The exact products you need to get radiant skin, healthier hair and nails, naturally.
The benefits of collagen for our health, especially for our skin, are well-proven. And it's not just a fad to try to counteract natural aging. Here, we explain why this structural protein is so popular today, what types of collagen exist, and why it's so important to invest in supplementation.
But first of all, what is collagen?
Collagen is a family of proteins of animal origin, naturally occurring and found abundantly throughout the body. As a structural protein, it is often considered the "glue" that helps hold the body together.
Collagen's role in the body is both simple and complex (at the cellular level): it provides elasticity to the skin, delays certain signs of aging, and maintains the integrity of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, allowing them to be more elastic and resistant to stretching. In fact, we know that there are at least 28 types of collagen in vertebrates—yes, us included!—with types I, II, and III being the most common in the human body.
When it comes to skin, type I collagen is the main one. It represents 80% to 90% of the skin's collagen. It's produced by cells called fibroblasts, a type of mesenchymal cell found predominantly in the dermis. It can be found in both marine and bovine collagen supplements.
What causes collagen loss?
We produce our own internal supply of collagen through the fibroblasts in our cells (assuming, of course, that they have the necessary amino acids and other nutritional building blocks). This natural collagen production is done by the body throughout life, as are other natural substances produced by our bodies.
However, several factors can cause the body to lose this substance. Generally, collagen declines with age , and its natural endogenous levels can also be reduced by environmental factors and stressors, such as sun damage and high-sugar diets .
The two main layers that make up the skin are the epidermis and the dermis. The dermis contains fibroblasts (cells that produce elastin and collagen). For skin to function normally and appear youthful, the structure of the dermis layer must be maintained. But as we age, the structure suffers because aging fibroblasts produce less collagen . This results in signs of aging, such as sagging and fine lines, which are usually more prominent on the face.
What type of collagen for skin should I choose in a supplement?
Hydrolyzed collagen type I is preferred, at a dosage that can vary from 2.5 to 10 g per day depending on age. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream and body than normal-sized collagen molecules.
And when we talk about skin, is Verisol Collagen the best?
Verisol® collagen is a clinically proven form of hydrolyzed type I and type III collagen peptides (the most common in skin), which are important components for maintaining healthy skin. Administered orally, Verisol® collagen influences the skin's collagen metabolism, improving hydration and elasticity , and delaying wrinkle formation .
Collagen Natural Verisol 150g - Auri
Benefits for the skin with the intake of Collagen:
Maintains and promotes skin hydration - Regular use of collagen supplements improves skin moisture levels, keeping it more hydrated compared to people who do not take them.
They promote the skin's natural production of collagen and elastin - As collagen production declines, collagen supplementation can help support the body's natural production.
Research shows that collagen peptides present in supplements such as Verisol® collagen are capable of improving skin elasticity and dermal collagen density.
Softens the appearance of fine wrinkles - Likely due to a combination of the above factors, research shows that collagen can improve skin elasticity and potentially make fine wrinkles appear smaller. In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, it was found that when a small group of women took a collagen supplement also formulated with hyaluronic acid and several other active compounds, they experienced significant improvement and smoother wrinkles .
But there's more!
Collagen also brings benefits to hair and nails
Provides essential ingredients for hair, potentially improving scalp health.
Our hair is mainly composed of a protein called keratin , which gives strength to the strands .
Although it's often overlooked, the scalp is actually part of your skin. An inflamed scalp leads to hair problems like thinning and brittle hair.
Improves nail health, reducing brittleness.
Along the same lines of skin and hair health, a study indicates that when patients took collagen daily for 24 weeks, it helped them maintain nail health , improved growth, less brittle nails, and improved appearance.
Other substances that are beneficial for the skin in a collagen product:
Many collagen supplements contain only collagen. But some take a more holistic approach, including synergistic, complementary, and bioactive nutrients. Here's why some of the most common ones are added to your collagen powder:
Vitamins C and E:
Vitamin C plays an essential role in collagen production and is a vital molecule for skin health. It has the ability to reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, age spots, and more.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage.
Vitamins C and E are known antioxidant nutrients that scavenge free radicals and combat oxidative stress to help maintain healthy skin and gut health. They also promote overall healthy aging.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is another molecule found in the skin that works to keep it plump and well-hydrated. It fills the spaces between cells. While it's certainly most famous for its skin benefits, the molecule also keeps joints and other tissues well-lubricated. Unfortunately, like collagen, its production declines as we age. Ingestible forms of HA have been shown to improve skin hydration .
Biotin
Biotin belongs to the B vitamin group and is also known as vitamin B7. It maintains healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.
Biotin is believed to promote healthy hair growth because it is involved in the production of keratin, the main component of hair.
Active Procollagen Plus 360g - Salengei
How long does it take to notice effects on the skin?
According to research, to achieve the described skin benefits, we need to take it for 12 consecutive weeks. However, it depends on each individual's individuality. This study found that patients who took a collagen supplement experienced increased skin elasticity, hydration, and density.
Another found that respondents experienced smoother skin texture. This study measured skin-related outcomes (such as hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles) at six and 12 weeks, with significant results in the latter.
Some studies suggest you may see results sooner. This study found a statistically significant increase in skin elasticity within four weeks.* Another suggests even greater results within eight weeks.
Collagen powder or tablets—are there any differences? Powder is more advantageous, as absorption is faster and a larger amount of collagen can be administered.
"And remember, invest in your skin. It will represent you for many, many years!"
Whole Body Collagen Powder 390g - Designs for Health
