Why A Lack Of Protein May Lead To Crepey Skin, From A Derm

Loose and sagging skin is a natural part of aging (which, as a gentle reminder, is a privilege in itself). However, the mechanism that leads to skin sagging can be directly influenced by the foods you consume and which ones you neglect.

The underrated skin-loving food group in question? Protein. "A sufficient amount of protein as part of a healthy diet is essential to support the body's ability to synthesize proteins of all types, including those in the skin," board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., tells mbg.

There's a plethora of proteins in your skin, the most abundant of which is collagen. And if you don't consume enough protein in your diet, your collagen production will be affected.

Of course, the symptoms listed above can be signs of another deficiency in the body, but filling your protein gap is a safe (and relatively easy) place to start. Adding clean and rich sources of protein to your plate is a must—think animal sources like fish and lean meat, or plant-based protein from lentils, hemp seeds, nuts, oats, etc. 

And if you want to work on crepey skin from multiple angles, then you may consider adding a collagen supplement to your diet. Not only can collagen help folks meet their daily protein intake6, but hydrolyzed collagen has been shown to support skin elasticity, hydration levels, and promote youthful texture7.

Plus, collagen and elastin naturally decrease in the skin as we age, directly contributing to accelerated aging and sagging—so compensating for that loss is essential for healthy skin aging.

If you want tighter skin, you have to prioritize protein intake. You can choose to consume protein through animal sources or plant-based protein. And if you want to be sure you're getting the most skin-loving source of protein and giving some extra TLC to your hair and nails, add a collagen supplement to your daily routine.