It’s time to get to the root cause of crepey skin: collagen decline. As you age, your body naturally pumps the brakes on collagen production. In fact, research shows that your collagen levels begin to decline by 1% each year3, starting around your mid-20s. For those who experience menopause, collagen decline picks up around that time as well.
Once the degradation rate surpasses production, that lack of collagen may lead to sagging, crepey skin. That said, it is possible to replenish the lost collagen via nutrition. “Collagen-rich foods can significantly support skin hydration and elasticity,” board-certified family physician and functional medicine expert Alejandra Carrasco, M.D., once told mbg.
And one of the best ways to internally support collagen production is through hydrolyzed collagen supplements. Research demonstrates that ingesting this form of collagen (make sure you use hydrolyzed collagen peptides) can promote your natural collagen and elastin production3.
Not all collagen supplements use this form, so shop smart. Here’s a list of nine clean and effective options, recommended by a nutrition Ph.D., to make your hunt easier.
