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The benefits of collagen for your skin
We might not have invented the time machine just yet - and let's face it, our skincare routine might not be our top time-travelling priority.
But there are still ways we can stay looking youthful as we age.
Our bodies naturally make collagen when we're young, which keeps our skin smooth.
Taking a daily collagen supplement can help extend these health benefits well into our adult years…
What is collagen?
What is collagen?
About a third of our body is made of protein - in fact, each and every cell contains it. The most abundant type of protein in the body is collagen.
Collagen helps to maintain the structure of our skin, muscles, bones, joints, and more. Different types have different functions, but you'll find collagen in everything from your eyelids to your intestines.
It helps keep our skin firm, elastic, and youthful - which is why you've likely seen it exploding in the beauty world.
The science behind it
Collagen is made of long chains of amino acids. You'll find glycine in every chain and two other types of amino acids (usually proline, lysine, or hydroxyproline).1
The chains form a tightly-wound, stable structure that helps skin cells stick to each other. This way, they stay strong and taut. However, our collagen decreases as we age. We start losing collagen at around age 20, which goes down by about 1% per year after that.2
Other factors - like smoking, UV exposure, or a poor diet - can decrease collagen levels even faster. As the collagen amino acid chains begin to break down, the structure of our skin becomes less secure. As a result, the remaining collagen could also experience some wear and tear.
That's when we might notice our skin sagging and forming wrinkles.
Replenishing the collagen in your body can help your skin stay strong and smooth, even when your natural collagen levels decline. You might choose to take collagen supplements to replace the collagen you lose and help your skin age healthily.
Benefits of collagen for skin
1. It improves skin elasticity and firmness
2. May cause blood thinning
3. Helps protect thin, fragile skin
4. Gives you a glow
Can I reverse wrinkles with collagen?
How can I take collagen?
- The type of collagen you take most people go for type I or a combination of type I and III.
- Where it comes from bovine, marine, and chicken collagen and vegan collagen support are all readily available
- How you take it you're spoilt for choice here! There are collagen tablets, drinks, powders, gels, and even gummies. There is also a wide range of skincare products, from collagen face oils to collagen face masks and moisturisers.
How long does it take to see results?
How long does it take to see results?
Although collagen absorbs into your body quickly, you'll need to wait a little longer for the benefits to show, particularly when taking collagen for the skin.
You might see changes after about 2 months, but you should expect to wait 3-6 months for collagen's full effects to occur.
Keep at it! Collagen supplements work differently for everyone, so you might see results at slightly different times.
The final say
We could go on about collagen for days: it's a crucial part of joint health and thick, shiny hair, too.
But it's the skin benefits that make it so popular in the beauty world, particularly when taking collagen for the face.
Natural ageing is to be celebrated, but if you'd like to:
- Have firmer, smoother skin
- Help reduce fine lines
- Help prevent deep wrinkles
- Strengthen thin, cracking skin
- Hydrate your complexion and keep you glowing
Then a collagen supplement might be worth a try.
Got any more questions? Watch videos from our collagen gurus, Libby Matthews and Sophie Rose, for a quick dose of expert advice.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments, or remedies.
Before taking any supplements or minerals, it's best to make sure you're getting all the nutrients through your diet first. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
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