Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin firm and elastic. It’s also known to help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. But does collagen supplement work? Here’s what you need to know about collagen supplements.

The primary function of collagen is to provide tensile strength to connective tissue. Connective tissue is the tissue that holds organs together and provides support to them. Without collagen, these structures would not have any strength.

Collagen is produced naturally by the body. However, it may not always be enough to meet daily requirements. As we get older, collagen production decreases, making it harder to repair damaged skin cells. To increase collagen production, we need to consume foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, iron, and copper. These vitamins and minerals work together to stimulate collagen production.

So, if you want to look younger, you have to make sure you’re getting enough collagen. But what about collagen supplements?

Collagen Benefits

There are several reasons why you should take collagen for the skin. First, they can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen supplements are thought to stimulate elastin production, which helps keep skin smooth and supple. They can also help prevent sagging skin, and fight premature aging and stretch marks.

Collagen Supplement Types

Hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed are the popular collagen supplements out there. Hydrolyzed means that the collagen molecules have been broken down into smaller pieces. Non-hydrolyzed refers to collagen that hasn’t been broken down yet. Both types of collagen supplements are safe and effective.

In addition, some dietary supplements claim to boost collagen production. Some of the more popular types are:

Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides are a type of protein that occurs naturally in the body. Collagen peptides are derived from collagen, a fibrous protein present in animals’ skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs. Collagen peptides have been shown to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, increase joint mobility, and help maintain bone density.

Collagen peptides are often sold as dietary supplements, but they are also commonly found in food products like meat, dairy, eggs, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, and grains.

How do they work?

Collagen peptide helps stimulate the production of collagen, which is a major structural protein in the human body. When collagen levels decrease, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. It helps restore the natural balance of collagen production in the body, helping to prevent premature aging.

Gelatin

Due to its unique texture and taste, gelatin is often used in food products. It is also used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Bovine Collagen

Bovine collagen is sourced from cow bones and is a popular ingredient in cosmetics due to its high content of amino acids.

How does bovine collagen work?

The amino acid composition of bovine collagen makes it effective at repairing damaged skin cells. When applied topically, it helps to repair and rejuvenate skin cells, making them look younger and healthier. In addition, it works well as a moisturizer and protects against UV rays.

Fish Collagen

Fish collagen is a type of bovine collagen that is extracted from fish scales. It is often used as a dietary supplement due to its high concentration of collagen and low cost.

Collagen creams for body

Some topical creams and lotions claim to increase collagen levels. These are often marketed toward women who want to improve the appearance of wrinkles. Such as the following:

Collagen Cream

Collagen cream is a topical moisturizer that helps improve skin elasticity and firmness. It is often applied directly to the face, neck, hands, and feet. It contains ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients help keep the skin smooth and supple while providing moisture.

Skin Firming Lotion

The skin-firming lotion is a topical product that is meant to tighten and tone the skin. It is commonly used after a facial massage to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and lactic acid work together to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Anti-Aging Moisturizing Lotion

Anti-aging moisturizing lotion is a topical treatment that works to prevent premature aging. It contains ingredients like Vitamin C, green tea extract, and argan oil. These ingredients help protect the skin from environmental damage and promote healing.

Collagen Boosting Serum

A collagen-boosting serum is a topical treatment that promotes the production of collagen. It contains ingredients like vitamins A, B, and C, and green tea extract. These ingredients help strengthen the skin’s natural defenses and boost its production of collagen.

Why Do We Need More Collagen?

As we age, our collagen levels decrease, and this results in the stiffening of our joints.

The good news is that we can increase our collagen production naturally by consuming foods rich in collagen. Here are some examples of foods that have high amounts of collagen:

Beef

Chicken

Lamb

Pork

Fish

Shellfish

Eggs

Dairy products

Nuts

Seeds

Soybeans

Beans

Where Can I Get Collagen Supplements?

You can find collagen supplements at many different stores, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. You may even find collagen supplements at some beauty supply stores.

Are There Any Side Effects?

While collagen supplements may not cause any side effects, they aren’t recommended for everyone. If you have high levels of vitamin C in your system, you should avoid taking collagen supplements.

Vitamin C promotes collagen breakdown, so if you take collagen supplements while you’re already getting enough vitamin C, you could end up breaking down more collagen than you would otherwise.

If you do decide to try collagen supplements, make sure to follow the directions carefully. You don’t want to overdo it. Too much collagen supplementation can weaken your immune system.

Conclusion

There are no known side effects from using collagen supplements. However, if you are taking medications, you should check with your doctor before adding anything else to your diet.

While these supplements aren’t bad, they probably won’t give you the results you’re looking for. To boost collagen levels, you should focus on eating foods rich in collagen.

Many people use collagen supplements to help their skin look younger and healthier. Others use them to help improve joint pain.