Glow Into the Season: Vitamin C, Collagen And Safe Summer Living 

Summer is at its peak — the sun is high, the days are long, and the farmers’ markets are bursting with colour and life. It’s time to move more, eat fresh food, and enjoy being outdoors. And while sunlight in moderation offers powerful health benefits — from lifting mood to boosting vitamin D taking care of your skin while you’re in the sun is essential. It’s the perfect time to revisit some essential elements for skin health and graceful aging: Collagen and its partner to help us glow and grow this season and Vitamin C.

These two are more than just trending buzzwords — they’re deeply connected in how your body maintains firm, radiant, and resilient skin. In fact, your body can’t produce or preserve collagen without Vitamin C, and both work better when they come from fresh, whole foods and smart supplementation. 

At Moondust, we believe in simple, proven solutions that work in harmony with your body — not against it. Vitamin C and collagen are nature’s dynamic duo when it comes to building healthy skin from within. Now supporters and skeptics amongst the many health care specialties have their opinions when it comes to crediting any element. However, the benefits of fueling your skin’s natural glow with nutrient-rich foods, gentle support supplements, and the kind of everyday care that leads to long-term radiance — naturally, and without risk – are undeniable.  

Let’s explore and decide how you will take in the potential goodness for your health.  

Vitamin C and Collagen are our body’s loyal allies. Together, they form the foundation for strong, elastic, and radiant skin — especially during the sunniest months. Collagen is now widely available as a supplement, but it’s also present in many whole foods. And while health and wellness experts may disagree on the long-term effectiveness of collagen powders and pills, what we do know is this: your body needs the building blocks, and the best way to get them is through consistent nourishment — inside and out. 

Ways to support your body’s natural collagen production, and how you can enjoy the sun safely while still reaping all the benefits of this bright, beautiful season. 

Why Collagen is such a Superstar?

Structural Support: Collagen is the main protein that maintains skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Our natural collagen production declines with age — especially under sun exposure. 

Sun Repair + Longevity: Collagen loss is accelerated by UV rays, so summer protection is essential. Many see results when supplemented with hydrolyzed collagen peptides (especially paired with vitamin C) to help rebuild and maintain youthful skin structure. 

Visible Anti-Aging Effects: While some debate exists among dermatologists, collagen seems to plump 

and smooth sun-stressed skin when paired with hyaluronic acid, improving fine lines, sagging, and 

dryness. Its benefits for whole-body health are widely accepted, particularly for postmenopausal women and mature men since collagen production decreases with age. 

Top Collagen-Rich Foods (contain natural collagen)  

These animal-based foods supply direct sources of collagen: 

• Bone broth – #1 source of natural collagen, made by simmering animal bones 

• Chicken skin – rich in type I and type III collagen 

• Fish skin & scales – especially from wild salmon or cod 

• Beef (especially brisket, short ribs, tendons) – high in connective tissue collagen 

• Egg whites – contain proline, a key amino acid in collagen synthesis 

Top Collagen-Boosting Foods (support body’s natural production) 

These are rich in nutrients that stimulate or preserve your body’s collagen: 

• Citrus fruits – high in vitamin C, essential for collagen production 

• Berries (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries) – antioxidant-rich to protect existing collagen 

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, pea shoots) – provide vitamin C, chlorophyll, and magnesium 

• Tomatoes – high in lycopene, which protects skin from collagen breakdown 

• Pumpkin seeds – packed with zinc, a mineral that helps collagen cross-link properly 

• Bell peppers – especially red ones, loaded with vitamin C 

• Garlic – contains sulfur, which aids collagen bonding 

• Mung beans & legumes – great source of amino acids like glycine and proline 

• Nuts (especially almonds and cashews) – provide copper and amino acids 

Of importance to vegans and vegetarians: Collagen itself is a protein found in animal connective tissues. Therefore, there are no true vegan sources of collagen. However, by consuming a diet rich in these foods noted above, you can support your body’s natural collagen production. 

Bonus Tip: Hydration Matters                                                                

Drink water and herbal teas regularly to keep collagen-rich skin plump and resilient. Excess sun exposure causes dehydration of the skin which can lead to premature ageing. 

Ideas to layer on that collagen in a pretty ‘Glow Bowl’ at your next picnic or party 

• Base: Spinach + pea shoots 

• Add: Beets, red cabbage, avocado, grilled salmon 

• Top: Pumpkin seeds + lemon vinaigrette 

• Optional: A scoop of collagen peptides in your smoothie 

Why Vitamin C reappears as a nutrient to note:  

Our skin loves Vitamin C (LINK to     https://moondustcosmetics.com/2024/12/19/vitamin-c-all-you-need-to-know-this-cold-flu-season/). This powerhouse antioxidant does it all — boosts collagen production, helps repair sun damage, and protects against wrinkles and UV-induced aging. Whether you’re adding lemon to your “glow bowl of fresh goodies,” layering on a vitamin C serum, or sipping it in a smoothie, you’re giving your skin exactly what it needs to stay firm, radiant, and resilient all season long 

This is how it partners with collagen to enhance a summer glow with overall health:  

Sun Protection & Repair: Vitamin C helps protect skin cells from UV damage when combined with sun protection or antioxidants. By reducing oxidative stress caused by sun exposure it helps prevent premature aging. 

Collagen Production:  It’s essential for synthesizing collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, plump, and youthful. Without vitamin C, collagen formation slows, leading to wrinkles and sagging. 

Antioxidant Power:  It neutralizes free radicals and inflammation from environmental exposure, including UV rays, pollution, and stress! 

Diet + Topical Use: Find it in citrus fruits, tomatoes, papaya, spinach, broccoli, and red cabbage (all featured in Dr. Moondust food tip blogs and videos). Some like that it works well in both topical serums and oral supplements for comprehensive skin support. 

For more ideas on how to enjoy summer sun safely and naturally, visit the many delicious posts and videos, Dr. Moondust has prepared. You’ll get all the benefits of beautiful skin from the inside out! 

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