Latest news with #collagen
The Guardian
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Is it true that … taking collagen supplements slows signs of ageing?
Collagen is one of the body's building blocks. Made up of amino acids absorbed from the protein we eat, there are more than 20 subtypes found everywhere – from our bones and muscles to organs. Types I, II, and III are the most common in skin, cartilage and connective tissue, helping with strength and elasticity. In recent years collagen has become known as the protein that keeps the skin on our face young-looking, with collagen powders and pills promising to slow signs of ageing – but is there any truth in those claims? Dr Afshin Mosahebi, a professor in plastic surgery at University College London, says the science is 'dubious', with a lack of large-scale, peer-reviewed studies. 'There's no direct evidence that collagen, taken on its own, can do anything more than eating enough protein,' says Mosahebi. He says it's true that, as we age, changes in collagen level makes the skin on our face start to look 'crinkly' and less firm, but that it's wrong to assume that simply supplementing collagen is the solution. 'When you eat something it doesn't go directly to your skin. Of course, parts of it are eventually absorbed and used in skin repair, but it's not going to go straight from your mouth to your face and wrinkles.' He adds that using skincare containing collagen won't make a long-term difference to ageing either, as 'it doesn't penetrate the skin itself'. Instead, he says that the way we age is down to genetics (like having fair skin that's sensitive to the sun) and our lifestyles. His tips for slowing that process down include making sure to eat a balanced diet that includes proteins, keeping away from the sun, avoiding smoking, staying hydrated and keeping your skin moisturised with products like hyaluronic acid.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The at-home laser that's literally ‘defying gravity' - users swear it's turning back time: 'My jawline is also sleeker'
There is no shortage of tools promising to reverse fine lines and wrinkles. But of those that promise youthful, lifted, glowing skin, there is nothing that comes close to the LYMA Laser. Designed with medical-grade technology, the device relies on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate deep skin regeneration at the cellular level. This is key to resolving visible signs of aging while stimulating collagen and elastin production. LYMA Laser The LYMA Laser starter kit contains everything that you need to begin your journey to a more youthful appearance. The device smooths wrinkles and plumps using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate the cell renewal process — a gentle process that brings the spa experience home to you. The FDA-cleared at-home laser is the first of its kind — a true game-changer that thousands rely on to reduce wrinkles and imperfections quickly and painlessly. Shop The process is simple, painless, and completely non-invasive and safe for all skin tones. Using it is a bit like indulging in a spa experience in the comfort of your own home. Unlike other devices in the category, the LYMA Laser is set a world apart. It works far beneath the surface of the skin, targeting the root causes of aging instead of just temporarily improving texture or tone. The brand recommends using the tool consistently, at least 15 minutes daily for 12 weeks to start. Because the laser is so effective, you can eventually downgrade your usage to a maintenance schedule. It's such a pleasure to make it a part of your beauty routine that you'll look forward to it. A big reason for that is because its effects are cumulative. Users report firmer skin, smoother texture, and a very visible softening of fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. Unlike harsh resurfacing treatments or aggressive peels, the LYMA Laser doesn't injure the skin to stimulate the cellular renewal process. Instead, it builds your skin from the inside out, which means there's no need to worry about downtime or discomfort. Your complexion will gradually become healthier, plumper, and more resilient over time. It's also gaining buzz for its ability to counteract the sometimes 'hollowed' appearance that comes with rapid weight loss or, occasionally, with the use of common weight loss drugs like Ozempic. The reviews really speak for themselves, with one noting, 'The LYMA Laser defies gravity. My jowls have turned upside down!' 