Your skin is the largest organ of your body and can be the first place to show signs of aging. Meanwhile, collagen is a primary protein in the skin. When it comes to maintaining youthfulness and firmness and preventing premature aging, prioritize collagen maintenance, repair, and production. 

So how do you increase collagen production? Add the following foods to your regular diet and you’re going to be carded until you’re way past 21. 

Kiwis and citrus fruits such as oranges and tangerines are high in vitamin C which can promote collagen growth. Not only can vitamin C promote new collagen growth, it can also protect existing collagen from breaking down due to environmental factors and excess sun exposure. For this reason, bell peppers should also be a staple in your collagen-conscious diet. 

Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in lactic acid which can tighten your skin by sloughing off dead skin cells. If you’ve ever tried a milk or yogurt mask, you’ll feel a tightness of your face with a brighter appearance almost instantly. This is because lactic acid is a form of alpha hydroxy acid that has been known to renew skin and increase firmness. 

Oyster lovers will be happy to know that oysters are great for the skin. Oysters are high in protein which entices collagen production. They also have 2 key minerals that are essential in elastin production: zinc and selenium. 

Selenium is known to experts for its multi-benefits ranging from boosting your immune system and lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s to preventing certain types of cancer such as breast and lung cancers. However, consume with caution. Avoid excessive intake of selenium because in rare cases, it can be toxic. If you ingest selenium through food naturally, it’s extremely difficult to over consume. This scenario is likelier if you take selenium supplements or do both. 

Salmon is a fantastic source of healthy protein that’s low in saturated fat. Collagen is a protein so eating high-protein foods such as fish, meats, eggs, beans, and soy are necessary to prevent collagen depletion and increase production. Halibut is a power food in this case too because it’s high in protein and selenium.

Bone broth is great for maintaining skin elasticity. How? Hyaluronic acid (HA) regulates and repairs cell growth. It is found in connective tissues that bind collagen and elastin. So whether you like chicken, beef, or pork, when you make broths out of them, they become foods high in HA. Therefore, promoting HA occurrences increases elasticity and protects cartilage throughout the body as well as the skin.

Blueberries are delicious and important in providing antioxidant anthocyanins which fortify connective tissues in your skin. This in return, boosts collagen growth and enhances youthfulness. Blueberries are power fruits as they also pack a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, and watercress can help you firm up loose skin. These vegetables are a generous source of vitamin C, zinc, and selenium, all nutrients needed for elastin and collagen production.

A collagen-rich diet is just a part of it. Your lifestyle habits play a huge role to how you age. Stressful jobs, smoking, and excessive sun exposure are detrimental to your skin’s health. Good news! Being aware is the first step to being forever young. So go on! Print this out and add it to your shopping list. Don’t be selfish. Share this with your #galpals so you can stay #fresh and #fierce together forever. 

@YvonLux is a serial entrepreneur and a published lifestyle and beauty blogger who owns and designs for her custom-clothing line, Yvon Lux. She also manages, writes, and acts as editor for her empowering Apple News channel with the same name. Connect with her on Instagram!