Clinically proven ways to fight the signs of aging

Most people would like to look younger and are working against those ever-falling sands of time to stave off the inevitable signs of ageing. And there is a way to hold off those signs – taking one of the best collagen supplements on the market is a great way to do just that. This article looks at collagen supplements and some other clinically proven ways to halt the signs of ageing.

Save the skin with boosts of collagen

The science behind sagging skin is clear and incontrovertible. When people are young, the body produces a fair amount of collagen that continually provides hydration to the skin, repairing damage and thus making one look younger. But as people get older, less collagen is produced. This means less collagen goes to the skin, weakening its structure. Wrinkles appear as the skin sags. It results in simply looking older. But the best collagen supplements can help with that.

What does the research say about collagen supplements? A study published in the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals found that women who took collagen supplements saw significant reductions in their wrinkles and significant improvement in both skin elasticity and hydration. The University of Pennsylvania points to studies showing that in only four weeks collagen supplements improved the elasticity of skin and helped to increase the skin’s moisture levels with its participants.

Eat better to look better

Many people don’t consider diet when it comes to having healthy skin and thus an overall healthy appearance. But it’s important. A well-balanced diet that includes unsaturated fats, aided by a variety of supplements, does wonders for one’s complexion. Supplements that are high in antioxidants and include Vitamin B12 are particularly beneficial to the skin.

Lots of us love bread and pasta, but processed carbohydrates in large amounts are harmful to your skin’s collagen, leading to more wrinkles. High amounts of sugar have the same effect. Fruits and vegetables, however, are good for the skin. And protein is important. Keep in mind that skin is mostly protein and so will benefit from a diet with lots of healthy protein.

Stay out of the sun (and even the shade!)

Most people know, at least anecdotally, that the sun can damage the skin. But what kind of damage and how much sun can skin take? Or need? Small boosts of Vitamin D from sunshine are actually healthy for skin and overall health. Still, sunscreen is important. And don’t just use any old sunscreen, choose a moisturising one with an SPF of 30 or greater – something with an SPF of 50 with an antioxidant blend is optimal.

And those who are not in direct summer sunlight, it’s still a good idea to use sunblock. While some of the sun’s potentially harmful UVA rays get blocked by clouds, some do get through and could still damage skin no matter the season.

Stop smoking to slow your ageing

Something many people understand instinctively –– smoking cigarettes not only creates the danger of cancer, but it’s also bad for the skin. Science supports this assumption. Smoking triggers free radicals to mount an attack on collagen fibrils, weakening them and ultimately causing damage with wrinkled skin, particularly around the smoker’s mouth where the attacks on collagen are the strongest. A collagen supplement can help, but giving up cigarettes is best.

Cut back on the cocktails

A drink here and there won’t have much of an impact on one’s appearance, but heavy alcohol use certainly speeds up the signs of ageing. The Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health published the findings of a study that determined that excessive drinkers are more than 30% more likely to have grey rings around the corneas of their eyes, medically known as arcus senilis and occurring mostly within the elderly population.

What does drinking alcohol do to the skin? That flushing of the face seen when folks drink alcohol is dilated blood vessels. Chronic drinking causes capillaries to burst, creating red and purple veins across the face that can’t be reversed with simple hydration.

Everyone ages. Nothing is going to reverse that. But with some healthy living choices, including taking some of the best collagen supplements available, it’s possible to slow down the signs of ageing.

The editorial unit