The benefits I've experienced by taking collagen at 34 - And where it sits in my beauty regimen.

Collagen isn't a one-stop-shop but if you combine collagen in your holistic beauty regimen, then I definitely vouch for it.

I tend to hear I look younger than I am, and whether it's attributed to the blurred lines of the 30's, my size, spirit or complexion; it doesn't hurt to share what I enjoy doing as part of by s.k. beauty regimen.

Here gooooes!

I'd narrow it down to two areas for simplification sake. Namely: 1) Skincare habits & 2) Diet.

Tis' coming from a gal who is an expert camouflager because her skin was a mess in her late teens. And the same gal who has almost left the era of break-outs behind her thanks to...

1) Skincare habits:

The 4 C's:

#1: Cleansing -> I always, always wash my face clean from grime before bed time. I use a mild cleansing product. You don't want to go too harsh with skin irritation and issues appearing as a by-product. I use this charcoal-based product which I adore. Charcoal is reeeal good for catching dirt!

#2: Care -> Baby soft cheeks? Why yes, don't mind if I do. I get myself some extra oomph, and reinforcement through a little COLLAGEN. Yaas, here's where the collagen comes in. Why you ask? Well after 25+ your skin starts losing its natural elasticity and you might get introduced to a wrinkle or two. Read: Start getting introduced. Not guaranteed. Not everyone does yet at this point. We're all individuals after all. If it does happen, then having some extra preventative and corrective help is useful. Yaas.

I'll go ahead and share two taste-less collagen variants I've enjoyed as part of my daily routine; in my latte to be precise. I go for powder form vs. capsule because powder absorbs more effectively. Could go nice in a smoothie too. I'm down for that.

But watch out if you're vegan, mine contains animal products. And many on the market do! Then I'd urge you to opt for a plant based variant, one with pea protein for example.

Anywhoo, here's my non-vegan Collagen options: Beef based & grass-fed or Marine based

Did you know? You can also stimulate collagen production and elasticity through Gua sha and Derma rollers. Get on rollling.

#3: Creams -> A little more COLLAGEN... why yes!

I opt for a cream with a gel substance from Resultime that I just happened to stumble upon in the pharmacie and I sure like the results. It really quenches the thirst of my skin. Like poof and it's gone.

Also, it gives a nice, rounded effect to apply collagen internally and externally, and we do need both. Or let's say, the effect is stronger. Your skin becomes even more supple.

#4: Coverage -> Now, when you have a good skin as base, it gives you more pleasure to go sheer in the make-up department. But, it's equally important that your skin can breathe during the day, so go sheer not to break out and to flaunt that glow.

At some point I was crazy about Bare Minerals. So I do recommend those guys. They get the job done. And these days, living in the the big city of Paris, I prioritize protection and hydration, so I play ball with the Korean.

Then if you need to cover up portions, get yo'self a concealer mate. I quite like Nars' in vanilla. And believe me, I've been the master of cover-up. I know the drill far too well. You need the concealer, and it needs to be light enough! Or, slightly lighter vs. the base you apply.

2) Diet:

While skin care is where we like to spend a lot of time, the diet deserves just as much; if not even more attention.

So while Collagen is a nice add-on; hey it's intriguing to discover and try out; it's not everything. It's not the knight with shining armor who comes to save the day, or your skin for that matter. Hear me out; It's part of the package.

I'd say your diet is a huge corner stone to how your skin looks and feels. What you eat you'll become. Literally. Food will covert into fuel, the fuel will trigger new cell creation and slowly-slowly those cells will become your new skin. It regenerates itself roughly every 35 days. (the epidermis)

So what would you like your skin to reflect, an industrialized big mac or an organic avocado? (and sorry to those that strongly advocate against eating avocados, peace out)

Personally, I am organically appealed to a wholesome diet. I love it. How it tastes and how it makes me feel.

And I can't stress enough the link and the clear correlation I see on how it affects my skin; when I eat poorly vs. when I'm mindful and constructive.

What's helped me, and what I'd encourage you to try to do is to eat as balanced as possible.

When I over-indulge it usually backfires with a break-out since it creates inflammation in the body. And that's how my body reacts, it shows up on my face, Hello! Might not be the case for you. Then, va mieux! (that's great)

And with over-indulging, I mean x3 the normal cookie serving or whichever food serving. It creates an imbalance in the body. So sticking to one serving and having your greens as a combo, as part of your daily food intake, is usually a good way to go.

What's your take on it? What's your go-to beauty regimen?