It’s the unfortunate truth:UV rays damage your skin1and contribute to visible skin aging.

However, the sun isn’t your collagen’s only opponent.

“Smoking decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues.

Hannah Frye

Therefore, tissue cannot regenerate and is more likely to become damaged and die,” he explains.

That, plus theoxidative stressof chemicals in tobacco smoke, can lead to premature wrinkles.

Inflammation-triggering diets

Next up: inflammation-triggering diets.

Young Woman Applying Sunscreen on a Beach

Research shows thatstress can be pro-inflammatory2and, again, that can lower your ability to naturally produce collagen.

Stress also causes an increase in hormones like cortisol, which research has found candecrease the production of collagen.

To support your skin’s collagen production regardless, consider taking collagen supplements daily.

And as always: Maintain healthy sun habits!