Collagen is an incredible supplement with a variety of benefits for the skin, joints, gut, and more. Are you interested in trying collagen? Perhaps you’ve noticed a wrinkle or two. Wondering if collagen supplementation is something you want to add to your wellness regime? So many questions…..

With so many different collagen supplements on the market, it can be quite overwhelming. We’re here to help. We’ve done the research and we’ve got answers. Want to know what the best collagen for skin is? Here’s what the experts have to say about collagen and skin.

A Quick Overview: What is Collagen?

You have probably heard of collagen supplements but did you know that the human body naturally produces vital proteins, collagen peptides. Collagen synthesis is important for our overall health. These vital proteins can be found in all our connective tissues, including the skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, organs, and even blood.

The body literally cannot function without collagen. That being said, there are many different types of collagen found in the human body. Each type is made up of different collagen peptides, which give the collagen its unique structure and function.

Let’s take a look at the four main types of collagen: Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV:

Type I

Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen. It can be found in the skin, tendons, and bones. It’s strong and flexible and proves support to these tissues, not to mention it’s the cause for your glowing skin!

Type II

This type of collagen is found in cartilage and other elastic tissues and is responsible for its elastic properties. Type II collagen helps to cushion joints, which helps with joint pain and aching bones later on in life.

Type III 

Muscles and blood vessels find their support, strength, and structure from Type III collagen. Many dietary supplements and some of the best collagen powders include Type III collagen among their ingredients.

Type IV

Lastly, Type IV collagen is found in tissues that need to be elastic, such as the intestines as well as our skin. Type IV of these vital proteins are found in basement membranes, which are thin layers of connective tissue that separate different layers of cells. Taking hydrolyzed collagen including Type IV can help to improve skin elasticity.

These four main types of collagen are essential for maintaining the structure and function of the body as well as overall health and preventing disease. The sources of these proteins come from bovine collagen as well as marine collagen peptides.

How Does Collagen Help Our Skin?

As we age, our skin begins to show signs of wear and tear. Fine lines appear, and wrinkles become more pronounced as our skin elasticity is affected. A major reason for this is the loss of collagen, the abundant protein that provides support for the skin.

Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts, and it helps to keep the skin looking firm and plump. Unfortunately, the body’s production of collagen declines with age, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.

Collagen supplementation can benefit our skin and other areas of our body that are affected as we age, in many ways. It can not only improve skin elasticity but help with joint pain and give us shiny, healthy hair. Taking collagen powders or other forms of hydrolyzed collagen has been known to offer a wealth of health benefits!

Other Ways Collagen Helps Our Bodies

Not only does collagen play an important role in supporting our skin, but it also helps to keep our bones strong and our joints healthy. This means that declining or loss of collagen results in joint pain and stiffness.

Thankfully, there are ways to enhance our collagen levels through diet and supplements such as collagen powders. By including foods that are rich in collagen, for example bone broth and leafy greens, or taking a hydrolyzed collagen supplement, we can help to keep our bodies healthy and strong.

Why Do We Lose Collagen?

Along with the natural decline as we age, there are external elements that can cause us to not only lose collagen but can actually speed up the decline. These include:

• sun exposure
• unhealthy diet
• poor sleep
• smoking
• stress
• pollution

All of the above can lead to a decrease in collagen production or worse, destruction of collagen. It’s important to be aware of this and to do what you can to mitigate their effects.

How to Preserve Collagen

There are things we can do to help preserve the collagen we have and slow down the aging process. For instance, we can protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing or if possible, staying out of direct sunlight at peak times, and ingesting plenty of vitamin C!

Invest in a good skincare routine that includes products that stimulate collagen production. This might even include a quality topical collagen cream that contains collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid.

We can also eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C that help repair collagen fibers as well as fight free radicals that damage collagen. Many of the foods that are rich in the most abundant protein, collagen peptides, are also chock full of essential amino acids.

While some people are happy to take unflavored collagen powder daily, some people would rather go to a more natural source. Foods such as bone broth or fish and other collagen-rich foods increase our daily collagen intake and stimulate collagen synthesis.

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, better sleep habits and exercising regularly will all promote the production of new collagen fibers. By taking these steps, you can help preserve your natural collagen, keeping your skin looking young and healthy for years to come

What Are Collagen Supplements?

Collagen supplements are designed to help replenish the collagen that our bodies are no longer producing abundantly. Collagen peptides are the key ingredient in collagen supplements.

These collagen peptides provide our bodies with the building blocks necessary for collagen production. When you take a collagen supplement, you are promoting collagen synthesis. What actually happens when adding a collagen supplement to your wellness regime is this: an increase of collagen plus collagen stimulation. This leads to even greater collagen levels.

Greater collagen levels means an overall healthier you with great looking skin.

Collagen supplements come in various forms: collagen powder form, liquid form, and capsule form. These three forms are considered to be oral collagen peptides. You can also get collagen supplements in topical form which would be creams or serums. Most of the collagen supplements on the market are categorized as protein powders and promote skin health, hair growth, and other benefits known to come from Types I and III collagen.

Collagen peptides, the key ingredient in the best collagen supplements, are bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. Taking an oral supplement can help to increase collagen production from the inside out. Topical collagen products can also help to promote collagen synthesis thanks to their ability to penetrate the dermis and stimulate collagen-producing cells.

