Collagen boosting products suddenly seem to be everywhere we look and have taken over the beauty circuit by storm. But should we actually take a collagen supplement? And what sort of benefits should we expect?
1. Collagen is the most abundant protein in our skin - it deserves protecting
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin, making up a whopping 75-80% of your complexion. It’s the glue that holds your skin together and keeps it looking plump, bouncy, youthful and line-free. If there was a fountain of youth- your collagen would be it!
2. We lose about 1% of our collagen each year as we get older
From our mid-20s we lose about 1% of our skin’s collagen each year. As our collagen depletes, so too does the youthful appearance of our skin. Our complexion begins to lose its tone (think skin sagging #horrors), loss of volume and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Our lifestyle (think boozy nights out and sneaky spoons of Nutella) can accelerate collagen loss
Lifestyle factors such as exposure to pollution, lack of sleep and alcohol can all cause inflammatory processes and create free radical damage which accelerate the breakdown of collagen and cause premature ageing. Sugar, in particular, is not only inflammatory, but also causes a process called glycation which directly destroys your collagen.
4. Our body produces collagen naturally and we can support this process with supplements or diet
Our body produces collagen naturally but as we age, our ability to produce collagen declines and is not enough to replace the collagen which is lost. This is where supplements can come in to help provide the body with the necessary building blocks to create its own collagen. Look for vegan or plant-based collagen products as animal-based collagen does not support your body’s natural ability to produce collagen.Â
5. Skin creams and serums cannot reach the lower layers of our skin where wrinkles first form - but collagen supplements can!
Recent findings have shown that wrinkles actually first form in the lowest layers of your skin and not the top visible layer as first thought. Skin creams and serums cannot penetrate this lower layer but fortunately skin supplements can provide powerful antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients to support your skin from within via the lowest layers and up to combat wrinkles where they first form.
6. Collagen can help firm and tone skin
As you get older and your collagen depletes, your skin begins to lose its firmness and tone. The best way to ‘reinforce’ your skin is through boosting collagen production. This can help reduce skin sagging and plump and firm the skin by working directly to support your skin’s structures from within.
7. Collagen can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles for younger looking skin
Collagen boosting supplements have been shown to help smooth fine lines - particularly when they include a range of powerful plant-based ingredients with high antioxidant and ORAC content. They can also help restore volume and improve the youthful appearance of your complexion.
