When it comes to achieving a beautiful, natural glow, healthy skin is often a priority.
Beauty starts from within, so fueling your body with nourishing, high-quality ingredients is the key to boosting skin health and leaving you feeling confident and radiant.
When it comes to skin-boosting ingredients, some of the best ones to focus on are collagen peptides and antioxidants.
While there are many ways to add collagen and antioxidants into your diet, It’s easy to combine these ingredients in a tasty, nutritious smoothie.
The following article will explain how collagen and antioxidants boost skin health, followed by a smoothie recipe you can make each morning to watch your skin improve over the next few weeks.
Collagen improves skin elasticity
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and much of it is found in our skin. Collagen leads to stronger, more elastic, and more hydrated skin, creating a younger and more vibrant glow.
According to a recent study in 2019, those who consumed a daily supplement containing 2.5 grams of collagen peptides, along with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E, experienced significant improvements in skin health (1).
In this study of 72 women, 36 were given the collagen and antioxidant supplement, while the other 36 women were given a placebo. In just 12 weeks, they found significant and measurable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density (1).
Other studies have found significant improvements in skin elasticity after even just 8 weeks of taking the supplement (2).
What’s more, it’s suggested that taking collagen supplements can actually encourage our body’s natural ability to make collagen. In other words, taking collagen may help us make more collagen.
Collagen improves skin hydration and reduces wrinkles
The body starts to produce less collagen as we age. The reduction in collagen production can start even as early as in our mid-twenties. When collagen production declines, the skin tends to appear more dry and wrinkled.
To counteract this, research shows that regularly supplementing with collagen helps the skin stay brighter, smoother, clearer, and more hydrated (3).
According to the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, collagen peptides can reduce wrinkles by 30% in as soon as 4 weeks, when taken daily (4).
The role of antioxidants for our skin
Antioxidants are substances that prevent damage to our skin from free radicals and environmental toxins or stressors like UV light and pollution.
Antioxidants are found in a wide variety of foods, especially in fruits and vegetables.
Some of the richest sources of antioxidants are dark, green, leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, and wheatgrass.
Naked Greens, our super greens powder, provides a daily dose of antioxidants in a powder form ideal for those on the go.
Interestingly, vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, is needed in order for collagen to be produced.
Therefore, to enhance collagen production, it’s important to include vitamin-C-rich foods in the diet. Some foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, pineapple, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries.
Higher intakes of antioxidants are also associated with reduced cortisol levels, which in turn reduces inflammation throughout the body – including the skin.
Berries and Greens Antioxidant Smoothie
The following smoothie contains 9 grams of collagen as well antioxidant-rich fruits like pineapple and berries. Plus, pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which helps enhance the production of collagen.
Naked Collagen, which is sourced from pasture-raised European cows, and provides a bioavailable form of collagen that contains no added or artificial ingredients.
The addition of Naked Greens allows for an added boost of antioxidants, nourishing the body from the inside out.
It’s important to remember that foods often work best synergistically.
When you blend nutrient-dense ingredients together, the health benefits can be more powerful than each ingredient on its own.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of collagen peptides
- ½ cup of berries
- ½ cup pineapple
- 1 scoop of Naked Greens
- 1 cup of coconut water
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients together. Enjoy!
Note that if you choose to use frozen fruit you may not need to add ice. However, if your fruit is fresh it’s recommended to add 2-3 ice cubes before blending for the optimal consistency.
How much collagen per day?
As with many things, consistency is key. To notice results with skin health, it’s recommended to consume this smoothie regularly, and perhaps even daily.
The typical recommended amount is usually 10-20g of collagen protein, which is around 1-2 scoops. For more in-depth information, check out our article on how much collagen per day you should take.
How long till I see results?
The study above was conducted for 12 weeks, during which participants experienced significant improvements.
It could be quicker for you, or it might take you a bit longer to get to see the results you want.
While everyone’s timeline of results may differ based on their own individual health and nutrition status, the evidence is promising that increasing collagen and antioxidants can improve skin health.