By Eilidh Farquhar

Copyright dailyrecord

A nutritionist has revealed which cosy autumn drink can actually help keep our skin firm and glowing in the autumn and winter seasons as it battles with the colder weather, which is all done by boosting our collagen production. With the return of the autumn season, many of us can’t wait to slip back into cosy clothes, stick on a calming candle or two and snuggle down on the couch with a comfort show that matches the season. However, while we may feel relaxed, our skin has other plans. The colder months can bring a range of challenges for our skin , leaving it looking and feeling drier. While collagen works its hardest to support our skin’s health, the production of this protein naturally begins to slow down from our mid-twenties and lifestyle factors can make this worse. READ MORE: The £2 beauty trick that’s winning awards for its ‘97% smoother skin’ results READ MORE: Amazon Prime Deals cuts Fitbit Smartwatch that ‘does everything it promises’ by 30% Collagen is a key protein that helps maintain youthful, healthy-looking skin that is resilient, tight and wrinkle free. However, as we become young adults and continue to age, this production drops by one per cent each year, eventually resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging instead of bouncing back. While many people have tried a range of supplements and make-up tricks to try and retain their skin’s youthful glow, there seems to be a more tasty solution that autumn lovers may want to jump on. October is the official month of the popular pumpkin spiced latte . Creating a cosy feeling associated with autumn, drink companies and cafe chains up and down the country capitalise on the spiced pumpkin flavouring at this time of year. Now it turns out that the tasty treat can do more than provide cosy flavours, as a nutritionist has shared that this seasonal sip could actually be helping your skin. Kyle Crowley, lead nutritionist and Chief Product Officer at Protein Works , has shared that your cheeky pumpkin spiced latte can play a meaningful role in supporting collagen retention. Crowley explains: “Colder months bring unique challenges for skin. Cold air and central heating strip moisture, leaving skin drier and less elastic. On top of that, low humidity and harsh winds create oxidative stress, which can speed up collagen breakdown. “That’s why autumn is an ideal time to prioritise nutrition and supplementation for skin resilience. Nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, along with compounds that stimulate collagen synthesis, such as cinnamon can help strengthen and preserve collagen’s structure.” While a standard pumpkin spice latte is typically loaded with sugars and syrups, the core spices included in the recipe carry surprising nutritional benefits . One core ingredient is cinnamon, which is a collagen booster as it can activate certain proteins involved in the synthesis process. Crowley explains: “In simple terms, cinnamon can help your skin maintain firmness and elasticity by nudging the body to make more collagen. Cinnamon is so powerful that one study suggests it’s useful in anti-ageing skin treatment.” Meanwhile, the other ingredient is nutmeg, which is rich in vitamin C. This crucial vitamin is able to help stabilise and cross-link collagen molecules to make them stronger and more resilient. While pumpkin spice lattes may not replace your skincare routine, Crowley adds that “when made with the right ingredients, they can offer a small seasonal boost to skin health.” A more traditional way to help boost your skin’s health is to take collagen supplements. One popular brand on Amazon is the WeightWorld Pure Marine Collagen Supplements . The pack retails at £19.99 for a single bottle, which includes 120 capsules – the equivalent of a two month supply. Alternatively, for those who would rather a liquid solution, Boots is selling the Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen Liquid Supplement in a mango and mandarin flavour for £30. Including 10 satchels that hold 10ml of liquid, this supplement is said to help improve hair reduction by 32 per cent.