December and January are notoriously indulgent - as well as busy. Self-care can take a backseat when your weekends are filled with Christmas shopping, parties, and holiday planning - it's easy to get caught up in the festive rush and be left feeling tired and sluggish. Below we have compiled a list of our favourite tips to keep you feeling great through the festive craziness.

1. Learn to say no

Feeling overwhelmed at this time of year? It's okay to turn down party invites and stay home and rest. It's okay to say no to another wine and choose a glass of water instead. Listen to your body and do what is right for you - you know what you need.

2. Give your body some support

At a time when alcohol intake is high and sugary treats are everywhere, it's easy to get swept up in the indulgence and overdo it. If you have overindulged, drink plenty of water, eat something nourishing, and take your vitamins (B Complex, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Magnesium are all great staples). Electrolyte sachets (available from pharmacies) are excellent if you've had one too many glasses of bubbles and have woken up hungover.

If your tummy is feeling bloated and uncomfortable after a large meal, try a dash of apple cider vinegar in some warm water for natural relief. You can also take ACV before a meal to help aid digestion.

Adashiko Collagen is an excellent daily supplement to keep your hair, skin, and nails looking fabulous, and also to support joint and gut health (our digestive systems need some love with all the rich food over this period). Two scoops a day in your coffee, herbal tea, or smoothie will keep you looking and feeling fabulous.

3. Indulge, but don't let it derail you

One day of unrestrained eating doesn't mean you should abandon your healthy habits. Accept that there will be delicious food on offer, and balance it out by eating plenty of greens, staying hydrated, and minimising sugar intake.

If you find yourself drinking more alcohol than you'd like over this period, take a few days off drinking or switch to a non-alcoholic option like sparkling water or kombucha.

4. Hydrate, and then hydrate some more

We've already mentioned drinking plenty of water, and this tip is not to be underestimated. Carry a large drink bottle with your everywhere and sip all day, and make sure you have a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage you consume.

If you find water boring, add a squeeze of lemon, some berries, or a herbal tea bag. For bonus benefits, add two scoops of Adashiko Collagen to your water to give your whole body a boost.

5. Don't stop moving

The end of the work and school year leaves so many of us exhausted, so it's no wonder most of us want to put our feet up and take a decent break. Relaxation is vital, but not to the point of complete inactivity.

If you're a regular gym goer or someone who is highly active, quick, Tabata-style home workouts are perfect if you're away from home. For the rest of us, beach and nature walks, swimming, beach sports, and hikes are all fun ways to stay active over the summer break.

Turning forty used to signal the loss of youth and the start of middle age. Now that we are living longer being in your forties doesn't mean it's all downhill. On the contrary, many women and men proclaim they have a new lease of life during this decade!

Though the forties are heralded as the new thirties, there's no denying that the signs of aging become more apparent around this time. Skin becomes more lax, and fine lines and wrinkles can deepen. Pigmentation can start to appear, especially if you spent your youth sun-worshipping without protection. If you've looked after your skin and lived a healthy lifestyle through your twenties and thirties, you'll be looking and feeling pretty good.

• Now's the time to step things up a notch; skincare, activity levels, diet, and general lifestyle become even more pivotal to aging well and living a full life. Setting up good habits now will benefit you in the years to come. 

• If you're not doing some form of resistance exercise already, it would be wise to start to preserve or increase your lean muscle mass and boost your bone density. We reach peak muscle mass in our thirties and early forties, and it is crucial to maintain this as we age to prevent loss of strength and function. 

• Using active skincare and supplementing well with antioxidants can help to fight the visible signs of aging. Collagen is an excellent choice at any age, but if you're not already taking it, your forties is the perfect time to start. Studies have shown that peptide collagen significantly increases hydration levels in the skin and reduces wrinkle depth. As a bonus, collagen support ligaments and joints as we age. Learn more about the benefits of collagen here.

 

 

Five minutes with Milly

How long have you been taking Adashiko?

Since it was first launched in New Zealand - it must be over five years now. I used to print the packaging labels for the original owner of Adashiko, and he said, hey, you've got to try these products. So I was one of the very first Adashiko clients.

The biggest thing that got me to stick to taking it is the ease of use. Until I tried it, I didn't realise how easy it was. We all expect instant results, but you need to commit to taking Adashiko long-term to see results. I'm lucky to have got on board early.

