You’ve probably seen the word collagen thrown around in skin care advertisements, but recognizing the word isn’t the same as understanding how collagen actually functions. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and can be found in the skin, bones, muscles, digestive system, and tendons. It also plays a key role in healthy aging. Read on to find out how collagen for the skin may help you reach your natural health goals!
What Is Collagen?
As mentioned above, collagen is an abundant protein found throughout the body. It’s made of amino acids, specifically glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. It’s the main component of connective tissue in both humans and animals, and it is what makes bone broth thicken after cooling. Collagen exists to strengthen and protect tissue and bone, ensuring muscles keep moving and skin is free from harmful toxins and pathogens. There are 29 unique collagens in animal proteins, but types I, II, III, XI, and V are the most abundant. Specific collagen deficiencies result in different diseases and disorders of the skin, hair, and joints.
How Collagen Supports Healthy-Looking Skin
Healthy collagen levels may support healthy aging throughout the body, which is one of the main reasons it is taken as a dietary supplement. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but as we grow older this production tapers off, leading to less skin elasticity and muscle strength. Sun damage can further deplete collagen in the skin, leading to compromised skin protection. These and other reasons are why many seek out collagen supplements to support healthy-looking skin. Check out How to Beat Dry Skin All Year Long for more skin-saving advice.
3 Ways To Use Collagen for Skin Care
Collagen supplements exist in three main forms which are: collagen powder, collagen peptides, and collagen protein. Each have different benefits and should be chosen as to best suit your unique needs and lifestyle.
Collagen Peptides
Research shows that specific collagen peptides have a positive effect on the hydration and elasticity of the skin for aging men and women. Supplemental collagen peptides are similar to the natural collagen found in the skin and bones, lending additional support for the healthy aging process.
Collagen Protein
Collagen protein supplements are naturally derived from animal collagen sources to support healthy digestion and joint strength. Most contain several types of collagen proteins for optimal support.
Collagen Powder
Collagen powder supplements often seek to naturally promote personal appearance through strengthening hair and nails and giving skin a healthy glow and natural, youthful texture. They can be stirred into water or juice to support health from the inside out.
Try These Products Containing Collagen for Skin
Natural Healthy Concepts offers a diverse selection of collagen products to support you on your journey. If you’re interested in trying collagen protein supplements, check out Multi Collagen Protein Capsules from Dr. Axe, which contain five collagen types (I, II, III, V, and X) as well as ashwagandha and amla berry extract. For collagen peptides, try Collagen Types 1 & 3 with Peptan 500 Mg from Doctor’s Best. Each capsule contains pure collagen with collagen peptides that are bioactive and identical to the collagen found in human bones and skin. This formula also includes vitamin C, calcium, and sodium for added health support. Also consider trying cranberry-flavored Beauty Infusion Collagen Drink Mix from NeoCell. Simply mix the powder into water for healthy-looking hair and nails.
How has collagen for skin care worked for you? Tell us about your experience below!
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Certified Nutritionist in Appleton, Wisconsin, Founder of Natural Healthy Concepts. Natural health and nutrition advocate. Enjoys gardening, biking, fitness, boating, animals (especially cats), and cooking.
