So What's the Big Deal Over Collagen and Elastin?

It can make your head spin.  Anti aging moisturizers and other skin products ever promising to enhance collagen production and stimulate elastin.  There's no two ways about it, increasing collagen and elastin is a good thing!  But why? 

Collagen and elastin are vital to skin health.  Collagen is actually a protein found in body tissues.  In terms of the skin, collagen is what gives it its firmness.  Elastin is also a protein found in body tissues.  It is what keeps skin tight and flexible.

Unfortunately for all of us, our bodies produce less of both as we age.  The result - sagging and wrinkled skin.  A reduction in collagen can also lead to cellulite and dry skin.  Even the hair and nails can suffer.

Age isn't the only culprit.  Free radicals from sun, pollutants, and other environmental sources are constantly working to diminish the effectiveness of these vital proteins.

All is not lost!

We can stimulate production of both collagen and elastin and diminish the effects of free radicals by eating the proper foods.  And, yes, quality anti aging skin care products can also help.  The key is to combine the two.

Foods rich in antioxidants fight the effects of free radicals, and work to stimulate the production of more proteins - namely collagen and elastin.

Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and low fat dairy products contain significant levels of the amino acids that aid in the production of collagen and elastin.  Wheat germ is also a good source.

Foods rich in vitamin C enhance the positive effects of protein, and hence the increased production of collagen and elastin.  Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant.  Antioxidants are vital in the fight against free radical damage.

Green vegetables including asparagus, cabbage, and spinach are high in vitamin C along with citrus fruits and tomatoes. 

Other foods beneficial to collagen and elastin production include berries, avocado, and nuts.  They are also active in the interruption of free radicals.

And finally … quality anti aging skin care products can absolutely work to approve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.  Peptides and hyaluronic acid in particular penetrate deeply into the skin where they can do their most good. 

So let's put it all together.  You can fight sagging skin with a combination of anti aging skin care products and delicious skin healthy foods.  Why not start now with this quick and natural collagen and elastin booster!

Chicken and Avocado Wraps

2 cups sliced or cubed cooked deli rotisserie chicken meat
2 whole wheat sandwich wraps
½ cup prepared guacamole or one small avocado mashed with lime juice and salt and pepper to taste
Shredded lettuce
½ cup prepared salsa
Salt and pepper to taste
Spread the avocado on the wraps.  Top with the chicken, then the salsa, then the lettuce.  Roll and enjoy!