What are some of the benefits you have noticed?

My skin is much healthier and looks plump and hydrated. Beauty therapists have said that my skin is in really fantastic condition. I've been on it for such a long time; I don't want to stop to see what my skin would be like without it!

Nowadays, if I run out or forget to have my dose for a few days, I can feel it in my joints. I've got a bad knee that I hurt when I was sixteen, and I used to get it treated all the time. It would go numb and ached if it rained, and it is absolutely fine now. My nails don't split, and my hair is in excellent condition.

It's such a great all-rounder for joints, skin, and health. I think it's gold.

How do you like to take your Adashiko?

I have it in my coffee every morning. My morning coffee is a habit, so it's easy to do it that way.

What else do you like to do to stay healthy and youthful?

I play netball and do Boxfit three times a week. I like to stay active.

What's your daily beauty regime?

It's quite basic: I cleanse every day and moisturise morning and night. I like to keep it simple because I have a busy life and household. But I love makeup - it's a bit of a hobby.

I use my Adashiko gel like a treatment serum if my skin is playing up. My husband uses it too and loves it.

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Get active earlier - I wish I'd started exercising earlier in life and taken time out for myself when I was a young mum. Me time is so important, and it feels good to do something for myself.

As the largest organ in the body, the skin works hard as a barrier to protect everything that lies under its surface. It's our first line of defence and is susceptible to damage in many forms - like blemishes, sunburn, cuts and grazes and more severe wounds from injury or surgery. Throughout a lifetime, our skin will heal countless times without us ever having to think about it. The healing process is truly extraordinary.

Collagen plays a significant role in skin healing. When our skin (or dermis) is damaged, collagen production is triggered. Some cosmetic procedures such as laser skin resurfacing even create controlled micro-wounds in the skin to stimulate collagen production!

Skin healing 101

• Skin healing is a complex process, and collagen helps new tissue growth along in wounded areas. Collagen also works together with blood platelets to fill wounds. 

• During skin healing, collagen helps to transport specific cells to the wounded area and surrounding connective tissue.

• After the initial damage to the dermis, an inflammatory reaction occurs, followed by what is known as the proliferative phase, where growth factors are released that stimulate collagen synthesis and the formation of new fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and elastin). 

• Tissue is formed and continues to pull the wound together during the next stage (the remodelling phase). 

• Healing is affected by our general health - eating well, avoiding smoking and other toxins, and staying hydrated all help the healing process move along smoothly.

 

How to give your skin a helping hand

If you are undergoing surgery, healing from an injury, have existing scarring, or would like to help your skin heal for any other reason, consider taking peptide collagen for a boost. Quality ingestible collagen replenishes natural collagen stores and stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Vitamin C and zinc are also useful to support healing of any kind.

Adashiko Ultra contains Vitamin C and other skin-loving ingredients that work alongside peptide collagen to fight the signs of aging and support healing. We've had many customers with new and old scars and stretch marks report a major improvement after consistent use.

Adashiko ambassador Simone Anderson has experienced super fast healing and minimal scarring following her lower body skin removal surgery (learn more about her Adashiko experience here). Simone started taking Adashiko Ultra six months before her surgery - check out her incredible before and after shots here.

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Every bride wants to look her absolute best on her big day. While most brides rely on a makeup artist and hair stylist to create their bridal beauty look, there are so many things you can do in the lead up to the wedding to prepare for your big moment.

Focusing on skin health and investing in the right products and treatments will mean that your skin is glowing and radiant and needs minimal makeup on the day.

Be consistent.

Constantly switching products is a surefire way to irritate the skin, or even worse, cause breakouts or reactions. Be extra careful not to use any new products in the month before the wedding. Gentle is key here. Avoid highly fragranced products, oil-stripping cleansers, and harsh scrubs at all costs.

Stick to a skincare regime and be sure to choose products that contain beneficial ingredients; you can't go wrong with gentle cleansing, exfoliating, a treatment serum, and an appropriate moisturiser. Opt for multi-use products like the fragrance-free Adashiko Collagen + Noni Gel, which exfoliates, hydrates, smoothes, tones, and fights the signs of aging with peptide collagen and hyaluronic acid, to name just a few of its potent ingredients. Using sunscreen every day is also a must.

Work from the inside out.

