The secret to beauty, from the inside out

When we say get your glow on, this is what we mean.

You may not be aware, but from your mid-20s, your body’s natural collagen production begins to decline.

And that is when the first visible signs of ageing begin to show, including the little crow’s feet in the corners of your eyes, age spots and duller skin tone.

It’s not helped by things like exposure to UV rays, smoking, poor diet and exposure to pollution. Sadly, unlike a fine wine, age isn’t kind to skin!

So, what is collagen and why is it so important?

The word collagen is derived from Greek, with “kola” meaning glue.

But collagen is actually the protein that occurs naturally throughout the body and which, among other things, helps skin maintain its firmness and elasticity.

Research shows the body produces less collagen with age, from about 1 per cent a year starting in your mid to late-20s.

There’s an even more pronounced drop around the time of menopause due to the drop in oestrogen (science has found our oestrogen levels correlate with collagen formation).

And yes, that means the face we show to the world is going to look a whole lot less glowy than we might like, unless we take action. And the sooner the better.

Need a little firepower in the battle against the effects of ageing?

While most of us are quick to reach for topical anti-ageing products (the ones we apply onto our skin), it turns out that beauty really does start on the inside.

As well as a healthy diet and lifestyle, topping up your collagen levels from within is as valuable to your skincare routine as cleansing, toning and moisturising.

One study by UK researchers found participants who drank a mixture containing hydrolysed collagen, essential vitamins and minerals, and hyaluronic acid showed a significant improvement in depth of wrinkles, skin hydration and elasticity compared with those in a control group.

Similar UK research, published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, saw a group of women either take a collagen supplement or a placebo for eight weeks.

When the time was up, those who took the supplement had higher skin elasticity levels.

How to boost your glow at home

Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Tablets and Liquid contain 2500mg of clinically studied VERISOL® type 1 and 3 collagen peptides to help boost collagen production and enhance skin’s firmness and elasticity by helping to improve its internal structure.

They also incorporate antioxidants to help slow down the effects of free radicals and help protect from disease and signs of early ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

If you prefer drinking your goodness, the liquid version is a delicious apple-flavoured collagen shot that also contains vitamin E – another unsung hero of skincare that also protects the skin from free radical damage.

Remember to keep up your H20 consumption and as much physical activity as you can fit into your day, as well as embracing a healthy and varied diet – and you’ll have everyone asking exactly where your gorgeous, radiant skin has come from!

*Written by Liz McGrath.

This post is brought to you by Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Tablets and Liquid. This product may not be right for you. Always read the label, warnings and instructions for use before purchase. Vitamin and mineral supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

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