'My neck wrinkles have vastly decreased, I'm so pleased with it. My jawline is also sleeker,' reported another. 'Now my skin is the best it's ever been.' Because the device can improve your skin's elasticity, the LYMA Laser can have a remarkable effect by restoring a more youthful appearance — without the need for fillers or invasive procedures. There's no question that the laser is a worthwhile investment in your skin's long-term appearance and condition. If you're hoping to avoid in-office treatments altogether, this clinical-grade device offers a simple and straightforward solution. It's sleek, simple to use, and built to last. Considering the long-term expenses linked with regular facials and med spa treatments, the device is well worth every penny for the fact that it's far more effective. LYMA Laser goes beyond the surface to deliver incredible results.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
The Glute Diet: What to Eat For Your Best Buns Yet
Studies show that up to 80% of your health is influenced by what you eat. Of course, that doesn't mean that physical exercise isn't important—but it does mean that diet can make a huge difference. In other words, if we don't complement our workouts with a balanced diet, we probably won't reach our desired results—especially if we want to build muscle and age healthfully. One area in which this phenomenon might be extra noticeable? The glutes, which is the body's largest and most powerful muscle group. 'Sagging in the buttocks is a common aesthetic concern and can be effectively addressed through a combination of proper nutrition and exercise,' explains Dr. Mar Mira of Mira+Cueto Clinic in Madrid. 'The key is to provide the body with the essential nutrients for collagen regeneration and muscle development. We propose a diet based on an adequate intake of high quality proteins, combined with healthy fats, low glycemic index carbohydrates, and key micronutrients such as collagen, vitamin C, zinc, and magnesium.' Mira says a diet like this will not just build muscle, it will also stimulate collagen production, increasing the firmness of the skin. The results? Buns you'll be proud to show off—plus a feeling of radiant strength and well-being overall. Below, Mira shares her exact 'glute diet' plan. Benefits of the glute diet Increased muscle mass : The combination of proteins and essential amino acids promotes muscle growth. : The combination of proteins and essential amino acids promotes muscle growth. Firm skin: Stimulates the production of collagen, which is essential for toned skin. Stimulates the production of collagen, which is essential for toned skin. Improved metabolism : A body with more muscle mass uses more calories at rest. : A body with more muscle mass uses more calories at rest. Improves fluid retention : Fiber, minerals, and micronutrients support healthy circulation. : Fiber, minerals, and micronutrients support healthy circulation. Reduces glucose spikes: Eating a balanced diet with fiber and adequate macronutrients also promotes balanced blood sugar. Shopping list for the glute diet Vegetables rich in protein : spinach, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts. : spinach, artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts. Fruits and vegetables rich in minerals and antioxidants : blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, spinach, carrots, bananas, citrus, tomatoes, peppers. : blueberries, strawberries, kiwi, spinach, carrots, bananas, citrus, tomatoes, peppers. Legumes : soybeans, lentils, white beans, chickpeas, peas. : soybeans, lentils, white beans, chickpeas, peas. Whole grains : oats, rye, barley. : oats, rye, barley. Lean protein : turkey, chicken, eggs, tofu, tempeh, protein powder (whey or plant-based). : turkey, chicken, eggs, tofu, tempeh, protein powder (whey or plant-based). Fish rich in omega-3 : salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel. : salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel. Low fat dairy : Greek yogurt, cheese (not processed), soy or almond milk. : Greek yogurt, cheese (not processed), soy or almond milk. Nuts and seeds : almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, almond butter. : almonds, walnuts, chia, flax, almond butter. Whole and complex carbohydrates : oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato. : oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato. Healthy fats : avocado, extra virgin olive oil. : avocado, extra virgin olive oil. Water : 2 liters per day. (You can add detoxifying, sugar-free infusions such green tea, lemon, dandelion, hibiscus.) : 2 liters per