Annie McKinnon is a life coach, living out her passion and what she believes is her purpose, working Annie's journey to coaching was as a result of the many challenges she faced growing up in Scotland, Life for Annie was restrictive and oppressive. Annie understands the additional challenges the LGBTQ+ community face today and continually uses her Read more from Annie!

Written by Beth Levis, Founder and CEO Beth Levis is the founder of By Beth, a premium bovine collagen brand focused on skin health, gut health & vitality. With a background in retail & manufacturing, she transitioned to beauty after uncovering the powerful connection between gut health, skin & energy. She also hosts the With Beth podcast and YouTube channel, educating women on wellness. Aging is a natural process that we all go through, but for many of us, the visible signs of aging—like wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of that youthful glow – can feel like unwelcome guests. The beauty industry is flooded with products promising the fountain of youth, yet so many fall short. The secret to maintaining skin elasticity and a youthful appearance lies in understanding one of the most crucial proteins in our body: collagen. What is collagen, and why does it matter? Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up around 30% of the total protein content and up to 80% of our skin's structure. It acts as a scaffold, providing strength and elasticity to the skin while also supporting connective tissues, joints, and muscles. As we age, our natural collagen production begins to decline. From our mid-20s, we start losing about 1% of our collagen each year. By our 30s, this loss becomes more noticeable, and by our 40s, we may have lost up to 10–20% of our collagen. In our 50s, the decline accelerates, and women can lose up to 30% of their collagen in the first five years of menopause. This gradual loss contributes significantly to signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity. The science behind collagen and skin elasticity Collagen’s unique triple-helix structure allows it to provide strength and elasticity to the skin. It interacts with other molecules, such as elastin and hyaluronic acid, to maintain skin firmness and hydration. Scientific studies have shown that supplementing with collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity and hydration while reducing the depth of wrinkles. One study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that women who took collagen peptides daily for eight weeks experienced a 20% reduction in wrinkle depth around their eyes, along with a significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. Another study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology reported that collagen supplementation increased skin elasticity after just four weeks. Factors that accelerate collagen loss While natural aging is an unavoidable factor, certain lifestyle choices and environmental influences can speed up collagen degradation, including: UV exposure: Excessive sun exposure breaks down collagen fibers and hinders new collagen synthesis. Smoking: The chemicals in cigarettes damage collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkles. Poor diet: High sugar intake can cause glycation, a process that damages collagen fibers. Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can reduce collagen production. How to support collagen production To maintain healthy collagen levels and support skin elasticity, consider these strategies: Nutrition: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, which are essential for collagen synthesis. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens are excellent choices. Supplements: Collagen peptides, when taken consistently, have been shown to stimulate natural collagen production and improve skin health. Skincare: Topical products containing peptides, retinoids, and antioxidants can help protect existing collagen and support new collagen formation. Sun protection: Using a broad-spectrum SPF daily helps prevent collagen degradation caused by UV rays. Final thoughts Understanding collagen's critical role in skin health empowers us to make informed choices that support aging gracefully. While we cannot stop the natural decline of collagen, adopting a holistic approach that includes diet, lifestyle, and supplementation can help maintain skin elasticity and a youthful glow for years to come. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Beth Levis Beth Levis, Founder and CEO Beth Levis is the founder of By Beth, a premium bovine collagen brand dedicated to empowering women over 30 to rediscover their confidence and vitality. With a background in one of Australia's largest and most iconic fashion houses - Australia's largets clothing manufacturer - Beth spent years immersed in retail and manufacturing before shifting to beauty. Her own struggles with skin health led her to uncover the transformative power of collagen, inspiring her to create By Beth. Frustrated by the limitations of convenitonal beauty products, she developed supplments designed to restore skin, energy and overall well-being from within. Through By Beth, she helps women achieve lasting radiance and confidence, redefining beauty from inside out.

For Andres Ruocco, it started with uncertainty – and ended with a mission. Caracas, Venezuela, raised with the values of discipline and education, and fluent in three languages, Andres How Andres Ruocco went from uncertainty to the U.S. “Like I was just going through the motions without any purpose.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andres found himself walking regularly just to stay grounded.

When you talk to Andre Shammas, you don’t hear lofty financial jargon or promises of overnight success Andre didn’t set out to become an expert in taxes. Andre didn’t set out to become an expert in taxes. For clients who aren’t ready for software, Andre meets them where they are. Andre doesn’t try to turn clients into accountants.

Anti-Hero's Journey is the online home of psychedelic science war storyteller Captain Ben "Doc" Askins I know you’ve recently started a company and launched a brand called Anti-Hero’s Journey. But what exactly is the Anti-Hero’s Journey? If you want to join me on this Anti-Hero’s Journey, then get on the bus. I’ll say that again more slowly: Anti-Hero’s Journey is a psychedelic medicine.

One of the most prestigious book awards in the publishing industry, in the world in fact, but as an indie 200,000 copies sold, requires the clout of the big boys or a big budget which is not something many indie The challenge then for indie authors is finding the time to discover said un-heard of award, write a wonder so many other indie authors are tarnished with the brush of not being professional or taking Entering Nicaragua as a writer of any kind would not have been a great idea, especially not an author

Andre Posner has built a different kind of legacy—one grounded in calm, curiosity, and deep commitment A Childhood Rooted in Service and Global Perspective Andre Posner was born in Dakar, Senegal, during

This is as much a call out to all indie authors. It’s tough out there, isn’t it?   Are you an indie author? Does this resonate with you? Will I do another social media campaign?

Randy Franciscus Johannes Laumen is a holistic health coach, psychiatric nurse, and functional medicine Through his platform We The Fit People, Randy helps individuals reconnect with the version of themselves Randy Franciscus Johannes Laumen, Holistic Health Coach What inspired you to create We The Fit People If you’re hesitating on any of those, you may already be living in the grey zone. Read more from Randy Franciscus Johannes Laumen

This is the heart of the anti-fragile mindset. Anti-fragility is beyond resilience or robustness.” Anti-fragile systems actually improve because of it. The anti-fragile mind: A new way to relate to challenge At its core, being anti-fragile is about how That’s where anti-fragility begins.

Anda Vintila is a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Anda believes the inner work is ultimately led by the Soul. Anda Vintila, Clinical Counsellor & Somatic Psychotherapist Introduce yourself! My name is Anda Vintila and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Somatic Psychotherapist. Read more from Anda Vintila

These gains were driven in part by Gen Z consumers, increased niche / indie interest, and social media in favor of indie fragrance brands and BIPOC founders: Indie brands claimed 23% of overall fragrance Growth rate year-over-year for indie was 34%, far outpacing broader category growth. Call to action To every BIPOC indie fragrance founder, your scent matters. Support indie fragrance creators.