How to Boost and Protect your Collagen, Naturally

You probably know how important collagen is to smooth, glowing skin. An ample supply helps your skin bounce back from daily irritants that might otherwise damage or crease your complexion — and fighting off unsightly wrinkles is just one of the benefits of this hardworking protein.

Since the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases as we age, it makes sense to seek out other ways to help boost collagen production. Although it’s hard to beat the nurturing effects of a committed collagen booster, it might surprise you to know that there are plenty of natural ways to support your body’s collagen levels.

Even if you’ve already started with collagen-filled supplements, it’s worth helping your body increase natural collagen production to complement the tools in your medicine cabinet.

Here’s how:

Protect your Skin from Irritants and Damage

It’s no secret that excess sun exposure can cause unsightly redness, wrinkles, or pigmentation. But the sun isn’t the only culprit when it comes to daily skin damage. Harsh weather, pollution, and excess dust can all contribute, depleting your body’s collagen over time as it rushes to repair damaged skin cells.

Although there’s no sense worrying about every sunburn or snowstorm, some simple steps can help reduce the wear and tear on your skin.

If it’s a sunny day, prepare for the heat the right way. And regardless of the weather, clean and exfoliate your skin daily to get rid of those other unavoidable irritants. Steer clear of overly hot showers or harsh cleansers that strip protective oils away; you don’t want to leave your skin vulnerable after you’ve cleaned it.

Remember: collagen can struggle to reach lower layers of your skin if applied in a cream or moisturizer. Your topical treatments should focus on protecting the collagen that’s already there.

Introduce Collagen-Friendly Foods to your Diet

While you’re at it, take the chance to indulge in collagen-boosting foods that help replenish your skin from the inside out.

There’s reason to believe that the best foods for collagen offer a different benefit than supplements that deliver the protein directly. This comes down to a principle known as bioavailability: the idea that your body is better at using some forms of collagen than others.

Collagen-boosting food helps provide bioavailable forms of collagen, and the resources that your body needs to produce more — much like Biosil®, which helps stimulate collagen production through the ch-OSA® enzyme.†

When planning your menu:

Include foods rich in Vitamin C — it plays an important role in collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection against damage. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers are a great place to start.

Don’t skimp on the antioxidants. Found in leafy greens like kale, spinach, and chard, as well as berries and more, these protect your body from free radical damage and, in some cases, boost precursors to collagen in the body.

Add plenty of protein. Vegan collagen builders like beans and cashews not only provide protein, but contain minerals like copper and zinc that also support collagen production.

The foods to avoid

There are also a few foods worth keeping to an occasional indulgence. No diet is perfect, but try minimizing sources of:

Processed sugar and refined carbohydrates — both of which can cause inflammation and damage existing collagen, as well as your body’s ability to produce more. Substituting naturally sweet treats like berries can take a load off your skin.

Fatty or processed meats — another major culprit for inflammation. Meats that have been cured or otherwise processed on their way to you tend to be higher in sodium, saturated fats, and sulfites — all of which contribute to dehydration and inflammation which get in the way of collagen production. For example, sausage, hot dogs, and bacon. Luckily, there are plenty of sources of glow-friendly protein: try eggs, beans, fish or lean meat instead!

Selective supplementation

If you’re looking for natural options beyond a balanced diet, look for supplements that help protect your skin and naturally increase collagen production.

Aloe vera gel, for example, is a great topical treatment for the effects of sun damage, but research indicates that the right aloe extracts, taken orally, can boost hyaluronic acid and collagen production. Algae extracts can also help by preventing oxidative damage that saps skin of elasticity and collagen.

Biosil® drops and capsules take a similar approach. By activating the enzymes that encourage natural collagen production, they go right to the source of your collagen to help replenish your natural beauty. Simultaneously, Biosil® works to protect your collagen from degradation caused by habits or your environment.†

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.