15 Natural Remedies to Boost Collagen in the Skin

Nature has provided us with the best compounds to take care of our skin. There’s no better way to care for your body than to use natural remedies. Our bodies are in tune with nature and thus thrive best when in balance with the natural world.

We will explore 15 natural remedies to boost collagen in the skin to give you the healthiest and most beautiful complexion. Let’s dive right in, but first, let’s review what collagen is and why it is so important.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is an essential building block, a fibrous supportive protein, that makes up the muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments and skin. Other parts of the body that are composed of collagen are corneas, teeth and blood vessels.

This powerful protein is considered to be the most plentiful protein of the body, making up about one-third of the overall proteins in our systems. Collagen acts as a type of glue that holds the skin cells adhering to one another, providing elasticity and strength.

Another important function of collagen is its blood-clotting effect as the body is healing from injury. This adhesive-type compound keeps the body functioning optimally and holds it in place. As we age however, the body decreases collagen production, thus it is important to take measures to boost production for both physical appearance and functionality.

15 Natural Remedies to Boost Collagen in the Skin

#1: Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and grapefruits are known for having high amounts of vitamin C, which plays a vital function in the production of pro-collagen.

These can be added to many meals or eaten alone as a snack. These fruits boost not only collagen but also your immune system.

#2: Garlic

Adding garlic to your nutrition adds more than just flavor. It is a superfood that increases collagen production. Garlic contains sulfur, known to be a trace mineral that assists the body in synthesizing collagen and preventing its breakdown.

#3: Retinol and Other Antioxidants

Antioxidants allow us to carry out normal physiological functions at the optimal level. Retinol is a type of antioxidant that is frequently utilized to increase collagen levels in the skin.

Retinol helps increase the lifespan of collagen and blocks particular enzymes that degrade this adhesive protein. Make this an addition to your skincare kit at all times to ensure your collagen levels stay at their best.

#4: Red-Light Therapy

Some people opt for going beyond nutrition to stimulate their skin. Red-light therapy has shown great results in the production of collagen. It turns out that this innovative therapy is an efficient and safe way to boost the amount of collagen in the skin.

Other aesthetic therapies—chemical peels, microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing—have significant downtime and are prone to complications. A study performed by Trusted Source in Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery found red-light therapy to be a safe way to increase collagen levels in the skin.

#5: Ginseng

For centuries, ginseng has been used in traditional medicine. A 2012 study found that consuming this substance can enhance the amount of collagen in the bloodstream.

Ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties, which also improve the appearance of the skin.

#6: Aloe Vera Gel

We all know that aloe vera gel is excellent when applied topically. However, when the plant is digested, studies found that it helped double the amount of collagen and hyaluronic acid produced by the body.

#7: Cashews

Most of us love nuts; they are an excellent source of protein and can make part of delicious recipes. Cashews are very filling; they contain copper and zinc, which are potent nutrients that help the body produce more collagen.

#8: Topical Peptides

Peptides, when used topically, have been shown to stimulate the repair and growth of skin cells. These anti-aging compounds are sometimes combined with lactic acid for a powerful effect on your collagen production. Choose a trustworthy brand that uses only the finest ingredients.

#9: Omega Fatty Acids

Foods rich in plant-based omega fatty acids are known to work the best with the human body. Eating a balanced diet with enough healthy fat content prevents the degradation of collagen. Avocados, nuts, seeds and even brussels sprouts are all high-quality sources of omega fatty acids.

#10: Hyaluronic Acid

This powerful anti-aging ingredient does wonders for the collagen of the skin. It speeds up tissue recovery and helps boost collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the human body, but as we age, it greatly decreases. Be sure to get adequate levels of vitamin C to help your body benefit from hyaluronic acid-rich foods.

#11: Algae

Marine plants are now found in many beauty products and supplements. They are also available at grocery stores as food items to be used in delicious recipes. Algae prevent oxidation, which is detrimental to the skin’s collagen and elasticity.

#12: Avoiding Sugar

Collagen is a protein and thus can be vulnerable to damage. Consuming sugar leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products or AGEs. Read labels carefully, as many foods you may not suspect, e.g., pasta sauce, have sugar among their ingredients.

#13: Turmeric

Curcumin, found in turmeric, decreases oxidation and inflammation, helping the body heal wounds more quickly. Studies suggest that turmeric can also increase collagen production. There are supplement capsules filled with turmeric that you can take in case you find it too challenging to incorporate this root into your diet.

#14: Cilantro

The powerful coriander leaf is an herb used in many types of cuisines. It is rich in vitamin C and is known to boost the production of collagen. Linolenic acid, one of its compounds, is full of antioxidants and detoxifying properties.

#15: Getting Enough Sleep

Maintaining a regular sleeping schedule is an excellent way to boost collagen and allow the body to restore and repair itself. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults do their best sleeping at least seven to nine hours per night. Making your beauty sleep a priority certainly pays off!

Now that you have seen this list, you can try all or at least a few of these 15 natural remedies to boost collagen!