Collagen - Much more than just for your beautiful looks!

You may have seen collagen supplements on shop shelves or have heard people talking about taking them. But what exactly is collagen, and how can it help you? This blog will explore the basics of collagen and the potential benefits it has for our skin, hair, and bodies in general.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that is produced by our bodies naturally. Contributing to around one third of the human body’s total protein make up - it’s the most plentiful source of protein you’ll find within the body.

Collagen is known to be found predominantly in our skin, hair and nails. But it can actually be found all over the body too. Whether it's our tendons or our teeth - most hard and soft tissue contains some form of collagen protein.

The role of collagen in the body is to help make up the structure of and support the parts it's found in. They are essentially connective building blocks that provide structure for healthy skin, bones, joints and ligaments. For example, collagen can give strength and elasticity to our skin, and can keep our hair growing strong & thick. But its benefits go beyond helping keep our skin looking young and fresh, it has some pretty important benefits for other areas of our body too.

As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin. But don't worry - there are ways to help combat the effects of ageing! One way is by taking collagen supplements.

Our bodies produce collagen naturally, but as we get older, the production rate slows down. The effect of this is most noticeable in our skin and our joints.

From the age of 20, we start to lose collagen. By the age of 40, we lose up to 2% every single year. It is not abnormal at all to do so.

With age, the body produces much less collagen and the structural integrity of the skin declines. Wrinkles form, and joint cartilage weakens.

The benefits of collagen

With collagen playing a key role in maintaining and supporting a vast range of tissues and parts within the body. The list of benefits it brings is a long one, from youthful skin, to luscious hair, to improved joints - we’ve broken down some it’s key benefits for you here:

Healthier skin

One of the most well documented benefits of collagen is its positive effect on skin health. But what does collagen do for our skin? Collagen is the main structural protein found in the skin, so it's no surprise that it plays a key role in maintaining its health. As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness.

Collagen can support the skin by keeping it hydrated - studies show that regular collagen supplementation has the ability to improve hydration levels. Not only this, collagen supports skin elasticity and in some cases has the ability to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen supplements can help to increase collagen production, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Stronger and healthier hair & nails

Research shows that collagen has the ability to help both our nails and hair to grow stronger for longer. Specifically for our nails it can prevent breakages and improve general appearance. For our hair, it can prevent it from growing dull, dry and lifeless. Avoiding the brittleness that might come with these as we age.

Increased muscle mass

Combined with a balanced diet containing natural sources of protein and a regular exercise routine, collagen can aid in building muscle and increase lean muscle mass. Increased muscle mass isn’t just beneficial for athletes or bodybuilders, but to anyone. By building muscle mass you’re actively combating the aging process on our body’s muscular build up.

Promotes healthy joints

Joint pain is another common side effect of aging. When we're young, our bodies produce plenty of collagen to keep our joints healthy. But as we get older, that production begins to slow down—resulting in stiffer, aching joints. Once again, collagen supplements can help by increasing collagen production and reducing joint pain.

Supports gut health

Still a relatively new discovery in collagen consumption but it has been found that collagen has the ability to support digestive health by promoting anti-inflammatory responses in the gut.

Sources of Collagen

Not all collagen is the same. There are different types of collagen, which can come from different sources such as fish, beef or chicken. Additionally, collagen supplements come in different forms such as powders, tablets or liquids. It’s imperative to buy from reputable sources that have been rigorously quality tested. If you’re unsure please consult a healthcare professional.

Here's a quick rundown of the most popular sources of collagen:

● Marine Collagen: Marine collagen is derived from fish such as salmon or cod. This is a popular choice because it's easily absorbed by the body.

● Bovine Collagen: Bovine collagen comes from beef and is thought to be good for our skin & bone health.

● Chicken Collagen: Chicken collagen is a good option for those who are looking for an alternative to bovine or marine collagen.

● Dietary Supplements - Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen hydrolysate), also known as collagen peptides typically comes in powdered form which makes it easy to mix with your favourite foods/beverages. They may also come in capsules/tablets for convenience.

● Topical Supplements - Collagen is often included in many beauty products such as creams, lotions and hair products.

Should I take collagen supplements?

Collagen has the ability to benefit an array of different parts of our body. Be it our hair, skin, joints or gut - almost anyone has the ability to gain from taking collagen supplements.

The best collagen supplement usually comes down to personal preference. You can obtain it through natural sources, such as marine or bovine collagen. Due to advancements in technology for supplements, collagen is also available in different forms to suit the individual, whether it's collagen tablets/capsules or powder you can add to drinks.

Explore our high quality range of collagen supplements here. But please consult a healthcare professional if you are thinking about taking collagen supplements and you are unsure if they’re right for you.

Derived from Cod Skin sustainably sourced from the North Atlantic Ocean near Norway. These Type 1 Collagen Peptides are identical to those found in human Bones and Skin and also contain high amounts of Amino Acids to help support Ligament, Tendon, Bone, Skin and Muscle Repair.

Marine collagen (type 1) from wild caught North Atlantic fish. To ensure you won't consume any antibiotics or heavy metals that you're probably trying to avoid. With vitamin-C for better bioavailability & boosted with C8 MCT-powder.

The importance of Vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting our bodies with the production of collagen by increasing the bioavailability of the collagen.

One of the best sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits and vegetables such as peppers, oranges, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes and green peas. The cooking process can destroy some of the vitamin C content in these foods, so it would be optimal to eat them raw if possible.

Another easy and convenient way would be to take a supplement.

Our favourite brand of Liposomal Vitamin C, but now in sachets. Each box comes with 30 sachets that are easy to use and convenient. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant essential for hundreds of different processes in the body from contributing to the normal function of the immune system to improving your skin. If it ain't liposomal, it ain't worth taking.