There's only so much you can do to slow the natural decline of collagen in your skin. Let's talk about what can help or harm this very important protein!

The collagen in the skin is affected by age in various ways...

"The skin becomes thinner and drier, and develops sags and wrinkles due to the collagen and elastin becoming disconnected." Says, Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel, M.D. In his article: What is collagen and what happens to it when we age?

Dr. Spiegel also states:
1. Growth of new cells slow down dramatically.
2. Dull colored skin can occur as the dead cells do not shed as quickly.
3. Aging skin is more susceptible to the development of brown spots on the face and body.
4. Intrinsic aging (hereditary) Extrinsic aging (caused by tobacco and environmental factors).
5. Smoking-contains chemicals that stimulate collagen-destroying enzymes and slows down the cells which produce collagen by 40%.

Here Are a Few Answers To Some Very Important Collagen Questions...

Does Rubbing Your Face Produce Collagen?

Yes, a simple massage can both strengthen muscle memory and spur collagen production. Gently massaging your facial muscles daily can also boost blood circulation, making the skin look refreshed and more youthful.

Does Coffee Affect Collagen?

Caffeine suppresses collagen production by preventing cell growth and interfering with the development of cartilage. In turn, this affects the ability to make new collagen and the genes involved in maturing cartilage cells. One study found that caffeine reduces collagen synthesis in human skin.

What Causes Rapid Collagen Loss?

The collagen tissues support the formation of bones, tendons and cartilage that form depending on the level of mineralization. However, an individual can lose collagen components in the body due to exposure to ultraviolet light, tobacco, excessive intake of sugar, and aging.

Here Are Just 13 Foods That Protect and Increase Collagen Production?

1. Broth

2. Chicken

3. Fish and Shellfish

4. Egg Whites

5. Citrus Fruit

6. Berries

7. Tropical Fruit

8. Garlic

9. Leafy Greens

10. Beans

11. Cashews

12. Tomatoes

13. Bell Peppers

Take Aways!

Help stabilize and reverse the signs of aging on the inside with foods that strengthen, increase and protect collagen. Fresh, natural skin care products like Dr. Lucy Pure Natural Skin Care on the outside. Our products contain the highest quality of naturally potent, plant based ingredients with botanical hyaluronic acid on the market today.

With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca

How Can I Strengthen My Skin Barrier Naturally?

Take an extra gentle approach, opting for the mildest products that still do the job. Forgo harsh scrubs, rough buffing tools, drying masks and use a natural alpha hydroxy exfoliant product instead.

Eat foods that are rich in vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins not only repair worn out tissues in the body, but also slow down the aging process. Foods rich in vitamin C help to increase collagen production, which aids in thickening the skin over time.

Foods that are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, oranges, kiwi fruit, broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower.

Foods that are rich in vitamin E are olive oil, avocados, broccoli, pumpkin, papayas, mangoes and tomatoes.

Foods rich in vitamin A include oranges, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots.

It's also been shown repeatedly that omega-3 fatty acids as in salmon, sardines, caviar, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil, etc. are chocked full of omega-3's. These types of foods are essential for increasing collagen production, and therefore, making our skin stronger and improving the barrier function of our skin.

Natural Skin Care Products Like Dr. Lucy's Will Aid in Thickening the Skin...

We have found skin – like yours – that has been treated with natural ingredients like in the Dr. Lucy natural skin care products, becomes stronger, thicker and more dynamic.

Many different chemicals are used in commercial cosmetics. Some of them, such as retinols and steroids, can cause serious problems. When they also include water-from unknown sources that may be highly polluted plus animal products that come from things we don’t want to think about. We do know that these products send our already aging skin into “overdrive”, this wreaks havoc on our hormones, soft tissues, etc., causes us to age faster!

To You and Your Beautiful Skin!
Rebecca

P.S. Remember, the Dr. Lucy products are designed to strengthen and thicken your skin...naturally!

P.P.S. We would love to have you share your Bonjour French Friday with friends, family or anyone you think might need a little natural skin care help and encouragement! Merci!