Do you want to know what is the best way to get collagen?

Collagen is an essential protein that has a substantial effect on our overall health and well-being. But did you know that our body’s collagen production decreases as we age?

In this blog post, we will uncover the importance of collagen and how to increase its levels in our bodies through natural methods.

We will also discuss factors that can negatively impact your collagen levels and how to avoid them.

By understanding these aspects of collagen production, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about what is the best way to get collagen for your individual needs.

Let’s get started!

What is collagen, exactly?

Collagen—the buzzword that’s been making waves in the health and beauty industry. But what exactly is it?

In simple terms, collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for our skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

It accounts for about 30% of all proteins in our body and can be found in various types, such as Type I (skin), Type II (cartilage), and Type III (reticular fibers).

Type I Collagen: The Skin Savior

Type I collagen, which makes up around 90% of your body’s total collagen content, plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and strength.

As we age or expose ourselves to external factors like sun damage or pollution, our natural production of this vital protein decreases.

Type II Collagen: Cartilage Champion

Type II collagen, on the other hand, primarily focuses on keeping your cartilage healthy by providing structure to connective tissues between bones.

This type becomes increasingly important as we grow older since joint wear-and-tear often leads to discomfort or even arthritis.

Type III Collagen: Reticular Fiber Reinforcer

Last but not least is Type III collagen, which teams up with Type I to form reticular fibers—thin yet strong structures that support organs like the liver, spleen, and kidneys. It also plays a role in maintaining blood vessel walls.

Now, let’s explore why collagen and its varieties are so essential for our health and well-being. 

Understanding the significance of collagen is essential to make wise choices on how we may incorporate it into our diets or supplementation plans.

Why do we need collagen?

Collagen is the most prevalent protein in the body, and it serves a fundamental purpose for our well-being. From keeping our skin looking youthful to supporting joint mobility, collagen has many essential functions.

Let’s dive into some of its key roles:

Collagen’s Role in Skin Health

Your skin loves collagen. It makes up about 75% of your skin’s dry weight and provides structure, elasticity, and strength.

As we age or experience sun damage, our natural production of collagen decreases (source). This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and other visible signs of aging.

By boosting your collagen levels through diet or supplements like Organixx Clean Sourced Collagens, you can help maintain your skin’s youthful appearance.

Collagen’s Role in Hair and Nail Health

Beyond just being good for your complexion, this wonder protein also contributes to healthy hair and nails. Collagen helps provide the building blocks needed for strong hair follicles as well as nail growth (source).

So, if you’re struggling with brittle nails or lackluster locks—don’t fret; increasing your collagen intake might be just what you need.

Collagen’s Role in Joint Health

If creaky joints are cramping your style (literally), consider giving them a helping hand with some extra collagen support.

Cartilage, which acts as a cushion for our joints and prevents bone-on-bone friction, is composed of collagen—an essential component.

Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen can help improve joint pain, stiffness, and overall function (source).

Boosting collagen levels may be beneficial for joint health, especially for those who are athletes or trying to stay active as they age.

What happens when our collagen levels decrease?

As we’ve seen, collagen is important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, and joints. But what happens when our natural production starts to wane?

In addition to the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin, decreased collagen levels can also lead to weaker bones (source) and an increased risk of injury due to less resilient connective tissues (source). That’s why it’s crucial not only to maintain but also to boost your body’s supply of this vital protein.

Collagen is essential for maintaining a healthy body, and by understanding the best ways to boost collagen levels naturally, we can ensure our bodies are functioning at their peak.

Fortunately, there are a variety of approaches to increase collagen levels naturally.

What is the best way to get collagen?

Boosting collagen levels naturally is a smart move for those who want to maintain youthful skin, strong nails, and healthy joints. Lifestyle habits and natural treatments can be utilized to help the body create more collagen. 

Here are some tips on how:

Eat Collagen-Rich Foods

Your diet plays a significant role in maintaining optimal collagen levels.

