Everybody knows that collagen is the key element for youthful skin. This skin protein keeps the skin strong, smooth, and supple. Unfortunately, as we grow older, our skin loses its ability to produce enough collagen. This leads to dry, loose, and wrinkled skin.

No wonder the cosmetic world is cashing in on this aspect. You can find the beauty market flooded with creams claiming to boost collagen, and some even claim to contain collagen.

The latest innovation to hit the market is liquid collagen drink. It claims to increase the natural collagen production of the body. This drink is popular in the U.K. and Asia. In this part of the world, beauty powders and brews often use fish collagen blended with flavors to make them delectable. You can easily get these drinks online at a reasonable price.

The cosmetic world is so excited to present before you these collagen drinks that they are leaving no stone unturned to publicize them.    

Yet, dermatologists are not as impressed as they should be, looking at the fervor in the market. According to them, your body may break down these beauty drinks and use it as energy. Yet, due to the power of digestive enzymes, collagen won’t be able to reach your skin. It will not enter your bloodstream in the first place.

Dejected?

Well, don’t be. The market boasts of a scientifically-advanced skin care brand that claims to increase natural collagen inside skin through its collection of anti-aging products. Reviews of this brand say that the claims are true.

In a book by Sue Dolan titled “Naturally Sensational: Rejuvenating Skin Care Recipes” free radicals are regarded as one of the top culprits for rapid aging. Free radicals are highly-charged molecules of oxygen that cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. These radicals are produced by exposure of skin to environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, a diet full of junk food, excess alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, high level of stress, and the sun.

Yet another top enemy of the skin is the sun. A certain amount of sunlight is essential for the skin to synthesize Vitamin D; but that’s the morning sun you need. Sunlight after 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening is loaded with ultraviolet A and B rays. Exposure of skin to the sun during this time deteriorates its quality and makes it age faster.

The third enemy of the skin is sugar in its refined form. Those white, sparkling crystals of sweetness are actually poisons in disguise for your skin. They accelerate the process of glycation that age skin faster. That is the reason dermatologists recommend cutting down the intake of sugary and starchy foods. Processed food, too, contain lots of bad carbs that contribute to choking of the skin.

People usually say that aging makes them less attractive. The truth is that the beauty of your skin is in your hands. Taking care of a few little things in your lifestyle go a long way in keeping your skin youthful and glowing for decades.

Winters can be harsh on your skin. Make sure you keep the skin of your entire body hydrated in those cold months. Those freezing winds mercilessly strip off every drop of moisture from your skin. Most of the skin problems in winters start with dehydrated skin.

Give your face a treat with a natural-based face mask. Masks benefit your skin more than your regular skin care, say dermatologists. This is because the formula of the mask stays on the skin for longer. Masks feed your skin with concentrated doses of goodness and nourishment.

Get a rich collection of skin care products. Products for use in summers don’t work in winters. In the colder months, you need richer formulas that keep the skin deeply moisturized and nourished.

Look beyond local creams and moisturizers. Get something special, something that celebrities use. Switch to luxurious skin care brands and drop your habit of being contented with local beauty items. You will be amazed by the way your face transforms.

Make sure to keep your face clean. By clean, skin experts mean not just washing your face with a face wash, but indulging your skin in a deep pore cleansing task. It removes impurities, which may otherwise block pores and cause inflammation. Products like Gentle Milky Cleanser are great for this task.

In winters, even oily skin craves for lots of moisture. Be careful while choosing moisturizers and other skin care products for oily skin. The products should specify the skin type they are meant for. A BB cream can be helpful.

Sensitive-skinned people may find their skin breaking out in rashes during the cold months. Use products meant specifically for your skin type. One example is Sensitive Skin Cleanser.

Sleeping Beauty slept for 100 years and woke up with a fresh, flawless skin. How did she manage, without even washing her face once for that long? Well, those are stuff fairy tales are made of. Yet, one thing is true - sound sleep of 8 hours every night makes you a beauty. You wake up feeling fresh in the mind and glowing in the face.

Recently, science has come up with an interesting discovery. A study released in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology states that people who slept on copper-fiber pillows at night woke up with fresher skin. Copper is a durable metal that gets absorbed in the skin and regulates the production of skin proteins.

In a study, participants aged between 30 and 60 slept on copper-fiber pillows for 8 weeks. The result - they got improved skin quality, with minimized crow’s feet and smoother faces. No side effects were reported.

Pillow plays an important role in your facial beauty. If copper is not your thing, at least try to use your regular pillow in a better and more useful manner.

Avoid sleeping on your side with your face sunk into the pillow. It contributes to loosening the skin and forming creases. One of the most beautiful ways to sleep is to lie on your back, with a pillow supporting your neck and head.

If you don’t like sagging skin, you probably also don’t like sagging mattresses. Get a firm, comfortable bed to sleep on that gives you a restful night’s sleep. Remember, when you are happy and relaxed in your mind, it shows on the face.

Avert eye shadow disaster. Know tips to apply this makeup tool in the right way.

Tips

Apply primer beneath your eye shadow. It highlights the color more and makes it long-lasting. It will keep your eye makeup fresh till the end of the day.

Use the right makeup brush. A wrong brush can completely mar your makeup. Invest in superior quality brushes. Please don’t forget to keep them in top condition by cleaning and storing them properly.

Blend and blend. Start with three distinct shades. Use the first as base, the second as highlighter, and the third as main color. Use the lightest shade all over your lids as base, up to the brow. Apply the next dark shade from the outer part of your eye along its crease. Use the darkest shade in a “V” shape beginning from the outer eye corner. Blend in such a way that you cannot make out where one shade ends and another starts.

Always use a light hand while applying eye shadow. Also know the thumb rule: less is more. It is easier to add color than wipe off the whole thing and start all over.

Never use dark shade on your brow bone. It gives you the drag queen look.

In case you got fine lines or wrinkles around your eyelids, avoid glitter eye shadows. They highlight creases. Use matte colors.

Last but not the least; if you choose to go with deep red lips, please leave your eyes subtle. Another thumb rule: highlight eyes OR lips, not both!