14 Superfoods That Boost Collagen for Youthful Skin

Skincare products and aesthetic treatments can help you look younger – but so can the right diet. “Maintaining youthful skin is important for overall health and confidence. Your skin, being the biggest organ, benefits significantly from a diet rich in collagen-boosting superfoods,” explains Eoin Dillon, certified personal trainer and founder of CRYOGEN, a brand specializing in longevity supplements dedicated to crafting nutritionist-approved products that redefine the aging experience. Here are 14 superfoods to help boost collagen production from a male perspective.

Bone Broth

Shutterstock

There is a reason so many celebrities sip on bone broth. “It is high in natural collagen,” says Dillon. “It supports skin elasticity and hydration.” Fun fact: “Plants don’t have collagen, so there’s no such thing as a vegan collagen,” he explains.

Salmon

Shutterstock

Salmon is another great collagen-building food. “It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin's lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and plump,” says Dillon.

Citrus

Shutterstock

Citrus fruits encourage collagen growth, says Dillon. “Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in vitamin C, crucial for collagen synthesis and skin repair,” he explains. “Fresh fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C work best.”

Berries

Shutterstock

Amp up your berry intake for collagen growth. “Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants that protect collagen from damage,” explains Dillon.

Leafy Greens

Shutterstock

Get in your leafy greens. “Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins A and C, which boost collagen production,” says Dillon.

RELATED: This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year

Eggs

Shutterstock

Eggs are another great collagen-building food. “They provide amino acids like proline and glycine, essential for collagen formation,” says Dillon.

Tomatoes

Shutterstock

Throw some tomatoes on your salad. They are “high in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects skin from sun damage and supports collagen production,” says Dillon.

Nuts and Seeds

Shutterstock

Nuts and seeds make a great snack for collagen growth. “Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds contain vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin health,” says Dillon.

RELATED: 15 Delicious Foods That Are Healthier and Cheaper Than Fast Food

Avocado

Shutterstock

Avocado is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to health benefits. “It is packed with healthy fats and vitamin E, which moisturize and protect skin,” says Dillon.

Garlic

Shutterstock

Add garlic to your salad dressing, pasta sauce, or stir fry for skin benefits. “Contains sulfur, which helps synthesize collagen, and taurine, which rebuilds damaged collagen fibers,” he explains.

Bell Peppers

Shutterstock

Bell peppers are a great collagen-building veggie. “They are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which can help reduce signs of aging,” says Dillon.

RELATED:11 Tips for Successful Weight Loss That Lasts

Carrots

Shutterstock

Carrots are another piece of produce that offers skin benefits. “They are high in vitamin A, which restores and regenerates damaged collagen,” says Dillon.

Soy Products

Shutterstock

Soy products are surprisingly good for your skin. “Soy milk and tofu contain genistein, an antioxidant that promotes collagen production,” says Dillon.

Green Tea

Shutterstock

Consider swapping out a cup of coffee with green tea. “It contains catechins, which help prevent collagen breakdown and improve skin elasticity,” says Dillon.

RELATED:15 Reasons Why You Can’t Lose Weight

Supplements

Shutterstock

“In addition to these superfoods, supplements like CRYOGEN collagen peptides can work from head to toe, reaching even the hard-to-reach areas,” says Dillon about his supplement company. “These peptides are hydrolyzed for better absorption, supporting skin health, reducing wrinkles, and improving overall skin texture and firmness. Integrating both dietary and supplemental collagen can help maintain youthful, resilient skin.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Eggs provide amino acids like proline and glycine, essential for collagen formation,

When it comes to achieving youthful, radiant skin, what you put in your body is just as important as the products and makeup you use. Certain foods contain powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can slow down the aging process, boost collagen production, and promote glowing skin and a healthy body. Our skin is the largest organ in our body. As an anti-aging skin care and frequency technology expert, I remind my clients that incorporating these foods and eliminating others can have a lasting effect on how you look and feel. Below are the top anti-aging foods you should eat for lasting health and beauty. Although it might not be possible to eat all these foods every day, being aware of what your body likes and needs is very important.

Avocados

Shutterstock

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats which help keep your skin hydrated and supple. They also contain vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from oxidative damage, which is one of the main contributors to aging. Try including them in salads, blending them in smoothies, and in fact there are a lot of healthy desserts that are being made with avocados. And, they are delicious.

