Collagen is the most abundant protein present in the human body. It is found in bones, skin, tendons, and muscles.

It is also a popular supplement and in many beauty products that claim to improve the health of your skin, improve skin elasticity, increase blood flow of the skin, reduce wrinkles and signs of aging.

But is it all TRUE?

If you are reading this blog, there might be many questions in your mind about collagen supplements and why their demand is increasing tremendously.

Let's discuss some commonly asked questions:-

Why are Collagen Products and Supplements Used?

You might know that as the body ages, it starts to lose collagen. By the age of 40, your body can lose 1% of collagen each year.

Other than age -  diet, smoking, use of alcohol, and sun exposure can also cause collagen loss.

The loss of collagen is the reason why your skin begins to wrinkle as you age. It also affects the strength of your joints, bones, and more.

Knowing the important functions of collagen on the skin and body, it’s not surprising that collagen supplements are becoming increasingly popular. According to a study in 2019, a collagen supplement was found to improve skin hydration, elasticity, roughness and density of the skin.

 Many people use collagen supplements to assist in wound healing, reducing signs of aging, help with preventing bone loss, for hair and nail health and improving muscle mass.

What are the Forms of Collagen Used in Supplements?

There are various types of collagen supplements available on the market, with the most common being:-

·      Hydrolyzed Collagen

This is the most common form and is readily absorbed in the body as compared to other types. It is mostly sold in the form of capsules and powder. The powder form can be placed in hot or cold beverages or soup. A summary of the various studies are below:

According to a 2019 article taking 2.5 to 15g of hydrolyzed collagen is safe and effective for your body.

According to another 2014 study, 2.5g collagen dosage can benefit skin health, joint pain, and hydration.

A 2019 study performed by Konig et al showed that a 5g dose of collagen supplement per day increased the bond mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with primary, age-related reduction in their BMD.

Likewise, a randomised controlled trial showed that collagen peptide supplementation can improve muscle mass and body composition in elderly men.

·      Undenatured Collagen

Undenatured collagen has been found to assist in improving joint health.

Collagen pills contain powder form of collagen in them, which are consumed as a capsule of collagen with a glass of water.

·      Gelatin

Gelatin is a cooked form of collagen that is usually derived from animal sources. Gelatin is usually added as an ingredient in gelatinous desserts as well as added to soups, smoothies, and other food items. However, research on dosage recommendations is limited.

You can follow the serving size listed on the package before using the product.

Are There Any Side Effects of Collagen Supplements?

Collagen is usually considered a safe supplement for daily usage, and most people do not experience any side effects. However, some reports have shown symptoms like the unpleasant taste, stomachache, and feeling of fullness.

Are Collagen Topical Skincare Products Good for Your Skin?

For creams, serums, and makeup, collagen has become a strong marketing tool to draw people into health supplements. However, though these creams hydrate the skin, it is not possible for collagen to penetrate the skin because collagen is a huge molecule that stays on the surface of the skin and cannot be absorbed.

When topically applied, it is not possible for collagen to cross the skin barrier, which is why we use other actives to increase collagen production.

Which leads us to the question……

How Can You Use Collagen to Help Your Skin?

So when you know that creams and serum are not the way to maximize collagen benefits. The question is, what is the best way to support your collagen production?

The answer to this is that when the collagen supplement is hydrolyzed, the collagen is broken down, which makes it easier to absorb.

The broken-down collagen (peptides) can travel through the body and support natural collagen production.

A randomised controlled trial in 2014, showed that the oral supplementation of collagen peptides can result in higher skin elasticity in elderly women. There was an improvement in skin moisture but this was not statistically significant. Importantly, no side effects were noted in the study.

Is there anything you can do topically to improve your collagen?

Well, yes! There are topical actives that are found in skincare products that can improve collagen stimulation. Examples of topical active skincare ingredients that can stimulate collagen production include; Retinol/retinoids, Vitamin C and Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid.

So there you have it - Collagen and its effects on skin in a Nut Shell!