Why Collagen is a Must in Your Beauty Routine
As the most plentiful protein in the body, collagen can be found in everything from blood, to bones, cartilage to joints, tendons, and muscles. It is also the protein that gives our skin strength and elasticity, so considering the skin is around 70% collagen, it’s easy to understand why collagen has become a key ingredient in so many beauty products and supplements.
In our mid-20s onward, the collagen which our body naturally produces slowly starts to diminish. As we continue to age, we lose about 1-2% of our bodies collagen each year. Factors such as prolonged sun exposure and UVA rays, in particular, can damage the collagen fibres that support our skin as they penetrate deep into the dermis where the collagen and elastin live. Pollution and cigarette smoke also contributes to the break down of collagen, leading to premature aging and wrinkles, resulting in our skins structural integrity being compromised.
“What’s the best way to use collagen in my beauty routine?”
Well, there are many trends and products that have hit the market in recent years, but which ones really work? There are plenty of cosmetic products such as collagen enriched serums and creams that claim to fill wrinkles, firm the skin and reverse age topically when in fact there is no scientific evidence that suggests this can possibly be achieved as a long-term effect as the collagen molecule is simply too big to penetrate the outer layer of the skin. Though these products may give your skin slight glow depending on the quality, that’s as far its benefits are expected to go.
Edible collagen supplements, on the other hand, are designed to increase your body’s natural collagen production. Hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides are the most effective way to deliver vital amino acids to the fibroblasts that live in the dermal layer of your skin where your collagen is produced. Studies have shown that regularly ingesting hydrolysed collagen can support overall skin health and combat the effects of aging. It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, increase skin hydration and smoothness, and support skin elasticity.
“How can I add collagen to my beauty routine?”
A simple way to boost your skin’s natural collagen production is by adding collagen powder to your beauty routine. For a beauty based approach, Marine collagen is your best option as it has a very low molecular weight which makes it more absorbable. Despite being sourced from fish, marine collagen has no fishy smell or taste and can be consumed with plain water or be added to coffee, tea or juices and won’t affect the taste or smell of food.
Learn more about Nutraviva
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Written by Bruno Rossitt, Founding CEO Nutraviva, BEd(PhysEd)
