Is it possible that drinkable collagen could be the key to healthier looking skin? Although the idea sounds a little outlandish, sippable collagen is actually part of a growing trend of liquid beauty supplements that seek to promote overall wellness from the inside out.
These products have been popular in Asia for many years, where liquid “beauty elixirs†are used to promote healthy looking skin and are believed to help maintain a youthful look. However, this trend has only recently been adopted in North America, and perhaps has been influenced by the popularity of juicing, or more specifically, the idea of gaining nutrients from a liquid. As a result, many beauty companies now produce drinkable beauty supplements, and as people become increasingly aware of the connection between nutrition and skincare, supplements are used to support overall health and promote a healthy glow from within.
Why is Collagen Important?
While we may associate collagen with plastic surgery and lip injections, it’s actually an important protein in the body that helps to bind cells together and promotes skin elasticity. It’s also what helps give your skin a fresh, youthful appearance, so it’s no surprise that many people are constantly searching for ways to maintain healthy levels.
As we age, the collagen in our bodies starts to break down, starting at a drop of about 1% a year in our mid-twenties and ending with an average 30% drop post-menopause. While this is a natural process, it can also contribute to thinner skin that’s prone to sagging or drying.
So Why Sip?
One of the advantages of drinking collagen, rather than applying it topically, is that your body gets the building blocks it needs to produce new collagen. While topical products can potentially support production, it is only if your body already has the necessary amino acids to put together the correct molecules. With a drinkable supplement, your body is able to get those amino acids necessary for production.
However, this doesn’t mean that all collagen supplements are created equal. When looking for a drinkable supplement, make sure to choose one with hydrolyzed peptides (these are the amino acids that help form new collagen) since they are small and are easily absorbed. There are also 28 kinds of collagen in the body, so you should look for supplements with type I and III, since those are the types that are primarily used to support healthy looking skin.
What Research Says
In a recent study, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that women who added collagen peptide drinks to their daily diets experienced positive effects. The researchers wrote that it “significantly increased skin hydration after 8 weeks of intake. The collagen density in the dermis significantly increased and the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network significantly decreased already after 4 weeks of supplementation. Both effects persisted after 12 weeks,†which suggests that the effects of drinking collagen may be long-lasting. (source)
3 Drinkable Collagen Supplements We Love
While there are a variety of drinkable supplements available today, we’ve picked a few of our favorites. These products are all made with natural ingredients and can be added to water, juice, or smoothies.
Reserveage Collagen Replenish
This adorably packaged supplement not only supports healthier looking skin — it also contains bioactive collagen peptides and vitamin C to promote ongoing health. It’s also flavorless, so it dissolves easily in water or juice. Read more here!
NeoCell Beauty Infusion in Cranberry Cocktail
NeoCell’s refreshing, cranberry-flavored drink mix offers 6,000mg of collagen I and III in every serving, and also includes biotin to support healthy hair and nails. Simply add a scoop of Beauty Infusion to a glass of water and enjoy. Learn more here!
Allergy Research Group Arthred Collagen Formula
Arthred Collagen Formula not only supports healthy looking skin, it also supports joint health and may promote connective tissue health. This flavorless powder is perfect to add to smoothies, or in water or juice. Read more here!
We’d love to hear what you think of the “drinkable beauty” trend! Have you tried a drinkable supplement? Share your story in the comments!
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