There's no point investing in skin care products and treatments if you're leading an unhealthy lifestyle. Eating an antioxidant-rich diet, loading up on vegetables and healthy fats, avoiding sugar and trans fats, drinking plenty of water, and taking quality supplements will help your skin look its best and keep you feeling energised in the lead up to your wedding.

Supplementing with peptide collagen has a huge range of benefits including reduced signs of skin aging, increased skin radiance, fast-growing hair and nails, cellulite reduction, healthy digestion, and stronger joints, ligaments, and fascia (connective tissue).

Adashiko Ultra Collagen is a bride's best friend as it contains high-strength peptide collagen alongside Vitamin C and other skin-loving goodies. For optimal results, collagen needs to be taken at the correct dosage for at least three months (preferably six to twelve). Check out some rave reviews on Ultra here.

Consider investing in treatments.

Whether you choose to have a series of facials, microdermabrasion, or a more involved procedure like Botox or micro needling, there are so many fantastic options available that you can implement alongside your skincare and collagen regime to prepare you for your big day.

If you have a skin condition like acne, psoriasis, or eczema, now is the time to see a dermatologist or skin professional to create a treatment plan.

Always do your research and go to a reputable clinic, and try out any new treatments well before the wedding to be sure you like the results.

Test things out ahead of time.

As with skincare and treatments, if you're planning to get a spray tan or have your makeup professionally applied, opt for a trial run. This way you will get the exact look you want, and you will know how your skin will react to any products that will be used on the day.

Prepare a wedding day beauty bag.

Having the essentials on hand will make life easier and allow you to touch up throughout the day and care for your skin once the night is over. Here are a few ideas for your bridal beauty bag:

• Pressed powder
• Lipstick and/or lip gloss
• Small roll-on perfume
• Concealer for touch-ups
• Plasters
• Panadol
• Bobby pins

When you get home to your accommodation for the night, don't forget to take your makeup off and give your skin some love! Keep a pack of makeup wipes and a soothing serum like Adashiko Collagen + Noni Gel next to your bed to replenish your skin after your big day.

The most important thing about supplementing with collagen powder is to be consistent: it must be taken every day to get results. With this in mind, it's important to find a way to take your collagen that you enjoy. Learn how to get the most out of your collagen here.

Adashiko collagen powders have been developed with the consumer in mind, with no taste or odour, and a fine texture that dissolves effortlessly in any hot or cold food or beverage. Not sure which powder to take? Check out this post. We've put together a list of a few of our favourite ways to take collagen, but really, the possibilities are endless.

Bulletproof Coffee

Bulletproof coffee, or BPC, is gaining popularity due to its purported health benefits. The original BPC was black coffee blended with butter and/or MCT/coconut oil (no milk), and was designed to create mental focus, boost weight loss, and to buffer the effects of caffeine.

Adding collagen to your coffee is quick and easy. To create your own beauty-boosting bulletproof coffee, add two scoops of Adashiko, a teaspoon of butter or coconut oil, and a dash of milk of your choice (try coconut milk from a can for a creamy, delicious option). Whizz everything together in the blender and enjoy. The addition of collagen helps the coffee froth up beautifully.

Soup

A hearty, warming soup makes a delicious lunch or dinner through the colder months. Adding your collagen is easy and quick - stir two scoops through your serving. Our creative team came up with this tasty Chicken and Corn soup recipe that is sure to please the whole family.

½ tsp Black Pepper 
½ tsp Salt 
1 tsp Ground Coriander 
1 tsp Smoked Paprika 
1 tsp Ground Cumin 
400 g Chicken Thighs 
 
INGREDIENTS 
 
( Serves 4 – 6 ) 

Chilli Flakes 
2 TBS Olive Oil 
2 TBS Butter 
1 Brown Onion (finely diced) 
3-4 Cloves of Garlic (finely diced)  
½ Jar Olive Lady Pickled Green Chilli 
2 x Tin Cannellini Beans (rinsed and drained) 
1 x Tin Whole Corn Kernels (drained) 
4 C Chicken Bone Broth* 
200 g parmesan Cheese (grated) 
½ C Sour Cream 
1 x Lemon (juice and rind – finely grated) 
8 x scoops Adashiko Collagen Powder 
 
EXTRA TOPPINGS  
Coriander 
Sliced Jalapeno 
Spring Onion 
Microgreens 
Rocket 
 
METHOD 
 
In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with the cumin, paprika, coriander, all of the lemon rind and half of the lemon juice. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.  Heat the olive oil + butter in a large pot over a medium heat. Cook the thighs ( whole ) through ensuring all sides are browned ( approx. 6-8 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside. Cover with foil as it rests. 
 