Incorporate collagen-rich foods into your daily meals such as:

• bone broth,
• fish (especially salmon),
• chicken,
• eggs,
• leafy greens like spinach and kale,
• berries,
• citrus fruits rich in vitamin C (like oranges),
• and Avocados rich in vitamin E (to support collagen production).

Consume a balanced, antioxidant-packed diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies to boost collagen levels naturally.

Supplementing with Vitamin C may be beneficial for aiding the body’s collagen production. Now let us look at what to avoid to maintain optimal collagen levels.

Take Collagen Supplements

If you’re looking for an extra boost or have dietary restrictions that make it difficult to consume enough collagen through food alone, consider taking high-quality collagen supplements.

Consider using collagen supplements in the form of powders or capsules that can be blended into yogurt and smoothies or taken with water. Make sure you choose one made from clean sources without any harmful additives.

Use Collagen-Boosting Skincare Products

The skincare industry has also caught onto the importance of collagen.

Look out for products containing ingredients known to promote collagen production, such as:

• retinol (vitamin A derivative proven effective at boosting collagen synthesis),
• peptides (short chains of amino acids),
• hyaluronic acid,
• and vitamin C.

Make sure to use these products consistently to achieve the best results.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise not only keeps you fit but also helps in collagen production.

Studies have shown that physical activity can stimulate the synthesis of collagen, especially weight-bearing exercises like running, jumping, or resistance training. So, lace up those sneakers and get moving!

Get Enough Sleep

Last but certainly not least: sleep.

Our bodies go into repair mode when we’re catching some Z’s, which means it’s also prime time for collagen production.

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night so your body has ample opportunity to work its magic on your skin, hair, nails, and joints.

By making the right lifestyle choices and utilizing natural remedies, you can help your body increase collagen production.

What to Avoid to Maintain Collagen Levels

Now that we’ve discussed how to boost collagen levels, it’s equally important to know what factors can harm our precious collagen supply.

Steer clear of these usual suspects to keep your skin looking young and vibrant:

Sugar

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to glycation, a process in which sugar molecules attach themselves to proteins like collagen, causing them to become stiff and lose their elasticity.

Try opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or honey to keep your skin looking supple and smooth.

Too Much Sun Exposure

We all love basking in the sun during those warm summer months, but did you know that prolonged sun exposure can wreak havoc on your collagen levels?

UV rays from the sun can cause harm to collagen by generating oxidative stress and damaging its fibers.

So, before venturing into the sun, arm yourself with SPF 30 sunscreen and protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, to minimize UV radiation damage.

And don’t forget about seeking shade whenever possible.

Smoking

If you needed another reason to quit smoking (or never start), here it is: smoking has been shown to accelerate aging by reducing blood flow and depriving cells of oxygen and nutrients necessary for optimal function—including our beloved collagen production.

In addition, the chemicals found in cigarette smoke can directly damage collagen and elastin fibers. So, do your skin a favor and kick that habit to the curb.

Pollution

Living in an urban environment exposes us to various pollutants such as smog, dust, and car exhaust fumes.

These harmful particles can cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and premature aging of the skin by breaking down collagen.

To combat these effects, consider investing in an air purifier for your home or office space, cleanse your face thoroughly at night with a gentle cleanser designed to remove pollution buildup on the skin’s surface, and don’t forget about antioxidant-rich skincare products.

By steering clear of these common collagen-depleting factors while incorporating our earlier tips on boosting collagen levels naturally, you’ll be well-equipped to maintain healthy collagen production—ensuring radiant skin, strong nails, and healhty hair growth

Final Tips

To get the most out of collagen, strive to lead a healthy lifestyle that incorporates nutritious meals and appropriate dietary supplements.

You can also boost your collagen levels naturally with exercise, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and avoiding things like smoking, sugar, and excessive sun exposure.

And taking the right collagen supplements regularly will help you maintain optimal levels of this important protein for better health in the long run.