How to Stimulate Collagen & Elastin Production in the Body

The elasticity and structure of your skin is maintained by two vital proteins called elastin and collagen. These proteins make up nearly 25 percent of your body’s total protein count. As you get older, they decrease. Knowing how to increase these vital proteins will help you keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. There are a few safe and effective methods which can help you increase the production of elastin and collagen.

Use an exfoliating cream to exfoliate your skin. The process of exfoliation involves eliminating the dead skin cells from the surface layer of your skin. It also stimulates the production of new elastin and collagen and gives your skin a more youthful appearance.

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Take a vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplement every day, recommends Dr. Fredric Brendt, author of “Age-less: The Definitive Guide to Botox, Collagen, Lasers, Peels and Other Solutions for Flawless Skin.” This vitamin is vital in elastin and collagen production 12. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can weaken elastin fibers. The recommended dosage for vitamin C is one 500 mg capsule once daily to help maintain the cellular structures which keep the fibers of your complexion strong and healthy. In addition, eat foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli, kiwi fruit, bell peppers and citrus fruits.

Add one or two servings of healthy protein to your diet every day to help stimulate collagen and elastin production. Your muscle mass as well as the collagen and elastin in your skin are composed of proteins. Healthy foods rich in proteins include tofu, nuts, seeds, milk and cottage cheese.

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Apply sunscreen lotion generously to your skin when doing the aforementioned methods to help prevent further damage to the cells in your skin. Sunscreen can help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays which can break down collagen and elastin 2. Purchase sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 and above and massage it into your skin 30 minutes before going outside.