day. (You can add detoxifying, sugar-free infusions such green tea, lemon, dandelion, hibiscus.) Collagen: bone broth, marine collagen bone broth, marine collagen Cocoa: pure cocoa powder; dark chocolate made with 85% cocoa Key nutrients to improve glute health Complete proteins : essential for muscle synthesis and repair. : essential for muscle synthesis and repair. Sources: eggs, fish (salmon, tuna), lean meats, legumes, dairy products, quinoa. Healthy fats : essential for hormone production and vitamin absorption. : essential for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Sources: avocado, nuts (almonds, walnuts), chia and flax seeds, olive oil, fish. Antioxidants : fights oxidative stress and helps maintain firm skin. : fights oxidative stress and helps maintain firm skin. Sources: green leafy vegetables, berries, carrots, tomatoes, peppers. Collagen and vitamin C : contributes to skin elasticity and firmness. : contributes to skin elasticity and firmness. Sources: bone broth, marine collagen, citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi. Magnesium and potassium : improves muscle contraction and reduce fluid retention. : improves muscle contraction and reduce fluid retention. Sources: spinach, banana, avocado, legumes, pure cocoa. Foods to avoid on the glute diet Refined sugars and processed flours. Alcoholic and carbonated beverages. Carbonated soft drinks and juices. Fried and ultra-processed foods. Sausages and processed fatty meats. Industrial breads and pastries. How to do the glute diet According to Mira, the diet can be followed for a minimum of six to eight weeks if you want to notice visible changes in firmness and toning, but is really meant to be a sustainable lifestyle. 'Obviously, it must be complemented with an adequate exercise routine and enough sleep,' says Mira. Sample menu MONDAY Breakfast : Egg white omelette made with 3 eggs whites and 1 whole egg and spinach; 1 slice of whole wheat bread; green tea. : Egg white omelette made with 3 eggs whites and 1 whole egg and spinach; 1 slice of whole wheat bread; green tea. Snack : Greek yogurt; 10 almonds. : Greek yogurt; 10 almonds. Lunch : Baked salmon fillet with quinoa and arugula; tomato and avocado salad. : Baked salmon fillet with quinoa and arugula; tomato and avocado salad. Snack : 1 banana and 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. : 1 banana and 1 teaspoon of peanut butter. Dinner: Warm lentil salad with peppers, red onion, and tuna. TUESDAY Breakfast : Oatmeal with plant-based milk, chia, blueberries, and walnuts. : Oatmeal with plant-based milk, chia, blueberries, and walnuts. Snack : Protein shake made with water or milk. : Protein shake made with water or milk. Lunch : Grilled chicken breast, mashed sweet potato, steamed broccoli. : Grilled chicken breast, mashed sweet potato, steamed broccoli. Snack : Cucumber slices with hummus. : Cucumber slices with hummus. Dinner: Salad with chickpeas, spinach, avocado, and boiled egg. WEDNESDAY Breakfast : Whole wheat toast with avocado + poached egg. : Whole wheat toast with avocado + poached egg. Snack : Handful of berries, 1 ounce of chocolate made with 85% cocoa. : Handful of berries, 1 ounce of chocolate made with 85% cocoa. Lunch : Fish tacos with whole wheat tortillas + cabbage + pico de gallo. : Fish tacos with whole wheat tortillas + cabbage + pico de gallo. Snack : Yogurt with flax seeds. : Yogurt with flax seeds. Dinner: Pumpkin cream + shredded chicken salad with grated carrot. THURSDAY Breakfast : Protein smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond butter. : Protein smoothie made with spinach, banana, and almond butter. Snack : Boiled egg, 1 tangerine. : Boiled egg, 1 tangerine. Lunch : Turkey meatballs with brown rice and side of asparagus. : Turkey meatballs with brown rice and side of asparagus. Snack : Green smoothie made with cucumber, ginger, and lemon. : Green smoothie made with cucumber, ginger, and lemon. Dinner: Tuna salad with white beans and arugula. FRIDAY Breakfast : Oatmeal pancakes with cinnamon, honey, and strawberry. : Oatmeal pancakes with cinnamon, honey, and strawberry. Snack : Cup of edamame with sea salt. : Cup of edamame with sea salt. Lunch : Lean beef steak with baked potato and cabbage salad. : Lean beef steak with baked potato and cabbage salad. Snack : Yogurt sprinkled with pure cocoa powder. : Yogurt sprinkled with pure cocoa powder. Dinner: Egg white omelet with mushrooms and spinach. SATURDAY Breakfast : Chia pudding with almond milk and fruits. : Chia pudding with almond milk and fruits. Snack : Homemade protein bar made with oatmeal, dates, and nuts. : Homemade protein bar made with oatmeal, dates, and nuts. Lunch : Lentil burger with green salad and baked sweet potato. : Lentil burger with green salad and baked sweet potato. Snack : Protein shake made with cocoa and ice. : Protein shake made with cocoa and ice. Dinner: Lentil soup and tomato salad with basil. SUNDAY
