If you keep up on dietary trends for beauty, you’ve likely heard that drinking bone broth is the best way to restore collagen and improve skin elasticity.  While it’s true that bone broth is a collagen rich food, you don’t just drink it and voila! you have collagen. Your digestive process breaks down the collagen in the broth, and then your body makes use of the amino acids and other nutrients the broth contains. 

In other words, bone broth doesn’t give you collagen; instead, it provides the nutrients that support your body’s collagen production. And what may be more surprising is that bone broth is just one of many dietary sources that help naturally boost collagen. Take a look below at our list of collagen-boosting foods for youthful skin. We’re pretty sure you’ll recognize them all. 

Kale

Kale and other dark, leafy greens provide your body with antioxidants, which help fight those nasty free-radicals that damage cells and proteins.  Antioxidants neutralize these free-radicals, preventing the breakdown of skin-firming collagen. Other high antioxidant foods include blueberries, dark chocolate, pecans, cranberries, artichokes, and kidney beans. 

Broccoli

Broccoli is a good plant source of sulfur, a trace mineral that aids your body in the production of collagen to heal scars and create healthy skin. Sulfur is also found in animal products as well as other plant sources, including garlic, onions, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. 

Salmon, tuna, and mackerel

Salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain omega-3 fatty acids that help fortify your skin’s cell membranes and fight the inflammation that damages collagen. In addition to supporting your skin’s structure, Omega-3s also strengthen the seal that keeps your skin hydrated and protect your skin cells from damage caused by UV rays. Other sources of omega-3s include flaxseed, chia seeds, wild rice, eggs, and walnuts. 

Eggs

Eggs provide a mix of essential amino acids that your body needs to produce collagen. They also contain other a number of other nutrients (including sulfur, omega-3s, and vitamins B and E) that support collagen production, help minimize scars and wrinkles, and improve skin quality. 

Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits have beneficial effects on skin because of their high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help prevent and treat UV-induced photo damage caused by free-radicals. Not only has vitamin C been shown to protect the skin from sun-damage, but it also increases collagen protein synthesis, aiding in the repair of already damaged skin. Other foods high in vitamin C include papaya, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers. 

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes contain high levels of vitamin A, which plays an important role in healthy skin cell production and renewal. Vitamin A stimulates the cells that are responsible for keeping skin firm and healthy (fibroblasts) and protects your complexion from bacteria and other irritants. Like vitamin C, vitamin A also has high antioxidant properties and helps fight the free-radicals that break down skin structure. Beef liver, carrots, spinach, and eggs also contain high levels of vitamin A. 

Looking for a more immediate boost in collagen? Radiesse dermal filler treatment can help

Enriching your diet with the above foods is a wonderful lifestyle change that should boost your body’s collagen production over time.  But if you’re looking for a more immediate and targeted anti-aging solution, Radiesse® dermal filler might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Like other dermal fillers, Radiesse® restores facial volume and reduces the appearance of wrinkles by filling in and plumping up the skin beneath them. But the Radiesse® formula is also enhanced with microsphere technology, which stimulates your body’s natural collagen production—right where you want it.  This means, you get beautiful, immediate, and age-defying results that continue to improve the structure of your skin over time—naturally!

Want to know more? Give us a call at (619) 717-8484 to schedule a consultation today.