Who doesn’t want shiny, bouncy skin?
It’s pretty lousy having dry skin. You sunburn easily, you shed a lot, and it’s itchy besides. It’s important to moisturize, of course, but topical stuff can only get you so far. In these trying, itchy times, may I suggest some collagen? Collagen is a protein produced by your body, and its primary function is keeping you sturdy and an elastic like a bounce house. Collagen is a major component of your skin and muscles, and if you can get a little more in your life, you’ll be all the bouncier for it.
Studies have shown that an increased collagen intake can slow the effects of aging on your skin. Your body produces less of the stuff as you get older, which is why you get all dry and wrinkly. Collagen has also been shown to improve your bone density and muscle mass. It makes sense; those parts of your body are chock full of collagen, so it can’t hurt to get a little bit more. Plus, strong bones and muscles means a reduced possibility of joint pain later in life. Collagen keeps that cartilage between your muscles and bones strong, which helps prevent degenerative disorders.
So where can you get collagen aside from your own body? Collagen is plentiful in certain kinds of meat, especially pork. Pigs do have great skin, after all. You can also get it from soup broths made from bones. If you don’t dig on swine, though, they also make collagen supplements in both pills and powders. There are little to no reported side effects from collagen, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that, though if you’re taking supplements, you should check the bottle to see where they come from, in case you have some sort of allergy to their source (fish, shellfish, eggs, etc.).
