Are collagen supplements beneficial for your skin?
Collagen supplements are one of the latest trends in the wellness world, promising plump, radiant, youthful skin. However, just like most self-prescribed vitamins, they aren't without their limitations. Here’s why collagen supplements may not work for your skin - and the alternative solutions!
How collagen supplements work
The efficacy of collagen supplementation is based on the assumption that it makes its way from your mouth into your gut, and then into your bloodstream to end up exactly where you want it to go.
However, this is basically impossible due to the size of collagen molecules. Each molecule is made of over a thousand amino acids. The biggest number of acids that can break through the gut lining is just three. And the number of acids that can get back out and into your bloodstream? Just one.
So, for your supplement to work, each molecule has to be broken down into thousands of tiny amino acids that individually have to make it into your bloodstream before going through a complex process of making new collagen and smoothing your skin. Sounds pretty tricky, right?
The formulation of collagen also impacts the results you can achieve. Collagen can be sourced from a range of different places- most commonly the cartilage, bones, hooves and skin of animals. However, the types of collagen used in these structures vary significantly from those found in your skin. And even if it was able to be used in your skin, it still needs to go through the complex absorption process.
So are collagen supplements worth your hard-earned money? They are usually only effective for those who have restrictive diets or absorption issues. Those who already have a healthy collagen production often won’t benefit.
The alternative
Before you become disheartened, there are options that can help you promote collagen production and improve the appearance of your skin.
Diet
Collagen is a protein. Therefore, the easiest way to maintain the collagen that you have and promote its production is a protein rich food. These food sources are more likely to be broken down into the individual amino acids that your body needs to make collagen.
This process also requires Vitamin C, Zinc and Copper. Ensuring you are consuming these in diet or supplement form is key to healthy collagen production.
Here are a few of our favourite supplements, rich in Zinc and Amino Acids to support this process:
Skin Force
Ageless Vitality Elixir
Regenerate
2. Collagen stimulating supplements
Instead of consuming collagen and hoping it is absorbed, opting for a supplement that supports your body’s own collagen production is a more effective option. Osmosis vegan collagen supplement is specially formulated to activate collagen production inside the body and slow signs of aging. It works to stimulate collagen fibroblasts and ensure they are functioning optimally. This supplement also utilises fat as energy to encourage the formation of ATP, the body’s most efficient energy source.
3. Collagen stimulating treatments
Treatments such as LED, Laser, and Skin Needling are known for their ability to promote collagen production at a cellular level. These treatments send signals to the cells, revitalising them and optimising their production for plump, glowing skin.
So before you go spending your hard-earned money on a celebrity-endorsed collagen supplement, you’re much better off taking a look at your diet and skin treatment plan! To find a suitable anti-ageing regime for you, book a consultation with our team here.