Collagen is one of main components in skin, bones, muscles, and other parts of the body. People often consume collagen supplements to support the health of your skin, among several other things, the question is, ‘Does it really help?’ Before we move on to the benefits of collagen supplements and whether or not they work for your skin, lets check out what collagen is. Get the best deals on kosher collagen pills dietary supplements when you shop the largest online selection at fulllifedirect.
Collagen – What is it?
Collagen is the most necessary protein required in your body. This is the key component of connective tissues that constitute several parts of the body, including ligaments, tendons, muscles, and skin. Collagen has several vital functions like offering skin with structure and strengthening your bone. While there are 28 different types of collagen, there are 4 that are the most common:
- Type I: This is the most vital type, found in several connective tissue.
- Type II: This type is found in intervertebral discs and joints.
- Type III: This is the main part of reticular fibers, that are found in blood vessels and skin.
- Type IV: This is a part found in kidneys, eye lens, and inner ear.
Collagen supplements have become highly common in recent years. Majority of these supplements are hydrolyzed and this means that the collagen is broken down to make it simpler to absorb.
Collagen supplements usually come in powder form and they also come in capsules. The forms of collagen found in supplements vary. While a few contain one or two types, some other forms contain five.
Collagen constitutes a staggering 80% of our skin and works with one more form of protein called elastin and this makes your skin elastic. As we start aging, our bodies begin to reduce production of collagen. Dermatologists refer to this as ‘ropes of protein in the skin’. While we remain young, this rope stays tight but with age, the ends of the rope start fraying.
Too much exposure to sun, smoke of cigarettes, and pollution can accelerate the breakdown of collagen. Here comes in the concept of supplementing the natural collagen.
Does collagen supplements work?
There are a few studies that take on collagen supplements for several months to improve the elasticity of the skin, and the signs of aging. Other reports have shown that taking collagen can also boost the density of bones that get weak with age, and improve knee and joint pain. However, several of these studies are funded by companies that make collagen.
As per a literature review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it can be possible that a few of these benefits are attainable. While there are several forms of evidence, a lot more is needed. The studies are being referred to as preliminary and small and hence ingestible collagen is referred to patients for increasing skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness.
How can you best absorb collagen?
The game of absorbing collagen is tricky, particularly when it is such a huge molecule. In case of smaller peptides, they can easily pass through intestinal barrier and move into our bloodstream. The body can utilize absorbed collagen peptides in several areas that require repair.
Just as any other fad, wellness and beauty can also find an opening into the bandwagon. Powders, pills, liquids, topical creams are all out in the market claiming to beautify your skin and strengthen your bones.
Collagen supplements that come in the form of powders are more convenient as they can be easily added to smoothies and other drinks like water and coffee. However, before consuming these, you should always follow the directions written on the bottle as no two supplements will work similarly.
In case of topical creams, since collagen is usually produced in the deeper level of the skin, that is called dermis, and it is very tough for topical collagen to embed into the skin. You should watch out for products that are promoted as plant-based collagen. They don’t contain collagen but they actually support the production of collagen. There is no science that you can back up.
What to be aware of before taking collagen supplements?
There is very limited scope of studies on the main benefits of supplements that serve as a reason for concern. There are not many scientific studies that back up the side-effects and safety of consuming collagen supplements. In fact, few of these products are approved by the FDA. As these collagen supplements are synthesized from grounded fish and animal bone, hooves, nerve tissues, and hides, there are different diseases that might also be present.
While consuming these supplements in your daily routine, there can be side-effects like bloating, diarrhea, a sensation of unpleasant taste and skin rashes. However, this experience can differ from one person to another. There are a few collagen supplements that contain heavy metals apart from body parts of animals. These can also lead to skin rashes or allergies.
In case you start noticing allergies or rashes in your skin, you should immediately stop taking the supplements. Instead, use a calamine-based cream to calm down your skin.
Benefits of taking collagen supplements
They replace what you naturally lose
Collagen is the glue that binds your body together and it constitutes one-third of the protein in your body. When your body starts producing less collagen in your thirties, supplements can fill in that gap.
They are easily digestible
You must be aware of the fact that your body works really hard to digest the protein from sources like beef and chicken and some people might find that they deal with digestive symptoms like stomach pain, burping, after a meal. However, collagen supplements are broken down and they are easy to digest.
They smoothen wrinkles and improves skin elasticity
The most well-researched benefit of taking collagen is improving skin health. These supplements are shown to improve skin elasticity and it can help you boost the moisture and density of your collagen fibers in your skin.
Therefore, if you’re someone who has crossed your thirties and you’re concerned about your skin health, you may start taking collagen supplements after doing your bit of research and homework.
