The Collagen Smoothie Recipe You Should Try Immediately For A Serious Skin Glow

This story is authored by board certified holistic nutritionist, wellness expert, level 2 BioSignature Modulation Practitioner, and certified personal trainer Jennifer Hanway.

Collagen is the main component of the skin. In fact, 80 percent of our skin is formed from it. Collagen is found in the extracellular matrix of the skin, so it plays a pivotal role in the skin’s structure and rigidity. It really is the framework that keeps our skin supple, firm, and lifted.

What You Need To Know About How Collagen Affects Your Skin

Poor diet, environmental factors, and stress can all negatively affect the quality and integrity of collagen in the skin. From the age of around 25, both the types of collagen and the amount of collagen in the skin begin to decrease. As a result, it leads to dryer, thinning skin which is more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, and lack of firmness.

The Role Of Diet And Nutrition In Building Collagen

All of the foods that we eat are broken down and absorbed through the process of digestion, then used for cellular growth and repair throughout the body. Collagen is formed via multiple processes that need specific amino acids (the building blocks of protein) combined with vitamin and mineral co-factors.

When a diet is high in these amino acids, vitamins and minerals in the body will be able to use them for collagen repair and growth. However, if a person’s diet is lacking in these foods then collagen repair and growth will be compromised. Additionally, a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can actually damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This is done via a process called glycation that can cause premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Ingredients You Can Add To A Smoothie For Glowing Skin

I love to pack my morning smoothie with leafy greens (such as baby spinach and kale) as these are high in vitamin C (an essential co-factor for collagen formation), zinc, magnesium, and blood sugar balancing fiber. Blueberries are a rich source of free radical fighting anthocyanin and adaptogens that help healthy DNA methylation.

Avocado is packed full of skin-loving plumping and smoothing healthy fats that also help balance hunger hormones. I use almond milk as it is rich in Vitamin E which is a powerful anti-aging antioxidant. I always use a great quality protein powder to ensure I am proving my body with enough amino acids (the building blocks of protein in the skin) and of course a great quality collagen powder.