Are you taking collagen supplements? Or, have you ever thought about taking them?

We are often asked 'do collagen supplements work?' and the answer is absolutely yes. ⁠As we age, from around the age of 25, our own body's ability to produce collagen reduces and we begin to lose facial collagen year upon year. This is why fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear along with other unwelcomed surprises such as brittle nails, dullness, thinning hair, and aching joints. Other factors can cause our collagen to decrease quicker such as poor nutrition, environmental damage, poor sleep quality or skincare routine, and too much sun exposure to UV rays.

Here we tackle the conversation of collagen supplements and discuss the pros, cons, and everything in between.

Over recent years, collagen supplements have become VERY popular and thousands of you ask Google every month about the best collagen supplements and whether they are really worth it. Most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed collagen meaning that the collagen has been broken down to make it easier to absorb. These supplements come primarily in powder form but are also available in collagen capsules.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen derives from the word "kolla" in Greek which means glue. Collagen is a protein that the body produces (collagen synthesis) and it is the most abundant protein in our body. It plays an essential role in the structure and function of our skin, cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. Think of collagen and our skin structure as a bed mattress. So, it starts off as being perfectly formed and cushioned but when we get to around the age of 25, some of the springs start to wear down and break and that's why skin elasticity reduces and sagging skin unfortunately begins.

But thankfully, that's why products such as collagen supplements exist and are so important!

There are 28 different types of collagen however, here are the 4 most common:

• Type I: the most common type, found in all connective tissue. The majority of the body’s collagen is type I and as much as 90% of your collagen is type 1.

• Type ll: found in joints and intervertebral discs (the cushions that serve as your spine’s shock absorbers). It is the second most abundant collagen type and is generally found in reticular fibres such as the bone marrow.

• Type lll: the main component of reticular fibers, which are found in your skin and blood vessels.

• Type lV: a component of your kidneys, inner ear, and eye lens.

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Which Foods Naturally Contain Collagen?

There are many high-protein foods that you can incorporate into your diet to boost collagen production. There may be certain dietary restrictions such as if you have an allergy or are vegan/vegetarian to be aware of. If you can, you should look to add some of these foods into your diet:

• Beef bone broth

• Skin-on chicken

• Fish like sardines, salmon, and oysters

• Jelly sweets (no, not the best source but they are usually made with gelatin - gelatin is a protein substance derived from collagen after it’s cooked)

• Foods high in vitamin C like berries, oranges, grapeseed extract, and broccoli

• Aloe Vera juice drinks

It's important to note that more research is needed to determine whether eating collagen-rich foods helps increase collagen levels in your body, as they may not have the same benefits as clinically proven supplements do.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Collagen Supplements?

• Relief from joint and bone pain and faster wound healing

• Youthful-looking skin, healthy skin, and improved skin health

• Nourishes the hair, skin, lashes, and nails

• Can improve muscle health by helping to repair, build, and lead to a quicker recovery period after workouts

• Increase in skin hydration and improve skin elasticity

• Can help towards balancing hormone changes

• Can help improve gut health and digestion

What Are Collagen Supplements Made From?

There are several different types of collagen supplements but these main 2 types make up the majority of the products on the market:

• Marine collagen supplements Marine collagen is derived from the bones, skin, and scales of cold-water fish, usually salmon or jellyfish. Marine collagen is usually made up of Type I and is thought to be the most beneficial for skin and bone support. Marine collagen is absorbed well by the body and is considered as being more eco-friendly and sustainable than other types of collagen sources as it is a by-product that would usually be discarded otherwise.

Rejuvenated Collagen Shots is our best-selling marine collagen supplement. Vitamin C is required for normal collagen formation and is included within the Collagen Shots formula.

• Bovine collagen supplements Bovine collagen is derived from beef. Bovine collagen is usually made up of Type I and Type lll and is thought to be the most effective when treating skin and joint health.

Totally Derma is our best-selling bovine collagen supplement. Vitamin C is also included in the Totally Derma formula.

If you are vegetarian or vegan then you should look into Rejuvenated Skin Perfecting Complex instead which has been cleverly created with lots of collagen-boosting yet effective alternatives such as Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids, and Vitamin C.

 

In summary, neither marine collagen nor bovine collagen supplements are better than one another it is simply what you and your body need the most at present. Both collagen sources will improve skin health however, bovine type collagen is more likely to improve joint health more so if that is a personal concern of yours.

 

Are There Any Downsides To Taking Collagen Supplements?

It's minimal but as with anything, there can be. Collagen supplements are usually well tolerated but there is a chance that they can cause feelings of fullness, bloating, and nausea, however, it's important to note that this is very unlikely and could be related to something else within your diet or lifestyle rather than directly from the supplement.

Also, as true collagen supplements are derived from bovine (beef) or marine (fish) they are not suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or those with an allergy.

Hopefully, now you will be able to make an informed decision on the best collagen supplement for you... If you need some further help regarding collagen supplements or just general skin care advice then feel free to ask us! All the products featured above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct with free tracked delivery via Royal Mail. We can help with our expert advice and top tips making your makeup shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via [email protected], or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.