'I'm a doctor - you can look years younger with 5 lifestyle hacks that help preserve your skin's firmness and elasticity'
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are great for younger-looking skin
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Collagen is a buzzword in the world of anti-ageing. It can improve the appearance of your skin and help your muscles and bones.
The body naturally produces this protein, although the body's supplies start to decline around the age of 30, and then at a rate of around one per cent a year, an expert explained.
Luckily, people hoping to reap the benefits of collagen at any age can make some adjustments to their lifestyle that will help them to "maintain or restore their youthful appearance".
Aesthetic surgeon Dr Glyn Estebanez shared how diet changes - such as consuming vitamin C, bone broth and avoiding sugar - are vital.
Leafy greens can protect collagen from damage
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Vitamin C
“While professional treatments are excellent for boosting collagen, what you put in your body is just as crucial,” the doctor said.
“Foods rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits and bell peppers, play an essential role in collagen synthesis.
"Vitamin C is a key component in stabilising the collagen molecule, so a diet high in these foods can support and even enhance the results of your in-clinic treatments.”
He also recommended filling up on antioxidant-rich leafy greens, as they can help protect existing collagen from damage.
Bone broth
The expert added: "Rich in collagen and amino acids, bone broth can aid in maintaining skin elasticity."
Avoiding sugar
Sugar attacks collagen through a process called glycation but cutting sugary snacks from your diet can help slow this down.
Dr Estebanez said: “Sugar really is the enemy of collagen. It breaks down collagen through glycation, so reducing sugary snacks can help preserve your skin’s firmness.”
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water benefits the body in a number of ways, including how youthful the skin looks.
The doctor said: "Hydration is absolutely essential. Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly important compound for building collagen in the skin. It is found in foods rich in amino acids, such as beans, root vegetables, and soy.
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The doctor recommended regular exercise
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"Adding hyaluronic acid to the diet through food can easily help to boost collagen levels. An injectable hyaluronic acid can also provide great results. Profhilo is an injectable skin remodelling treatment containing one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market."
Exercise
Aside from what you eat and drink, exercising often can help to improve the skin. Dr Estebanez continued: “Regular physical activity increases blood flow and oxygen to the skin, helping deliver key nutrients to cells."
For those looking for treatments, skin tightening treatments such as Thermage FLX can also help, the doctor explained.
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