Collagen has been receiving a lot of air time recently, and it’s for good reason - as our natural production of collagen begins to decline after the age of 25.
What does collagen do for the body?
Collagen is a protein that supports all of the connective tissues in our body, including: fascia, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, skin, hair, and nails as well as the cells in our gut lining.
Those with a collagen deficiency may notice some of these tell-tale signs: lacklusture or aging skin, thinning hair, brittle nails, joint pain, or find that their wounds take longer than usual to heal.
What does collagen do for the skin?
There have been a number of human studies that provide evidence for collagen supplementation, which supports the enhancement and improvement of dermal health via oral administration.
Collagen-based products have been shown to:
- Counteract skin aging
- Improve skin hydration
- Reduce facial lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin elasticity
- Increase collagen content in the skin dermis
Topical Collagen VS Oral Collagen Supplementation
Topical versions of collagen can be effective, however they are really only a short-term solution as they struggle to access the deeper layers of the skin.
By contrast, oral forms help deliver specific amino acids that are absorbed in the gut, which helps build collagen at the dermal layer, offering a longer term solution.
Oral supplementation helps support the skin from the inside out, offering a longer term solution.
It's important to note that collagen is only found in animal products, so unfortunately there are no vegan collagen supplement options. Be sure to always look for one that is ethically and sustainably sourced.
Healthy Chef Collagen Protein is sourced from wild-caught fish – not farmed.
Deciding if collagen is right for you
Whether you’re wanting to improve your skin health or not, it’s important to note the alarming amount of people who are deficient in this essential nutrient. Not only is collagen needed for keeping our hair, skin and nails healthy, but it’s also needed for keeping our bones, joints and muscles strong and repairing the cells in our gut lining.
For more on this subject check out this article: Collagen VS Whey: Which Protein Is Best For Your Needs.