To the leftover oil in the pan, add the onion – allow the onion to soften before adding the pickled green chillis and garlic. Cook for a few minutes and add in the chilli flakes. 
 
Turning up the heat slightly add in the beans, corn kernels, bone broth/stock. Bring the mixture to the boil, place the lid on the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes. Stir in the Adashiko Collagen Powder until mixed through. 
 
Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the parmesan cheese until melted through. To lift the dish, squeeze the remaining half of the lemon juice and stir through. Stir in the sour cream. Top with desired toppings and serve.
 
SIDE NOTE : 
The Olive Lady Pickled Peppers (Chillis) are not spicy. They just add in a lovely tang + rounded flavour.

Supercharged Water

We're all told to drink more water, and it is advised to have a large glass of water first thing in the morning to rehydrate post-sleep. Why not make this first glass of water even more beneficial for your body? Add in two scoops of collagen and a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar or lemon juice to kickstart your digestion for the day (warm water is also good for digestion).

Baking

When we say our collagen can go into any food, we mean it, including cookies, slices, bliss balls, bread, cake, muffins - you name it! If you're taking collagen, chances are you are health conscious and opt for healthier versions of the above.

There are endless recipes online - be sure you work out how many scoops of collagen to add, so you get a therapeutic dose per serving. For instance, if you make six large bliss balls and plan to have one per day to get your collagen fix, you will need to add twelve scoops of collagen.

 

Quick Shot

Keen to get your collagen in super fast first thing in the morning? Try a quick shot: two scoops of Adashiko with a small amount of juice or water. For more health benefits you could add turmeric and ginger to your juice, or if you have a juicer, you could prep a batch every few days to mix with your collagen.

Watch this space for a special Adashiko juice recipe coming soon!

Superfood Chocolate

If like us, you have a sweet tooth, this healthy homemade chocolate will hit the spot. In a small saucepan, melt coconut oil and nut butter together on a low heat, and stir in cacao powder, Adashiko collagen, and your sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or stevia all work well).

Add in your choice of goodies: try shredded coconut, chopped nuts, goji berries, cacao nibs, or dried fruit. Pour into a lined baking tray and set in the freezer. Break into shards and enjoy!

(Best stored in the freezer)

Do you have a collagen recipe or idea that you love? Or would you like to see a specific recipe from us? We'd love to hear from you - info@adashiko.com

Collagen is well-known as a beauty supplement, and for a good reason: skin, hair and nails all benefit significantly from a well-formulated collagen supplement. But while your collagen powder is reducing the signs of aging and helping your locks grow, it's also working wonders internally. Here are some of the lesser known effects of peptide collagen supplementation.

1. It helps you detox.

Detoxing is a real buzzword in the health world, but really, our bodies have everything they need to remove toxins; namely a liver and two kidneys. What we can do to help the process is to support the liver through a healthy diet (with lots of greens) and avoid loading our bodies with toxins like alcohol, chemicals, sugar, etc. Taking collagen can help because it is rich in glycine, an amino acid that has enormous healing and detoxification capabilities for the body. Glycine helps reduce damage as your liver processes toxins. This study even showed that glycine reduces liver damage and provide a protective effect on the liver long-term.


2. It has gut-healing properties.

Again, gut health is a favourite topic among the health conscious. Digestive issues are increasingly common, with so many of us suffering IBS or leaky gut (a condition where food particles and toxins pass through the damaged gut wall and create inflammation in the body). Having a healthy gut lining is essential to keep our digestive system functioning well, and to allow the nutrients in our food to be adequately absorbed.

Dr Axe, from the world's most popular natural health website www.draxe.com, states "the biggest digestive benefit of consuming more collagen is that it helps form connective tissue and therefore “seals and heals” the protective lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Today, we know that many illnesses can actually be traced back to inflammation or irritation stemming from an unhealthy gut."

3. It helps you gain lean muscle.

Powerhouse glycine comes into play again here, helping your body to form new muscle and converting glucose into fuel for the process. Collagen is also an excellent post-workout product to add into a protein shake to help with muscle recovery.

