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How Does Collagen Help Promote Youthful Skin?
When it comes to the beauty industry; there is a common perception that beauty and youthfulness go hand in hand. And while we know in reality that true beauty isn’t defined by age, many of us are keen to maintain a youthful glow for as long as possible and as best that we can.
In fact, there are countless products and treatments available which claim to help promote younger-looking skin but which ones actually work and what brands can you trust?
One approach that has gained publicity in recent years is the use of collagen products to achieve healthier and younger looking skin. You may be wondering how exactly can collagen improve your skin and whether it’s really possible to make up for collagen loss. This article will take you on a collagen-infused journey – we’ll explain about the importance of collagen and how it functions in the body (it’s not just about skin!) and we discuss the products that have been designed specifically to use collagen to support supple and younger-looking skin.
But first let’s understand what exactly collagen is…
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced within our bodies – in fact it makes up one third of all protein in the human body. It’s one of the main components in bones, muscle, tendons and skin and it’s often referred to as the glue that holds the human body together.
It is a hard, insoluble and fibrous protein and when the collagen molecules pack together they form long, thin fibrils. Essentially these create the scaffolding or ‘glue’ that anchor cells together. This is what gives skin it’s strength and elasticity.
Healthy collagen levels not only encourage skin elasticity but also good joint health, a robust cardiovascular system, and protection for your kidneys and other organs. So, as you see, collagen does much more than simply promote healthy skin.
There are at least 16 types of collagens, but 80 to 90 percent of the collagen in our bodies belongs to one of three classifications i.e.
- Type I: being the most common type, found in all connective tissue
- Type ll: found in joints and intervertebral discs
- Type lll: the principal component of reticular fibres, which are found in our skin and blood vessels
Do I have Enough Collagen?
While collagen is naturally produced in the human body, the level of production begins to naturally decrease as we age. This reduction in elasticity begins to show in the form of wrinkles and aching joints. Although aching joints and wrinkled skin is a part of the aging process there are other factors that can deplete our collagen levels such as:
- Smoking
- Excessive Exposure to UV Rays
- High Sugar Consumption
- Genetic Changes
- Autoimmune Disorders
Having a collagen deficiency can disrupt several functions of the body. So, it’s worth being aware of what to look out for. There are certain tell-tale signs that can indicate your body is low in this vital protein which include:
- Reduction in flexibility of tendons and ligaments
- Worn-out cartilage or joint pain
- Wrinkles
- Cellulite
- Facial Hallowing
- Dental Problems
- Thinning of hair
- High blood pressure
- Weak muscles
- Gastrointestinal issues caused by thinning of the lining of the digestive tract
Now in the case that any of these physical symptoms are significantly interfering with your quality of life, we would always advise checking in with your doctor for an appropriate treatment plan.
However, if you are simply looking to delay the impact of reducing levels of collagen and you’d like to achieve smoother skin – as well as putting a little more pep in your step – it’s worth exploring ways in which you can boost your collagen levels.
Benefits of Collagen
There are many important functions that collagen is responsible for, including providing our skin with structure and strengthening our bones.
But we understand that it can be hard to filter out what’s true and what’s a fad when there is a lot of noise around new miracle solutions to the aging process. And it’s important to note that more research into the benefits of collagen is needed to be able to make any definitive claims, however there are ample studies, along with anecdotal evidence that suggests collagen supplements can have a beneficial effect.
So, let’s look at 4 science backed benefits of taking collagen supplements:
1. Improve Skin Health
There are several studies which have shown that collagen supplements or peptides can help slow down the aging of our skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness. This means that it is likely that the use of collagen supplements can help us to maintain our youthful glow for longer.
2. Prevent Bone Loss
There are studies which note that collagen supplements may help prevent the breakdown of bones which can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition which causes bones to become weak and brittle. This means that a fall or even a mild stress such as coughing could result in bone fractures. It is often accepted that as we age, we become frailer, but wouldn’t it be great if we could maintain healthy bone strength for as long as we can.
3. Relieve Joint Pain
There are also several studies which have suggested that the use of collagen supplements may help improve the symptoms experienced by those with osteoarthritis, as well as reducing overall joint pain. The effects of osteoarthritis and general joint pain can cause a lot of discomfort and greatly impact the overall quality of life of a person. These exciting new insights into the potential of collagen supplementation to relieve these symptoms may offer offer great comfort to those who suffer with joint pain.
4. Boost Muscle Mass
Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength which happens when we age. There have been studies done which suggest that the use of collagen supplements can help boost muscle mass in those suffering with this condition. Not only that, but this research has also identified the potential benefits of collagen supplements in building muscle mass among athletes and sport enthusiasts alike.
Can Collagen help aging skin?