Blueberries

Shutterstock

Blueberries are packed with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and potassium. They are low in sodium and have virtually no fat. They also help reduce chronic disease, improve cholesterol levels and heart health, and reduce high blood pressure. You can eat them directly as a snack or add them to your breakfast or in your smoothies.

RELATED:I Dropped From a Size 10 to a 4 by Eating These 10 Foods

Salmon or Fatty Fish

Shutterstock

Fatty fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and keep the skin moist. Omega 3 also supports the skin’s lipid barrier, protecting it from damage caused by sun exposure and environmental pollutants. Eat broiled, baked, or pan-seared fish at least twice a week. Salmon specifically contains a carotenoid antioxidant called astaxanthin. It is high in protein, which is important to improve skin elasticity and hydration. It is also high in selenium. This mineral and antioxidant plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair.

Leafy Greens

Shutterstock

Vegetables like spinach, kale and swiss chard are loaded with essential vitamins like A, C, E and L, which work together to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and brighten your complexion. Vitamin K also helps reduce dark circles under your eyes. You can incorporate them into salads, soups or smoothies for an antioxidant boost.

Dark Chocolate

Shutterstock

Dark chocolate, containing at least 70% cacao, has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and hypertension, and lower blood pressure. It contains flavonoids, which have various health effects, like reducing inflammation and keeping your blood vessels flexible. It has even been proven to slow down the aging process itself. It can even improve skin aging. Plus it is delicious.

Nuts

Shutterstock

Nuts – especially walnuts – walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which helps retain moisture in the skin. They also contain vitamin E and zinc, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Nuts also protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and improve cognitive function. They have also been associated with less insulin resistance and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and even colon cancer. Enjoy a handful of nuts as a snack, or add them to salads.

RELATED:I Finally Banished Belly Fat in My 40s by Doing These 8 Things

Olive Oil

Shutterstock

Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, which nourishes the skin from the inside out. It also contains squalene, a compound that keeps the skin hydrated and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Use extra virgin olive oil as a base for salad dressings or drizzle it over cooked vegetables for a healthy skin boost.

Apples

Shutterstock

Apples contain various substances that can reduce the risk of asthma by reducing inflammation, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. The health effects of apples can improve the health of the blood vessels, immune cells, brain cells, and even the microbiome.

Green Tea

Shutterstock

Green tea is rich in polyphenols, especially catechins, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and improve its elasticity. Drinking green tea regularly can also reduce redness and inflammation, promoting an even skin tone.

RELATED:Tarah Schulte in 2-Piece Workout Gear Reveals How to Lose 20 Pounds in 4 Months with 9 Easy Habits

Sweet Potatoes

Shutterstock

Rich in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes convert to vitamin A in the body, helping to promote cell turnover and improve skin tone. Vitamin A is crucial for reducing the appearance of fine lines and keeping the skin smooth. Bake or roast sweet potatoes as a side dish or add them to salads for a nutritious skin-boosting meal.

Tomatoes

Shutterstock

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging. Lycopene also improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Add tomatoes to salads, soups, or sauces, or eat them fresh with a sprinkle of olive oil to enhance lycopene absorption.

Red Bell Peppers

Shutterstock

Red bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production and maintaining the skin’s elasticity. They also contain carotenoids, which reduce inflammation and protect the skin from sun damage. Add them to salads, stir-fries or snack on them raw with hummus.

You Are What You Eat, and So Is Your Skin

Shutterstock

The foods you eat play a significant role in how your skin ages. By incorporating these anti-aging foods into your daily diet, you can nourish your skin from within, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Not only will your skin look younger, but you will also feel healthier and more radiant.

RELATED:Forget Xanax: This Natural Stress Hack Works in Seconds, Expert Says

You Need to Take a Holistic Approach to Beauty and Skincare

Shutterstock

In my work, I believe in a holistic approach to beauty and skincare. Along with our cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments, nourishing your skin from the inside out is crucial to achieving lasting results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

You are what you eat — and so is your skin! If you want youthful, forever young-looking skin, using great skin care products can help. However, making changes to your diet and eating the right foods can also make a major difference. Emme Diane Burg is a Licensed Esthetician and the Founder/CEO of Emme Diane, a skincare company. In a new interview with Body Network, she reveals ten anti-aging foods you should be eating daily.

