Collagen: here's how to integrate it into your anti-aging routine

Internally: it all starts with food

You already know: adopting a varied and balanced diet is decisive for our health, our well-being and the beauty of our skin. And in this sense, we can say that “we are what we eat”. Unsurprisingly, since collagen is a substance of animal origin, it is only in certain dishes based on meat or animal by-products that our body will be able to find it.

Grandma's bone broth.
Animal gelatin (to add to your soups and veloutés).
Beef trotter (to be used as a base for jellies and broths).
Eggs, especially the yolk membranes.
Are you vegan? Turn to sources of zinc, sulfur, silicon as well as vitamins A, C and E (red fruits, green vegetables, garlic, legumes, certain algae). These foods do not contain collagen per se, but can help support its natural production as well as prevent its breakdown.

To drink: collagen food supplements

This is the ideal option if you want to supplement your intake without taking the headache (*). Today, most of these supplements are based on hydrolyzed marine collagen (this means that the native collagen protein is broken down into peptides, which are smaller and easier to assimilate by the body). Whether you are “team sweet” or “team savory”, there is something for everyone.

In broth: We want a collagen booster from Atelier Nubio. One stick, 20 cl of hot water, and in a few seconds you obtain a delicious broth, perfect for a light dinner.
In coffee: Beauty coffee with Naticol® collagen , with clinically proven benefits. Good news: it comes in the form of capsules compatible with Nespresso machines.
In hot chocolate: formulated with hydrolyzed marine collagen and cocoa seed powder, Aime Cacao Glow is a wonderful accompaniment to breakfasts.
As a smoothie: mix good seasonal fruits with a little vegetable milk, then add the recommended dose of Pink Glow (blueberry!) or Collagen Glow (neutral taste) . It's ready !
In capsules: the simplest option for those who do not like to change their eating habits. Test Holidermie’s Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid capsules.

To apply to the skin: collagen cosmetics

In cosmetics, the use of collagen is particularly interesting to preserve the integrity of the skin's barrier function. Explanation: due to its large size, the collagen molecule has a film-forming effect, that is to say it forms a protective anti-dehydration film on the surface of the skin. And you know the adage: hydrated skin, preserved youth (or almost! 😉)

As a serum (daily use): Merme Facial Collagen Serum , made from plant “collagen”. A minimalist vegan alternative, which plumps and firms the appearance of the skin. The +: its practical presentation in spray.
As a cream (daily use): Q+A's collagen face cream, which has the particularity of being enriched with collagen peptides derived from algae. Its formula boosted with magnesium PCA and shea butter prevents the formation of wrinkles and helps keep skin plump.
As a mask (weekly use): the collagen mask from The Organic Pharmacy, a cocktail of soluble collagen and plant extracts rich in antioxidants which energizes the appearance of the skin with an immediate lifting and firming effect.

Bonus: these active ingredients which boost collagen synthesis

The following substances are not collagen, but are believed to stimulate its natural production process in our skin. It may therefore be interesting to include them as supports in your anti-aging routine. Here are the best-known cosmetic active ingredients in this area.

Vitamin C. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from external aggressions and awakens its most beautiful radiance. A simple solution to integrate it into your skincare ritual: Holi powder (C) from Agent Nateur. Activate a dose of powder with a little water in the palm of your hand, then apply it like a vitamin serum.
Vitamin A. The anti-aging effects of retinol (active form of vitamin A) have long been proven. It activates the renewal of epidermal cells and boosts the production of fibrous proteins (collagen + elastin). It is present in an encapsulated form (more stable and gentler for the skin) in the Odacité Renewing Serum .
Peptides. These are chains made up of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, of which collagen is a part. They act like tiny messengers that tell the skin to produce more collagen. You will find it, for example, in Evolve's multi-peptide cream, with firming and nourishing properties.

Sun protection: the guardian of your youth capital

The sun, yes, but in moderation! Ultraviolet rays cause photo-induced aging which overlaps with physiological aging. UVA rays are the most involved in this phenomenon, because they penetrate deep into the dermis, where they destroy and fragment collagen fibers. To limit damage (literally), we therefore remember to protect ourselves before each outdoor outing.

Our choice of the moment: Mineral Drops tinted sunscreen from Odacité. Its non-nano mineral shield combines a dual reflective action against UVB (SPF50), but also UVA (PA++++ rating: this is the highest protection index to date). And thanks to its FLEX-PERFECTING (TM) tinted technology, it does better than being forgotten: it enhances us every day, day after day!

(*) As a reminder, taking food supplements does not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Consult a healthcare professional before considering any supplementation. Respect the dosages and precautions for use indicated on the product instructions.