In recent years, collagen supplements have become popular among the health conscious. And although there is not yet enough research to definitively say collagen will stop the aging process in its tracks in terms of healthy skin, there is certainly promising results coming from the research done to date.
You can find collagen in various forms, and that’s why all collagen supplements aren’t created equal. Collagen is derived chiefly from porcine, bovine, or marine sources, but it can also be made synthetically from yeast, insect, plant, or mammal cultures. Whilst most supplements are made using bovine, marine collagen is believed to contain fewer toxins, be less inflammatory, and be better absorbed by the human body.
We do know that certain forms of collagen are more beneficial than others. For example, most collagen supplements are hydrolysed, which simply means that the collagen has been broken down to make it easier for our bodies to absorb. And topical sources of collagen such as creams appear to be less likely to lead to positive results as the collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed through the skin.
How to choose the Right Collagen Supplement
Now that we have explored what exactly is Collagen and how it can affect your skin, you may still be wondering how to choose the right collagen supplements. When choosing a collagen supplement, there are a few questions you should ask yourself:
- Do you prefer capsules or powders?
- What level of dosage are you comfortable with? (Doses of 2.5-15 grams of collagen/ day are considered safe)
- Do you want additional ingredients, to add other benefits? (Some supplements may contain vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, etc.)
- Which collagen supplements are high-quality?
By asking yourself these questions you can begin to narrow down your search and focus on the products that meet your unique needs.
FAQ’S
How Long Does It Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
According to the research, you will begin to notice improvements in skin, nails, muscles and joint health after three to six months of regular collagen supplementation. The timeframe required to see results can vary person to person depending on factors such as age, personal nutrition, and overall health.
What Are the Side Effects of Taking Collagen?
Many scientific studies categorise Collagen to be a generally safe ingredient, though there are a few potential side effects that are worth being aware of. While more clinical research needs to be carried out to support the current research, the potential side effects from collagen supplements include:
- Hypersensitivities/Allergic Reactions
- Hypercalcemia
- Bad Taste in Mouth
- Suppression of Appetite
If you are concerned about potential side effects from collagen supplements, be sure to discuss your concerns with your health provider before starting supplementation.
Does Collagen Make You Gain Weight?
While it can help you in your journey to increase muscle mass, you can rest assured that Collagen will not cause you to gain any unwanted weight in terms of fat.
Can Collagen Cause Hair Loss?
Collagen supplements do not cause hair loss. If you are experiencing this symptom, it is unrelated to the collagen supplementation. Experiencing hair loss can be an indicator of a more serious issue and therefore you should get in touch with your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns.
What Age Can You Start Taking Collagen?
The body’s natural production of collagen starts to slow down around age 30. For this reason, some experts recommend starting to take collagen between before the age of 30 – to boost the body’s collagen levels before they begin to taper off. However, this really is an assumption and it’s a simple guideline. For example, it does not mean that starting collagen supplementation after the age of 30 will have a lesser effect.
Does Collagen Interact with Any Other Medications?
There are no known interactions between Bioactive Collagen and other medications. When used for supplementation, collagen is processed by the body like protein.
Final Words on Collagen Supplements for Youthful Skin
While there are studies that suggest Collagen supplements will help maintain skin and reduce the effect of aging – not enough research has been done and these can’t be relied upon as fact at this stage. But at Health Matters, the products, and brands we stock are highly reputable. So, we recommend that customers try this supplement out over a period of time – to see if you too can reap some of the benefits identified above.
If you are interested in doing this – why not explore our trusted selection of collagen supplements from our online store or at our retail outlets? Here’s a sample of some of our collagen supplement products available now!
Some of the Best Collagen Products..
Valens Collagen Complex Liquid 300ml
This is an easily absorbed liquid collagen formula, with 4,000mg of hydrolyzed Marine Collagen.
Supports skin hydration and reduces wrinkles.
Simply take 15ml either directly or diluted in water per day.
Solgar Collagen Hyaluronic Acid Complex 30 Tablets
This formula is designed to help nourish skin and maintain optimal levels of water in the dermis of the skin
Includes Vitamin C, a form of Collagen II, Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulphate
Simply take 1 tablet per day.
Natures Plus Collagen Peptides 280g
This formula is used to support hair, skin, nails, and joint health.
Contains six types of collagen from clean sustainable sources such as: Grass fed beef, wild caught cod, cage free chicken and egg shell membrane.
Use up to two heaped scoops of powder to 8oz of water, juice, hot or cold drinks.
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen 221g
This formula is used to support hair, skin, nails, as well as healthy bones and joints.
This easily digestible supplement is made from the scales of fresh wild caught white fish.
Use up to two heaped scoops a day dissolved in hot or cold liquids.
