For those who desire smoother, more supple skin and a radiant complexion over 40, there are plenty of solutions when it comes to your diet. According to skin health experts, dermatologists, and doctors, including specific drinks in your daily menu can be immensely beneficial. After careful consultation, we have identified five beverages that can help promote collagen production in the body, resulting in healthier and more youthful skin, as well as a luminous and dewy appearance.
Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, NYC-based dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, clinical dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team, Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, Dr. Emmanuel Loucas, MD, Director of SINY Dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, and Chris Mirabile, health expert and founder/ CEO of consumer biotech company NovosLabs.
5 Drinks Doctors Recommend To Boost Collagen Over 40
1. Bone Broth
In addition to its rich vitamin and mineral content, bone broth boasts two key components essential for promoting skin health and longevity: collagen and hyaluronic acid, according to Mirabile. "Although collagen is broken down into its constituent amino acids during digestion, it is reassembled by the body and used for skin, hair, nails, for sturdy blood vessels and more," Mirabile says.
"Hyaluronic acid (HA) is only modestly effective when applied topically. Ingesting hyaluronic acid can hydrate skin from the inside, out, and improve joint health. A little known fact about HA is that it also contains acetyl-glucosamine, a substance that extends lifespan in multiple organisms," he adds.
2. Blueberry Smoothie
Since it isn't possible to completely prevent wrinkles from forming with age, staying hydrated and eating a myriad of nutrient-rich fruit is key to maintain a youthful glow. One fruit that is linked to supporting collagen synthesis and that contains healthy antioxidants is blueberries.
Loucas explains that they are "thick in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from daily environmental and internal insults." Additionally, blueberries are rich in vitamin A & C, and the latter fights collagen breakdown. Loucas says that blueberries are also well-known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
"Inflammation is a common denominator for many skin ailments including photoaging, eczema, acne, and rosacea, just to name a few," he points out. With that said, adding these to your morning smoothie is a great way to boost collagen production.
3. Pomegranate Juice
Factor notes that you’ve probably heard the saying, "you are what you eat and drink." When it comes to "how well your skin ages, this is especially true," she says.
She adds that pomegranates and pomegranate juice are "high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties" that may "improve the skin’s elasticity and protect against skin damage and premature aging." Pomegranates, abundant in essential minerals, have the potential to enhance the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
Adding more vitamin C to your diet through pomegranates and juice can "be effective at preventing the onset of wrinkles," Factor continues. She stresses that this consuming this nutrient, along with "drinking plenty of water, protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking, and managing your stress" plays a key role when it comes to "keeping your skin healthy and youthful."
4. Orange Juice
According to Akhavan, the presence of vitamin C in orange juice serves to promote the synthesis of collagen. Therefore, incorporating orange juice into your regular diet has the potential to enhance skin elasticity and promote a more youthful appearance.
"Citrus fruits like oranges are excellent sources of vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis as it helps convert amino acids into collagen," he explains.
5. Water & Collagen Powder
When thinking about the best daily drinks that help promote a more radiant, glowy complexion in anyone’s aging skin, smoothies, juices or more elaborate drinks might ultimately come to mind. While these drinks are certainly great for your health and complexion, Jaliman recommends a simpler option, one that can be paired directly with a product designed to promote more youthful-looking skin.
"Since our bodies are made up mostly of water, it makes good sense that we need to rehydrate frequently and replenish our fluid levels," she says, adding that "drinking lots of water helps to moisturize skin from the inside out and improves skin's elasticity and suppleness." With that said, Jaliman suggests adding a collagen powder to a glass of water every day. "Mix collagen powder with water," she notes, as this "increases blood flow in the skin and body."
The Bottom Line
"Collagen consumption can increase skin elasticity and can help your body’s skin repair process," she concludes, "thus encouraging your body to form new collagen." For more information and to preserve and take care of your optimal skin, our experts recommend visiting your dermatologist for more personalized advice.
