If you’re aiming for a flawless summer glow that extends into the fall and desire smoother, more elastic skin, you’ll be delighted to learn that your diet can play a crucial role. Dermatologists and skin health specialists recommend adding certain beverages, such as juices and smoothies, to your daily regimen for optimal results.
After thorough research, we’ve identified three exceptional (and maybe some surprising) drinks that can significantly enhance your skin’s health after 50, stimulating collagen production to provide a more youthful and luminous look. Believe us, these beverages will make your skin look and feel incredible.
We spoke with dermatologists Dr. Enrizza P. Factor, clinical dermatologist and writer at My Eczema Team, Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group and Dr. Emmanuel Loucas, MD, Director of SINY Dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
3 Vitamin C-Rich Beverages That Boost Collagen And Prevent Premature Aging, According To Doctors
1. 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."
2. Blueberry Juice & Smoothies
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. To really gain the benefits of this as prevent premature aging, one can drink blueberry juice daily or add these fruits to a healthy smoothie.
When it comes to boosting collagen and anti-aging, Loucas explains blueberries 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. 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.
The Bottom Line
Factor suggests that when you're unsure of how to begin your skincare and healthy dieting journey, incorporating beverages that are packed with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties can do wonders for your skin's elasticity and shield it from damage and premature aging. Whether you prefer simple water, fruit juices or even smoothies, adding collagen powder and blueberry juice can also help to increase the production of collagen and elastin, giving your skin the necessary nutrients it needs to flourish.
Adding more vitamin C to your diet through your diet can also "be effective at preventing the onset of wrinkles," Factor points out. 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."
