Collagen Supplements: Are They Worth The Hype?

Collagen Supplements Are They Worth The Hype? 

One question I’m asked a lot in the treatment room is ‘Will taking collagen supplements improve my skin?’  

The internet is flooded with celebrity & influencer endorsements it’s a minefield deciding which one is right for you and will it work anyway? There are a number of factors to look for when choosing a supplement that’s right for you but first lets’ do the science bit -  

So What Actually Is Collagen? 

Collagen is a major structural protein in our tissues. It's found in skin, hair, nails, tendons, cartilage, and bones. Collagen works with other substances, such as hyaluronic acid and elastin, to maintain skin elasticity, volume, and moisture. It also helps make up proteins such as keratin that form skin, hair, and nails. 

Our bodies naturally produce collagen using the amino acids from protein-rich or collagen-rich foods like bone broth, meat, and fish. But aging, sun damage, smoking, and alcohol consumption all decrease collagen production. By the age of 30 your skin is already missing 10% of the collagen it once had and this continues to decline each year. Which can leave your skin feeling dull and flat, with fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. 

Collagen drinks and supplements often contain collagen from many different sources, such as fish, cattle, pigs, or chicken. Typically, they contain peptides, short chains of amino acids that help make up essential proteins in the body, including collagen itself and keratin. 

The Types Of Collagen 

Collagen Type 1 

Most collagen in the body is type 1. Collagen type 1 is what we mostly refer to when we talk about collagen, and it’s responsible for many of collagen benefits like firmer skin, stronger nails, and healthier hair. 

Collagen Type 2 

Collagen type 2 is what is usually found in cartilage and so is especially good for our joints. It supports the skeleton so that we can move effectively and recover well. Collagen type 2 is something to think about if you are particularly active and want to maximise your activity and recovery. 

Collagen Type 3 

Lastly, collagen type 3 is the second most prevalent collagen type in the body. It is present in bone marrow and helps keep muscles, organs, and arteries healthy. 

So Will Taking A Supplement Work For Me? 

To be completely honest with you there isn’t enough clinical evidence to prove that ingesting collagen  tablets, powders or drinks will make a difference in skin, hair, or nails. Our bodies cannot absorb collagen in its whole form. To enter the bloodstream, it must be broken down into peptides so it can be absorbed through the gut. 

These peptides may be broken down further into the building blocks that make proteins like keratin that help form skin, hair, and nails. Or the peptides may form collagen that gets deposited in other parts of the body, such as cartilage, bone, muscles, or tendons. Thus far, no human studies have clearly proven that collagen you take orally will end up in your skin, hair, or nails. 

If your goal is to improve skin texture and elasticity and minimize wrinkles, then having regular collagen induction therapy facials also known as micro needling and focus on wearing SPF every single day. These methods are dermatologist approved. 

However saying this there is no harm in giving your body that extra boost with a supplement, your body will take what it needs and direct it to the area in need.  

There are a few supplements that I have tried and tested and would recommend, click here for more information.