4. It's a dream for painful joints.

This study found that collagen helped osteoarthritis sufferers manage pain and improve function, and also stated: "according to published research, orally administered collagen hydrolysate has been shown to be absorbed intestinally and to accumulate in cartilage."

High-dose collagen shows great promise as a future treatment for all kinds of joint disorders. "With its gel-like, smooth structure that covers and holds our bones together, collagen allows us to glide and move without pain. Think of ingesting more collagen like greasing a creaky door hinge: It helps your joints move more easily, reduces pain often associated with aging and even reduces the risk of joint deterioration." - Dr Axe

5. It supports heart health.

One study found subjects had reduced plaque buildup in their arteries as well as significantly reduced cholesterol after six months of collagen peptide supplementation. Another reason to get your daily collagen fix.


Of course, taking a substandard product won't yield results or have health benefits. Learn how to choose the perfect collagen supplement for you here.

What does it do?

When taken at the correct dosage and in the right form, collagen powder helps to replenish natural collagen stores. It does this by stimulating fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen. Collagen declines as we age, and this shows externally on our skin and is felt internally in our joints, ligaments, and connective tissue.

Taking a high-quality collagen product will help reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness, dullness etc. It will also stimulate nail and hair growth, and supports joint health among other things.

 

Which product would be best for me? 

ALL THREE of our powders – Pure, Ultra, and Joint support the following, and they also have individual additional benefits.

 

• Strong, fast-growing nails
• Thicker, more resilient hair
• Skin hydration and radiance
• A reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation
• Increased skin firmness all over the body
• Full-body support; healthy joints, ligaments, and fascia
• Healthy gut lining

 

Check out this blog post to find your perfect collagen supplement.

 

How do I take it? 

You can take your Adashiko powder however you like! Our unique formula easily dissolves into any hot or cold drink or food, meaning you can have it in water, coffee, tea, a smoothie, oats, hummus, soup, bliss balls, pancakes.... You name it.

 

Does it taste funny?

Unlike other collagen powders on the market, our specially designed formula is completely tasteless and odourless, even when mixed in water. It won't taint your food or beverage at all and is incredibly easy to take. 

 

Does it actually work?

It sure does! Because Adashiko collagen is hydrolysed - meaning it has a super low molecule size of 3000 Daltons - and high-strength, it is absorbed and utilised efficiently by the body. Some other brands lack the strength or the low molecule size to be effective, so always do your research.

While collagen supplements are still relatively new, and more studies need to be done, we receive constant feedback from our clients about the amazing results they have had using our products. Check out some testimonials on our Facebook page.

 

Can I use collagen if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Absolutely. Collagen can be hugely beneficial for pregnancy - check out this blog post for more information. We recommend our Pure Collagen, which is 100% peptide collagen (our other products contain additional ingredients). We also recommend you check with your doctor or midwife before taking any new supplement or medicine.

 

How long before I see results? 

We have had reports of results in as little as three weeks. The first things people generally notice are their nails grower faster and becoming stronger, and their hair doing the same. We recommend three to six months of consistent use to see optimal results.

 

How long do I need to take it for?

We like to think of collagen as a long-term anti-aging supplement. If you stop using it, your results will gradually diminish, so we recommend it become part of your daily routine on a permanent basis. Over time you will only notice more and more wonderful benefits.

 

Does it come in capsules? 

Some collagen products are available in capsules, but we have chosen a powder form so you can get the correct dosage (five grams per day). Depending on capsule size, you would need to take around ten per day to get the correct dose! A powder is absorbed better and is far easier to take.

With endless skin care brands and supplements on the market - not to mention the array of advice available to us, it can be near impossible to figure out how to take care of our skin. Beautiful skin requires a holistic approach; one that takes into account not only what you're using topically, but what you're putting into your body, and your lifestyle as a whole. Many skin issues are related to health problems (hormonal conditions, stress, allergies etc.), so focusing on health and wellness is a great starting point.

Work from the inside out

Everything you put into your body helps your body to create new cells: we literally are what we eat. A diet rich in good fats and antioxidants and low in sugar will help your skin - and your entire body - stay young. Correct hydration is also essential to keep the body functioning well.

There are many different ways of eating, and we all thrive on different foods. Regardless of whether you subscribe to a particular eating style, you can't go wrong choosing whole foods and focusing on eating plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and protein (from both animal and non-animal sources).

