible signs of this reduction can be seen in the skin, which becomes less firm and supple. A not so visible sign of the decline in collagen levels is the weakening of cartilage that comes with age.
Diet can play a surprisingly large role in helping to maintain our collagen levels, especially eating collagen-rich foods or foods that boost collagen production.
7 Foods That Help Your Body Produce Collagen
Chicken
Have you ever noticed how much connective tissue poultry contains? Probably not, unless you are Jamie Oliver or Raymond Blanc. It’s this “stuff” that makes chicken a rich source of dietary collagen.
Tomatoes
One medium tomato can provide up to almost 30% of vitamin C, an essential nutrient needed in the production of collagen. Tomatoes also boast large amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant for skin support.
Egg Whites
Going to work on an egg can not only boost your metabolism but also give your face a lift. The white of an egg contains large amounts of proline, one of the amino acids necessary for collagen production.
Vitamin C
This essential vitamin plays a major role in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s precursor to collagen. Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are bursting with vitamin C and can easily be incorporated into your diet to boost your collagen production.
Berries
As well as being high in antioxidants, berries are an excellent source of vitamin C. Ounce for ounce, strawberries actually provide more vitamin C than oranges. Who knew!
Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, chard and other salad greens get their colour from chlorophyll, known for its antioxidant properties. There is evidence that suggests that consuming chlorophyll can boost the production of collagen. Looking for some leafy green recipe inspirations? Click here
Nuts
Next time you reach for a handful of nuts to snack on, make it cashews. These filling nuts contain zinc and copper, both of which boost the body’s ability to create collagen.
Thanks to advances in dermatology and aesthetics it’s possible to boost the production of collagen through a number of gold standard treatments. Many of these therapies are non-invasive, with minimal downtime, and can rejuvenate the skin by stimulating the production of collagen.
3 Gold Standard Treatments at Meyer Clinic to Boost Collagen
Ultherapy
This breakthrough treatment harnesses ultrasound therapy to penetrate deep into the middle layers of skin tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin production and encourage regeneration. A favourite with A-listers and royalty for its natural approach, Ultherapy lifts and tightens and boost blood circulation and collagen production, giving a youthful appearance to the skin.
Dermapen®
Dermapen is the most advanced micro-needling therapy. It works by penetrating the skin with tiny needles, creating minute wounds in the deeper dermis that trigger the body’s own repair system. This naturally stimulates the creation of new collagen to help tighten, plump and lift the skin. It helps in reducing fine lines, wrinkles and large pores, minimising stretchmarks, and various types of scars as well as improving skin texture and tone.
Dermalux
Advanced LED Phototherapy uses unique combinations of clinically proven Blue, Red and Near Infrared wavelengths to boost collagen production, increase hydration, calm redness and irritation and banish blemish causing bacteria. Dermalux can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments. It is credited with giving the glow to many A-listers, including Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, Cara Delevingne and Jennifer Lopez.
If you would like more information on ways to improve your skin and collagen production, book in for a consultation with a member of our aesthetic or nutrition team. Call 01243 771455 or email info@www.meyerclinic.co.uk