5 Collagen-Boosting Foods Doctors Say You Should Be Eating Daily To ‘Restore’ And Preserve Your Skin’s Elastic Barrier

Sardines

We know sardines aren’t as popular as salmon, but hear us out: the food contains bones, skin, and scales — and a major part of fish collagen is concentrated in those areas that you’d otherwise toss out. Sardines are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B-12, and vitamin D – making them an all-around great food for your skin and overall health. 

You can eat sardines in your salad, on a cracker, or even in pasta. 

Aloe Vera

If your familiarity with aloe vera starts and ends with it being that amazing ingredient that helps heal burns and skin issues, get ready to embrace it as a delish food, as well. Aloe can boost your skin’s collagen production and has antioxidant benefits, as well. Add some aloe to a smoothie alongside berries and protein powder. 

Bone Broth

Many of us first heard the word “collagen” a few years ago alongside another two words: “Bone broth.” That’s because this satisfying comfort food is a serious source of collagen type 1. You can enjoy beef or pork bone broth, either by itself as a warm and healthy beverage, or as a base for your other soup ingredients like veggies and meat. 

Oatmeal 

Do not skip breakfast — not just because it’s a good idea to nourish yourself before a busy day, but because some of your popular morning choices are fabulous for your skin. In addition to protein-rich eggs, oatmeal is another optimum breakfast choice. It can help lower blood sugar levels and contains protein and vitamin E. Better still: the things you can add to oatmeal — like collagen-rich blueberries and selenium-rich Brazil nuts — allow you to get so many health benefits in one bowl. 

Citrus

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but citrus fruits like oranges are going to make your dermatologist very happy with you. Citrus contains an abundance of vitamin C, which plays a big role in linking amino acids to collagen production. It’s entirely up to you how you choose to enjoy a juicy orange — eat it on its own or add some to salads.