Taking quality supplements can also help our general health and skin immensely. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the choice of supplements available, and it can be downright confusing trying to figure out what to take. If you have a specific health condition - or skin condition - consider visiting a natural health practitioner like a naturopath, and/or your GP or a dermatologist.

If you want to improve your skin naturally, a fantastic starting point is peptide collagen (additional vitamin C is also an excellent anti-aging supplement). Our collagen stores decrease by around 1% each year as we age, causing visible signs of aging like wrinkles. Declining collagen levels can also affect our joints, ligaments, and connective tissue. Peptide collagen replaces collagen stores and stimulates fibroblasts (cells) to produce new collagen. Learn more about Adashiko peptide collagen here.

 

Topical products

If your bathroom is bursting with products, it could be time to take it back to basics. Using too many different products at one time increases your risk of skin reactions - think of how many ingredients are in each product alone! Fragrance, in particular, is particularly problematic for the skin. It doesn't matter if it's natural or synthetic, it can irritate the skin and even damage collagen and elastin. Try and limit fragranced facial products, especially if you have any skin conditions, acne, aging, or sensitive skin. Treating the skin gently and with care goes a long way in keeping it youthful. 

The essentials:

A gentle cleanser - avoid anything that foams and go for cleansing oils, milks, gels, or creams. Foaming cleansers strip away the natural oils from your skin, and can trigger more oil production.

When you cleanse or remove your makeup, avoid pulling and tugging at the skin to prevent sagging in later years. Ideally, your skin shouldn't move as you cleanse. 

An exfoliant - steer clear of abrasive scrubs which are highly irritating. Leave on exfoliants - like alpha hydroxy products - are fantastic. If you want to keep it simple, use a facecloth with your cleanser to very gently exfoliate your face.

A moisturiser with SPF - sun damage is a significant factor in skin aging. Always wear sun protection during the day! An easy way is to find a moisturiser with SPF included; there are many natural options available if you want to avoid chemical sunscreens.

If you wear foundation, choose a product that also contains SPF to add another layer of protection. Wear a hat and sunglasses at the beach, and avoid sunbathing at all costs. A tan may feel good now, but you WILL age faster and put yourself at risk of developing skin cancer. 

A treatment serum - serums deliver a concentrated nutrient boost to the skin and can be used alone or mixed with your moisturiser. Keep it super simple and choose a multitasking serum - like the Adashiko Collagen + Noni Gel. Reduce the signs of aging (wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness), while hydrating and gently exfoliating. Learn more about this fantastic product here.

Why does our skin age?

Skin aging is due to internal factors that happen naturally (intrinsic), and external factors that we can control (extrinsic). The signs of aging occur when:

 

• Collagen and elastin break down. After the age of twenty, we produce around 1% less collagen each year. 

• Our cell turnover cycle lengthens, meaning it takes longer for new skin cells to be produced and older ones to slough off.

• Blood flow slows, and we get fewer nutrients to our skin.

• Our skin produces less sebum (oil) and natural moisturising factors. 

• We are exposed to environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Image from Healthy Skin Solutions

The signs of aging

• Enlarged pores
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Dullness
• Rough and thickened skin texture
• Pigmentation 
• Loss of firmness and sagging skin

 

Prevention is key

So what can we do to slow the signs of aging? While we can't altogether avoid the natural aging process, we can protect our skin and give our bodies the fuel to boost skin (and full body) health.

Supplementing with a quality peptide collagen powder can increase and replace your natural collagen stores, helping you to fight aging and reduce some of the external signs. More clinical studies are being done on this amazing ingredient as it gains popularity. This study of more than 100 women aged between 45 and 65 years shows that daily supplementation of peptide collagen significantly reduces wrinkles after four weeks and leads to a significantly higher concentration of collagen in the skin.

Wearing a daily sunscreen is an excellent start, and if you're a smoker, quitting will be one of the best things you ever do for your skin - and your health.

Avoiding sugar, in particular, is an excellent choice to promote healthy aging in general. Sugar consumption - and in turn, high blood sugar - causes a process called glycation, which affects collagen and elastin (learn more about glycation here). 

Taking antioxidants like Vitamin C, and eating an antioxidant-rich diet can help reduce oxidative stress (from extrinsic factors).