7 tips to save your skin & boost collagen

Here are 7 tips to keeping your skin in top condition, to help you stay young and looking energised.

1. Avoid sugar.  

Sugar binds to collagen and elastin rendering the skin more prone to wrinkles by disrupting the connective tissue.  Sugar also increases inflammation, which will use up nutrients that could otherwise be creating beautiful skin!

2. Reduce sun exposure (the obvious one!).  

Wear a high factor sun screen always, even in winter.  Exposure to sunlight increases free radical damage, which in turn releases enzymes in your tissues that damage the structure of your skin. 

3. Beauty sleep cannot be under-rated.  

Core sleep triggers the release of the restorative Growth Hormone, which in turn encourages nutrient uptake by your cells.  Repair and growth takes place during the sleep cycle.  

4. Boost your antioxidant intake;

Take vitamins and minerals in concert as they work best together.  For skin protection, Vitamin C, Zinc & the flavonoids found in purple foods. 

My Nutrition Plans help you understand which foods provide you the best antioxidant protection.

5. Tune up your detoxification processes in your body.

Cleanse your liver, hydrate your cells, exercise and sweat it out.  The skin is a major organ of detoxification along with your liver and kidneys.  

6. Skin brush daily,.

Scrub and moisturised with products that contain no parabens and chemicals.  Your skin absorbs up to 60% of whatever you put on it - that is going directly into your tissues and bloodstream!  So choose wisely.

7. Eat more Omega 3 oils.

These rich oils are found in oily fish, nuts and seeds.  Consume daily as these super charged oils can help with luck lustre skin, dry or oily skin, bumpy skin (as seen on the backs of arms) and acne.

Take the first step - clean up your diet and own health

Deborah McTaggart is a registered nutritionist practising in Barnes, South West London, and global via Zoom. She works with corporate nutrition and individuals on healthy eating, with a special interest in Men's Health, Shift Work Health, Travel Health and Avoiding Jet Lag. Contact me here for further information on nutrition plans.