If you’re interested in collagen supplementation to target skin aging or hope to improve skin elasticity, there’s no harm in using both oral collagen powder and topical collagen products together. In fact, some experts believe that combining the two may offer even greater benefits for skin health. It’s even better if you can find a collagen peptides powder that also boosts vitamin C or includes a multi-collagen protein.

When Should You Start Taking Collagen Supplements?

Every individual will begin their collagen decline as per their overall health and wellness. Experts believe this to be anywhere from your 20’s to your 30’s.

Is there a perfect time to start taking collagen supplements? Ideally, you want to start taking these vital proteins, collagen peptides, before you see the first wrinkle or feel stiffness in your joints for the first time. But that seldom happens because people don’t really think about skin aging or aging in general until they see those first tell tale signs.

So, when should you start collagen supplementation? The answer to that question is now! There is no time like the present to begin to slow down the aging process and give your body the best resource to age well.

Are There Any Side Effects to Taking Collagen Supplements? 

Although there’s no danger to taking a daily collagen powder or other collagen supplements, there’s always the potential for side effects. The most common side effect to a collagen powder is gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating or diarrhea. This is usually caused by taking too much and can be avoided by beginning with a lower dosage to start. This will give your body time to adjust to the supplement. Once your body adjusts to the added vital proteins, collagen peptides, you can gradually increase your dosage if you feel it’s needed.

Fish are often used in collagen supplements because of their collagen-richness. Marine collagen is easy to absorb and contains high levels of two main amino acids: glycine and proline. These are essential for collagen production. It’s also rich in hyaluronic acid which assists in keeping the skin hydrated and plump.

This brings us to another concern–allergic reaction. If you know you are allergic to fish or seafood, marine collagen peptides should be avoided. Reading the label ingredients can avoid this potential serious side effect. If you’re vegan, you’ll want to avoid marine and bovine collagen peptides, which pretty much makes up the entire collagen market.

Collagen supplements can interact with certain medications so it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting a supplement regimen. Although there are some potential risks associated with collagen supplements, these are few. However, these can be avoided with a bit of care and effort. Most people find them to be a safe and effective way to combat the effects of aging and keep our body functioning at its best.

What Are the Different Types of Collagen Supplements?

There are a variety of collagen supplements on the market, each with its own set of benefits. Marine collagen, for example, is derived from fish and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support healthy skin.

Bovine collagen, on the other hand, comes from cows and is a good source of amino acids that is not only good for healthy skin but can help to improve joint health, reduce inflammation and promote muscle growth.

Chicken collagen is derived from chicken bones and connective tissue. It’s a good source of hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to hydrate and plump the skin. Additionally, chicken collagen has been shown to boost gut health and improve digestive function.

There are also plant-based collagen supplements available, which are often made from rice or peas. These products are vegan-friendly and often hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with sensitive skin.

No matter which type of supplement you choose, the best collagen supplement is one that is third-party certified and free of additives.

Now let’s consider the various forms: creams, liquid, and powdered.

Collagen Creams

Collagen creams are designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing the levels of collagen in the skin. By applying a collagen cream to your skin, you can help to boost its natural collagen production.

Using collagen supplements in the form of a cream can help to improve the texture and overall appearance of the skin. Collagen creams also help to hydrate the skin and keep it looking plump and youthful. 

These creams are typically applied to the face and neck area as well as hands as these areas tend to be the most targeted areas for wrinkles or sagging skin. Be sure your collagen cream is a quality and reputable one!

Liquid Collagen

Liquid collagen is a dietary supplement that can help to replenish the body’s supply of this important protein. Collagen is typically derived from animal sources, such as bone marrow or fish skin. 

There are a number of potential benefits associated with taking liquid collagen including improving skin health, reducing inflammation, and boosting muscle mass. Because it is so easily absorbed by the body, liquid collagen is highly bioavailable.

It is typically taken orally. Many people mix it into their morning coffee or smoothie. However, some people also do apply it topically to the skin. 

Powdered Collagen

Collagen powder is typically made from animal sources and is rich in essential amino acids. It’s made from hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. 

To use collagen powders, simply add it to your favorite beverage or food. It is often added to smoothies, soups, or oatmeal. You can also use it in baking or cooking as a thickener. 

When shopping for collagen powders, look for products that are derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals and are free of additives and preservatives. Start with a small dose and increase gradually as tolerated. 

Conclusion

With so many different types of collagen on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? What are the best collagen supplements? Which is the best collagen for skin? 

The answer may depend on your specific goals. If you’re hoping to increase collagen production in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, then you’ll want to look for a supplement that contains Type I or Type II collagen. On the other hand, if you’re more concerned with boosting skin hydration levels, then type III collagen or a product with hyaluronic acid may be a better option.

If you want to improve the overall appearance of your skin, then a product with all three types of collagen may be the best collagen supplement for you. Ultimately there is no right or wrong choice if you are choosing a quality collagen supplement and taking it consistently. 

We are here to help you on this quest for healthy skin. For more resources check out our Health Blog. Looking for quality and reputable products, check out our collagen product page! Your health matters! 

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