Avocados

Shutterstock

“Rich in healthy fats and high in antioxidants, like vitamins E and C, avocados help keep your skin soft, supple, and protected from oxidative damage,” says Burg. “I love adding half an avocado to a salad, of course, the classic avocado toast, or mixing up a little guac, which is great on almost anything. And here's a little tip I learned in the past year: When your avocados are ripe, put them in the refrigerator as they will last almost a week!”

RELATED:I Dropped 100 Pounds as a Dietitian and These Are 5 Surprising Things I Learned

Blueberries

Shutterstock

“Blueberries are a serious superfood when it comes to the skin. Packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, blueberries help combat free radicals and protect your skin from premature aging,” says Burg. “They also boost collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and smooth. Plus, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which promote blood circulation and ensure oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin to help you glow! One tip I learned is that all of this is true when you select Wild Blueberries...they are the richest in all these nutrients, and all wild blueberries are organic too.”

Walnuts

Shutterstock

“While other nuts are more popular, I recommend walnuts since they are high in Omega 3's (most other nuts are highest in Omega 6's),” says Burg. “In addition to these healthy fats, Walnuts are full of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which help protect the skin from UV damage and maintain its elasticity. Since the natural oils in nuts can go rancid quickly, I keep my walnuts in the freezer to preserve their freshness. I love to snack on a handful of them, add them to a salad, or even use them in a homemade pesto sauce (instead of the pine nuts).”

RELATED:10 Foods and Drinks I Eat Every Day to Lose Cellulite After Losing 45 Pounds

Fatty Fish

Shutterstock

Fatty Fish – like salmon, mackerel, and sardines – are also on her list. “High in omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines reduce inflammation, help keep the skin hydrated, and support the skin's moisture barrier. Fatty fish are also one of the few natural sources of Vitamin D, which is essential for cell growth and repair. But not all fish are created equal–it's so important to make sure you select wild-caught salmon to ensure you are getting the right healthy fats and less of the saturated fats that are usually found in farm-raised salmon,” says Burg.

Tomatoes

Shutterstock

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, “a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. Tomatoes help to defend against premature aging and improve skin texture,” says Burg. “And some reports even show it offers some UV protection–however, I always recommend applying a mineral SPF daily, regardless of your tomato consumption. What’s interesting is that cooked tomatoes actually contain more lycopene than raw, so don't just think of tomatoes on a salad...tomato-based sauces, like marinara sauce, can actually be amazing for your skin as well.”

Green Tea

Shutterstock

“Green tea is full of powerhouse antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins that fight free radicals, help the skin to retain moisture, and improve skin elasticity,” says Burg. “Some studies show that green tea can help slow down the aging process at the cellular level by activating longevity genes, which reduce the risk of damage and deterioration over time. I love iced green tea with mint or a matcha green tea latte.”

RELATED:The Top Foods Proven to Flatten Your Belly

Dark Chocolate

Shutterstock

Dark Chocolate, with “at least 70% cocoa,” is also on her list. “This is my favorite anti-aging food,” she says. “Loaded with antioxidants like flavonoids, dark chocolate helps improve blood flow to the skin and increases skin hydration for softer, smoother skin. Also rich in zinc and copper, chocolate can help boost collagen production! My go-to chocolate is Hu Simply Dark. I always have an emergency stash on hand and treat myself every night.”

Sweet Potatoes

Shutterstock

“Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A,” says Burgs. “And the reason we love vitamin A is because it helps reverse the signs of aging while also assisting in keeping the skin clear! I especially love Japanese Sweet Potatoes (the ones that have purple skin but are cream colored on the inside) because they have a lower glycemic index than traditional sweet potatoes.”

Pomegranates

Shutterstock

“Pomegranates contain ellagic acid and punicalagin, which are some of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature,” says Burg. “They help fight free radical damage and boost collagen production, but they also help to promote healthy skin cell turnover and repair damaged skin. I love tossing pomegranate seeds on salads, or mixing them with my guacamole or even adding them to some yogurt.”

RELATED:Reverse Your Risk of Diabetes with These Simple Dietary Changes

Leafy Greens

Shutterstock

The last item on her list is leafy Greens, like spinach and kale. “We all know we should eat more of them, but leafy greens are truly amazing when it comes to regenerating skin cells, promoting collagen production, and protecting against age-related damage. Rich in folate, leafy greens help renew and repair our skin, while vitamin C assists with collagen production. I'll admit, I am not a kale girl, but I love a big clamshell of spinach to saute with olive oil and garlic–or, I add it raw to my smoothies sometimes too,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.