As you get older, aging starts to take a toll on both your health and your beauty. And even in its earliest stages, aging can leave you with fine lines, wrinkles, and less dewy, youthful-looking skin. That’s why many people are willing to try anything to keep looking young – and a hot new supplement could do exactly that.
Collagen supplements, a supplement that’s available in a few different forms, not only provides you with protein but also claims to work wonders on skin. If you’re concerned with wrinkles or other aging-related skin woes, collagen might be able to help you look your very best.
And younger-looking skin isn’t the only benefit of collagen. This supplement also offers other benefits, including improved gut health and reduced joint inflammation.
But, before you add collagen powder into your morning coffee or start taking collagen supplements, it’s important to know more. Collagen could be worth taking, but can it meet your needs?
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a substance that’s naturally present in the human body. In fact, collagen is the thing that holds much of the body together.
And collagen is primarily made of protein. It’s present in the skin, tendons, muscles, and bones. Your body’s ability to produce collage declines with age and exposure to certain environmental factors including smoking and UV rays.
There are around 16 types of collagen in the body. About 90 percent of collagen in the body is made up of types I, II, and III. Types I and II are largely found in the skin, bones, and ligaments, while Type III is found in the joints.
Because collagen supports the skin, a lack of it can cause the skin to lose elasticity and lead to premature aging. And that’s exactly what collagen supplements aim to fix.
How to Increase Your Body’s Collagen
The easiest way you can add more collagen to your diet is via collagen supplements. Typically, collagen supplements come in the form of a fine powder made out of the connective tissue of animals. Most commonly made from animal and fish products, this powder can mix into smoothies, coffee, and other beverages.
By adding collagen powder to your favorite drinks daily, you can increase your body’s collagen daily. It’s convenient and easy to supplement your body’s decrease this way.
And for those with dietary restrictions, there are alternatives. A convenient, natural way to get more collagen is by drinking bone broth. This specific broth contains a bioavailable form of collagen that your body can use.
Chlorella is another supplement you can take to increase your collagen levels. It’s made from algae, which means it’s safe for vegans. It doesn’t actually provide synthetic collagen to your body; it uses chlorella growth factor to boost your body’s natural chlorella production. While you may not see results as quickly, it’s worth trying.
If you’re taking collagen supplements for skincare benefits, you can also try retinol cream. It’s a concentrated form of the antioxidant vitamin A. And retinol can increase the rate at which your body creates collagen. It works to “turn on” the cells involved in collagen production. However, you do need to use retinol long-term to see results.
The Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Modern collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, which means they’re broken down and easy for your body to use. It’s safe to consume and has a host of benefits.
If you’re trying to decide if collagen supplements are the right choice for you, take the following benefits into consideration.
Healthy Skin
As you age, your body begins to create less natural collagen. Factors like smoking and UV exposure can also reduce your body’s ability to produce the substance.
Taking regular doses of collagen powder can combat these effects, keeping your skin healthy and elastic.
And collagen powder is proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dryness. One study found that women taking a collagen supplement for eight weeks experienced a significant increase in skin elasticity, proving its effectiveness as a health supplement.
Soothe Joint Pain
The area of research with the most evidence supporting collagen is the supplement’s ability to relieve joint pain. Getting more collagen helps your cartilage – the tissue that protects your joints – function and stay full. Over time, your cartilage deteriorates, increasing your risk of developing joint disorders like certain forms of arthritis.
If you’re already suffering from osteoarthritis, taking collagen and reduce pain and improve symptoms. It’s also a great preventative measure. Synthetic collagen builds up on the cartilage and causes your body to create more natural collagen. This reduces inflammation in the joints and overall pain.
One study found that adults taking collagen for 70 days had significantly reduced joint pain, enabling them to participate in physical activity unhindered.
May Prevent Bone Loss
Because bones contain a lot of collagen, it makes sense that supplementing with collagen would keep them healthy. This is crucial in older age, as bone loss occurs naturally due to aging, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis.
A study found that collagen supplements may prevent the naturally-occurring bone breakdown that happens with age. More research will solidify collagen powder’s role in supporting bone health.
Improve Nail Strength and Hair Growth
Collagen is the building block of your hair and nails. If you experience brittle nails and wiry hair, these supplements could help restore the strength you’ve lost. However, there hasn’t been much research in this area, but it’s worth giving a try.
Collagen Supplements Can Be a Great Addition to Your Daily Diet
If you’re looking for a way to reduce the visible signs of aging and improve your overall health and wellness, a collagen supplement could be the answer. Adding collagen powder into your drinks may be able to provide you with some impressive and effective results.
Give collagen a try if it sounds like a good choice for your needs. You can also do your own research before incorporating collagen supplements into your daily routine. It’s easy to search for information online, learn more about collagen, and even compare different collagen products to find the best option.
