Skin health is closely linked to what we eat.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, nutrients such as vitamin C and zinc are important for the body’s own production of collagen.
These substances are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and whole grains.
At the same time, plant-based foods like beans and lentils can also contribute, as they contain the necessary building blocks for collagen.
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Diet therefore plays a central role in supporting the skin’s structure over time.
Research and reservations
A large research review from Anglia Ruskin University, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, compiled results from 113 studies involving nearly 8,000 participants.
According to the BBC, the analysis shows that collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity and hydration when used over a longer period.
However, the researchers point out that many previous studies were funded by the industry behind these products. As a result, some of the positive findings may have been presented more optimistically than warranted.
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Experts are also calling for more targeted research to gain a clearer understanding of the effects.
The mechanisms of aging
The body naturally produces less collagen with age, and this decline can be worsened by factors such as sun exposure and smoking.
In women, levels decrease further during menopause.
The study also indicates that collagen may have a positive effect on joints and stiffness, making it relevant in a broader health context.
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Collagen can improve skin firmness and hydration, but it cannot prevent wrinkles. Its effect is therefore more about maintenance than stopping the aging process.
Sources: BBC, British Nutrition Foundation, and Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum.
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