If you closely follow beauty and anti-aging industry trends, chances are you’ve heard about collagen supplements and remedies that promise youthful skin and to reverse the aging process.
While you should always take such sales language with a healthy dose of skepticism, the truth is there is scientific evidence that supports the collagen supplement benefits advertised by beauty product manufacturers.
Let’s take a look at the health benefits of collagen and what you can expect when taking collagen supplements, including a quick review of the types of collagen products available.
Contents
What Is Collagen?
Before we can get into the details regarding how collagen can improve your health, it is essential to explain what collagen is and its role in our bodies.
Collagen is a protein, but not just any protein. It’s the most abundant protein in the human body.
To better understand collagen’s role in the human body, think of it as a binding substance that connects all bones and tissues, making it an essential part of our skin, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Over 80% of human skin consists of collagen and helps determine the shape of our internal organs.
Unfortunately, collagen production slows down by the time we reach our mid-30s.
On average, human skin loses 1% of its collagen every year after reaching this age, which is why most people start noticing wrinkles and their skin losing elasticity around this time.
The good news is that scientists, in cooperation with health and beauty companies, have been working on supplements that could help slow down this process and improve your overall health as you age.
Related Article: What is the best wrinkle cream on the market?
What Are the Benefits of Taking Collagen?
Due to a diverse role in our bodies, collagen can influence our health in various ways. The benefits of collagen supplements vary depending on the condition/part of the body the supplement is targeting.
The most common forms of collagen products are collagen pills and powders.
The benefits of collagen powders are that they mix easily, while the benefits of collagen pills are in their convenience and pre-measured dosage.
Collagen benefits for men and women also tend to vary. Additionally, products like creams and topicals containing collagen are available, as well.
It is important to note that the natural collagen our bodies produce is not available in supplements. Collagen is a large and complex molecule that can’t be absorbed by the body through ingestion or skin application.
Most supplements and products use collagen peptides, which are much easier for our bodies to absorb.
What are the benefits of collagen peptides? They mimic the health benefits of natural collagen.
The actual benefits of supplements and other collagen products might vary, depending on the manufacturer and their production process.
Collagen Benefits for Skin
The first thing we think of when someone mentions collagen is skin since collagen is a major building block of youthful and healthy skin.
Skin is also the first place you will notice the lack of collagen as you age.
Collagen and elastin are the two proteins that make sure that our skin stays smooth and full to touch and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Taking collagen to promote skin health will result in less dryness, noticeable skin hydration, and a significant reduction in wrinkle depth.
In fact, a study done in 2015 by MINERVA Research Labs in London discovered that just nine weeks of oral collagen supplementation could reduce wrinkle depth by 5 to 8% and produce a statistically relevant improvement in elasticity and hydration levels.
However, age is not the only factor in the decline of collagen in the skin. Excessive exposure to the sun, an unhealthy diet, or smoking are all significant factors that can negatively affect collagen production.
Collagen supplements and products can improve your skin’s condition by building more elasticity, making the signs of aging and wrinkles less visible, providing a more youthful appearance.
To maintain these benefits and results, keep taking the supplements. They don’t stimulate new collagen production–they replace it.
Collagen Benefits for Hair
As collagen production in the body decreases, hair begins to lose its silky texture and signature shine. Over time, it also becomes less elastic and easier to damage.
One of the health benefits of collagen peptides found in supplements is that they can bring back the texture of your hair. Your hair will begin to shine again, and the growth rate and its elasticity will improve.
However, it may take a while for the supplements to show results and your hair to recover fully.
Collagen Benefits for Joints
Among other benefits of collagen, it also plays a vital role as a connective substance found in joints, tendons, and ligaments. Without collagen, the contact between bones without cushioning would result in unbearable pain.
Collagen powder and pills benefits include improved flexibility in the joints and a decrease in pain levels. For those who are young and still have healthy joints, it can result in improved athletic performance.
Collagen for a Healthy Heart
Collagen is vital for a healthy heart and other internal organs. Itensuresyour blood vessels are strong and flexible enough to endure the daily strain you put on them.
Collagen is also responsible for coating the inside walls of the same vessels, allowing for the smooth texture of the blood vessels and preventing potential clogs that might lead to deadly heart conditions.
Taking collagen supplements could help you minimize the risk of cardio-related diseases and disorders. In addition, collagen supplements can stimulate muscle growth, leading to gained mass and strength.
This benefit can also make your skin look firmer and reduce sagging.
Enjoy the Many Benefits of Collagen
At Pierre Michel Beauty, we believe a healthy lifestyle and quality products are keys to better skin—and a better life.
If you’re interested in trying collagen products and supplements, we’ve carefully curated a list of top-quality options. Have a look at our reviews.
