Collagen is often regarded as the foundation of youthful, radiant skin. It’s a naturally occurring protein in the body that provides skin with its structure, elasticity and firmness. With age, our body produces less collagen, resulting in specific aging signs like wrinkles, laxity, and dry skin. And while skincare products can certainly help to tackle these concerns on an external level, the concept of “beauty from within” has become increasingly trendy, with collagen supplements leading the charge. In this article, we will discuss what makes collagen so important for skin health, how collagen supplements can help you regain and maintain your youthful appearance.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body and is present in the skin, bones, tendons and muscles. It serves as a support scaffolding for the skin, keeping it tight and pliable. There are many types of collagen, but when it comes to skin health, the two most relevant are Type I and Type III. These produce an abundant share of the skin’s structure and are necessary for maintaining elasticity and hydration.
As we get older, collagen production also decreases, contributing to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Environmental factors, like sun exposure, pollution, and smoking, can exacerbate collagen degradation and lead to premature aging as well. This is how collagen supplements come in — providing a natural source for the body to replenish its collagen stores and support skin health.
The Role of Collagen Supplements in Supporting Skin Health
Enhances the Elasticity and Firmness of Skin
Collagen is a key part of skin elasticity, or the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original shape. Collagen levels naturally decline with age, causing skin to lose its firmness and possibly sag. Multiple studies have confirmed that collagen supplementation can vastly increase elasticity in the skin, resulting in the skin looking firmer and toned. Studies have shown that collagen peptides, after regular consumption, may stimulate new collagen production in the skin and make people look younger.
Minimizes the Look of Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles and fine lines: This is perhaps the most visible sign of aging — Formation of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Recent studies have shown that collagen supplements can help in reducing the depth of wrinkles, and also increase the number of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and locking moisture within the skin. One study published in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that people who took collagen supplements for 8 weeks had a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles compared to people who didn't take supplements. That's because collagen rebuilds the skin's structure, making it smoother and more youthful.
Hydrates the Skin
As levels of collagen diminish, skin can become dry and less resilient. In addition to supporting the skin’s elasticity, collagen supplements also help to retain moisture in the skin. Collagen peptides can also enhance the skin’s ability to retain water, resulting in a hydrated, plump appearance. Hydrated skin appears healthier, more radiant, and less susceptible to the appearance of fine lines. Supplementing collagen regularly can help achieve a softer, more hydrated complexion.
Promotes the renewal and healing of skin
Collagen is vital for re-surging and recovering skin cells. From acne scars, cuts or other skin damage, collagen will aid in repairing by stimulating the body to produce new skin cells. Collagen peptides support skin’s natural healing mechanism, decreases the scar size and promotes smooth skin.
Boosts Skin Thickness
As we grow older, the skin gets thinner, which also makes it wrinkly and saggy. Collagen helps thicken and retain integrity of the skin, making it plump and resilient. Studies also show that collagen supplements can increase skin thickness, making it look youthful and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen reinforces the structure of the skin, helping it resist the ravages of aging.
But what does science have to say behind collagen supplements?
Most collagen supplements have hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are small fragments better absorbed into your body. These peptides can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and have the potential to boost collagen production in the skin, bones, and joints. Once ingested, collagen peptides interact with fibroblasts (the cells in the skin that produce collagen) to stimulate them to produce additional collagen and elastin.
Although the body’s natural collagen production declines over the years, collagen supplements supply the key building blocks needed to maintain skin health on the inside. There is evidence from multiple studies (many with positive effects on skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction) supporting the efficacy of collagen supplementation.
How to Pick the Best Collagen Supplement
When selecting a collagen supplement, there are a few consideration you want to make to ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit:
- Type of Collagen: Type I collagen is the one in highest abundance in the skin, so choose supplements that provide this type. A lot of collagen supplements can tell you the type of collagen they come from (for example, bovine collagen will provide you Type I, marine collagen).
- Type of Collagen: Different types of collagen supplements are available in the form of powders, capsules, and liquid. The powdered version is the most common because it is easy to add to beverages such as smoothies, coffee, or water. Liquid collagen is also a great option for those who prefer a drinkable form.
- Source of Collagen: Collagen can come from several animal sources, such as bovine (cows), marine (fish), and chicken. Marine collagen is usually recommended for skin health as it contains high levels of the skin-specific Type I collagen.
- Added Ingredients: Many collagen supplements also contain additional ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or biotin, which are also known to promote skin health. Vitamin C, for instance, helps the body synthesize collagen, so it works in synergy with collagen supplements.
One such protein crucial for keeping a healthy glow is collagen – a substance that helps hydrate the skin and keeps it firm and fresh. Collagen production naturally decreases as we get older, resulting in the appearance of age features like wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. These promote collagen levels from within, helping your skin regain and maintain its youthful, healthy look. Collagen supplements can do wonders in your beauty regimen, it regulates skin elasticity, diminishes wrinkle formation, moisture retention, and skin regeneration.
The key to reaping all its benefits is to take a high-quality collagen supplement and stick with it. Vita Glow can guide you in finding the right collagen product for your needs. Know that beauty starts with proper nutrition, and providing your body with the right vitamins and minerals can do wonders for your skin. If the goal is to maintain youthful skin or improve the overall quality of skin, collagen supplementation is an all-natural, effective way to support skin health.