Vogue
26-05-2025
- Health
- Vogue
How A Nutritionist Eats 100g Of Protein Every Day
When we think about protein, it is easy to jump straight to images of bodybuilders and gargantuan shakes. But the truth is, protein is about so much more than muscle. It plays a central role in how we feel after we eat, supporting fullness, steady energy, balanced blood sugar and mood regulation. It underpins hormone production, skin health, immune function… even the way we sleep. The good news is, you do not need to eat like an athlete or rely on processed powders in order to get enough. It is about weaving real, satisfying sources of protein into your meals throughout the day in a natural and enjoyable way. Here is what a typical day of eating looks like for me: simple, colourful and full of flavour, with enough protein to feel properly satisfied without overthinking it. Morning I start my day with a collagen matcha. It is a small daily ritual that makes a real difference. I use Jenki Matcha for a gentle caffeine lift without the crash. Breakfast is when I like to build in a good amount of protein. A savoury start always wins for me. It keeps me fuller for longer and helps stabilise blood sugar throughout the day. I usually make soft scrambled eggs and add in a few extra egg whites, which I buy in a carton for ease. Two whole eggs give around 12g of protein. Adding a couple of extra whites pushes that up closer to 20g. I top the eggs onto toasted sourdough. A good quality loaf offers more protein than you might expect. I buy it fresh, slice it up and freeze it. This keeps it lasting longer and boosts its resistant starch content, which is brilliant for gut health. To finish, I spread on a little cottage cheese for extra protein and calcium, then top it all with a quick mix of chopped tomatoes, avocado and red onion. It is a simple, filling breakfast that comes in at around 30g of protein. Lunch Right now, I'm really into one-bowl salads. Everything goes straight into the mixing bowl, dressing included. It is quick, no fuss, and full of flavour. I eat a variation of this at least three times a week. One of my go-to combinations is a Greek-inspired salad with roasted chicken.
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
This $15 anti-aging serum delivered ‘impressive results in very little time'
The Ordinary needs no introduction. It is renowned for creating affordable yet innovative skincare products that work. One of its latest launches is no exception: a growth factor face serum that addresses multiple visible signs of aging at a fraction of its competitors' prices. But does it deliver? I put it to the test before it launched. Growth factors are fast becoming the next buzz-worthy skincare ingredient. They are proteins that naturally occur in our skin cells — simply put, they act as messengers to various mechanisms in the skin, signaling it to repair and rejuvenate. They do so by stimulating skin cell turnover and the production of collagen and elastin — the fundamentals of keeping skin smooth and firm. With age, growth factors deplete, so the skin is less able to repair itself from environmental damage like UV light and pollution, leading to premature signs of aging. By replenishing these growth factors, old skin cells start acting like younger skin cells again. The science isn't new — growth factors were first discovered by scientists in the 1950s who went on to win a Nobel Prize for their work, and luxury skincare brands started infusing their formulas with the regenerating ingredient in the 1990s. But what is new is having access to this advanced science for the first time at a bargain price. Typically, it's only high-end and hugely expensive skincare brands that carry growth factor skincare, excluding The Inkey List's offering, although it's hard to compare when it's not as highly concentrated. But The Ordinary's serum is cheap at $15.50 — so I wanted to see how it performed. How I tested I am an experienced beauty editor in my 40s with typical signs of skin aging, including pigmentation, fine lines, and a loss of firmness. I tested the product every day for three weeks (both in my morning and evening skincare routines) under the same moisturizer.
