9 tips to keep your skin looking young

You might not know what it is, but collagen is the key when it comes to keeping your skin youthful and wrinkle-free. Collagen is a protein produced by our cells that helps "hold" the skin together, giving it firmness and elasticity. When we're young, our skin stays plump and smooth because it constantly regenerates itself. But as we age, collagen production slows -and existing collagen can get damaged due to sun exposure and bad skin habits. The results? Wrinkles and sagging skin. Luckily, there's lots you can do to preserve your collagen and even boost its production, a news agency reported.

 1. UP YOUR VITAMIN C IN TAKE

A study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found women over 40 with the highest amount of vitamin C in their diet were less likely to develop wrinkles than those who consumed lower levels."Vitamin C is crucial to the formation of collagen. Without it, amino acids can't be linked to form the protein," says dietitian Jo Travers, "Good sources are red pepper, dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli and sprouts, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi fruit." Skincare products that contains vitamin C is also thought to encourage collagen repair (it's usually listed on the label as LAscorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate or ascorbyl phosphate).

2. STOP SMOKING

"Smoking creates enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which damage the collagen in your skin; hence the telltale sagging which many smokers are betrayed by," says consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe.

3. STAY SUN SAFE

Sun exposure is a prime suspect for hastening collagen loss. "UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and damage the deep collagen support structures there," says Dr Lowe, "My advice would be to wear an SPF15 broad spectrum cream (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) through the year."

4. REACH FOR RETINOL

Retinoid creams -only available on prescription -have been proven to help boost collagen production. "Retinoids reduce substances in the skin that break down collagen after sun exposure and also target receptors in the skin which increase the production of collagen," says Dr Maria Gonzalez. You can get your hands on milder forms of retinoid in over-the-counter retinol creams.

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