...and do I need it in my face cream or my coffee?
I am a big believer in Collagen and using supplements to help give my body a boost when needed. Here are a few facts and details for you to consider as you navigate your way through the overload of products on the shelves!
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It's the main component of connective tissue which makes up tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin & muscles.
Facts about Protein & Collagen
The protein from food is broken down in our body into smaller molecules called amino acids. These amino acids are the building blocks of cells, tissue and organs in the body.
There are 9 essential amino acids that our body needs but cannot produce on its own. These must be obtained from the food we eat.
Collagen peptides in creams are too large to penetrate the skin's layers!
Collagen supplements usually only supply 8 of these 9 essential amino acids. There are some products that have all 9, however the quantity is relatively small to make a big difference.
Leucine is the elusive essential amino acid and the one necessary for building muscle. So if you are lifting weights and want to increase lean muscle mass, a protein powder with a higher leucine content is worth considering, rather than a collagen supplement.
The good news is that collagen supplements are excellent for skin tone & elasticity as the skin's middle layer is made up of collagen and elastin fibers.
Collagen makes the skin firm and resilient, while the elastin keeps it flexible. Yay 😁 - all the things we love! :-)
What affects Collagen production in the body?
Age! yes, that's correct! Our ability to produce collagen and elastin diminishes as we age, causing our skin to become thinner and prone to sagging & wrinkles! It also affects digestion and joints.
Sun Damage - we can't turn back the clock and erase all those glorious sun-baking days, however, what we do now really matters. Use sunscreen everyday of at least 30+ SPF. Even if you don't think you'll be outside - it's a good habit to get into.
Smoking - deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients which affects skin tone, plus the chemicals in tobacco smoke degrade collagen and elastin.
Alcohol - is dehydrating and can cause your skin to look more wrinkled. It also depletes Vit A in the body, which speeds up collagen loss.
Caffeine - can affect collagen in the body by inhibiting the enzyme prolidase which is needed for collagen synthesis. Studies show that this inhibiting affect increases with higher caffeine intake. So much for adding collagen peptides to my morning coffee.
Stress - affects everything in the body!! The stress hormone cortisol inhibits the production of collagen & elastin and accelerates skin sagging & wrinkles. Bring on that Day Spa!
What Collagen supplement is best?
Firstly, you need to know about some of the different collagens in your body.
Approximately 90% of collagen in the body is Type I and found in skin, tissue, tendons and organs.
Next most abundant is Type II, which is found in cartilage. Type III is found in bone marrow and Type V found in hair and cell surfaces.
Since there are so many Collagen supplements on the market, before buying and using one, you need to know WHY you are using it and what area of the body you are targeting.
Type I: best for anti-aging, anti-wrinkles, skin hydration & gut health
Type II: improves overall joint health
Type III: improves muscle structure and growth
Type V: helps skin, hair & cornea of eyes
Type X: improves cartilage in joints of the shoulders, hips, elbows & knees.
I prefer to use a Multi-Collagen so it covers many areas in the body at once.
Look for a collagen that is hydrolyzed. This means the protein is broken down into smaller amino acid chains and is more readily used by the body.
GMO-free, grass-fed, pasture-raised and wild-caught sources are also important. It's always good to know where and what the brands are getting their collagen from!!!
Collagen supplements with added Vitamin C are the best!
Vitamin C is needed to help your body use collagen! If your collagen supplement doesn't have it, then you could eat more Vit-C-containing foods with your collagen or add a Vit-C supplement.
Some collagen supplements have added Hyaluronic Acid - this is a good thing for skin plumpness and hydration. Hyaluronic acid in your beauty serums or creams is also great for hydration. Collagen in your creams isn't as good or worth the money in my opinion. The collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, so you may feel hydrated from the cream but it won't boost collagen production from within.
Added Biotin is another one to look for! Biotin helps with skin hydration, hair & nails.
Not sure where to start?
Terranics Multi Collagen - I'm currently using this one in smoothies. Flavourless.
Vital Proteins Marine Collagen - Excellent for skin, hair & nails! Top anti-ageing collagen.
Live Conscious Beyond Collagen - with added biotin & Vit C. Popular brand and following!
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Disclaimer: As always, please do your own research before trying something new. My blog is my personal opinion from nutritional study, research and experience. I only make suggestions on products I have purchased, used and enjoyed their benefits. Some products may have purchasing links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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