Can collagen products really reverse the signs of ageing?
Collagen supplements have gained popularity among health enthusiasts and celebrities. Many celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Kourtney Kardashian, have endorsed the use of collagen supplements to help improve their skin, hair, and nails. Jennifer Aniston has been an advocate for collagen peptides, saying that they make her skin look plumper and more radiant. Kourtney Kardashian adds collagen powder to her morning smoothies. While the use of collagen supplements is not a guarantee for flawless skin, many people believe that it can help improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
So, what’s the truth behind the hype? Can collagen products really reverse the signs of ageing?
“Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjalie Mahto. “It forms a scaffold that gives strength, rigidity and support to the skin – gram for gram, it is stronger than steel.”
This steel, however, sags over time. “Collagen levels start to fall by approximately one per cent per year after our mid-20s,” says Mahto. This is especially true if you’re a sun-worshipper: “UV light has been shown to activate enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases [MMP]. These break down collagen and damage the skin’s support structure, making it sag or deepening wrinkles, and also have the ability to prevent new collagen production.”
How to boost the collagen in your skin?
According to dermatologist Dr. Sherene Idris collagen supplements can work wonders for the skin. Dr Idris says that a collagen supplement is essential for maintaining the health and elasticity of the skin.
Dr. Idris believes that the main benefit of taking collagen powder is that it will slow the deterioration of your collagen. Taking collagen supplements at specific points in life, such as pre-perimenopause, is also an excellent preventative action against the drop-off in skin quality that accompanies declines in oestrogen.
Dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bone, has seen her patients benefit from collagen supplementation if taken consistently. "Collagen supplements can help to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin hydration. Clinical studies have shown that ingesting collagen peptides can improve skin texture and moisture levels, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." However, she warns that taking collagen supplements once a week may not produce significant results. Clinical trials reported significant differences over a period of four weeks, taken daily.
Dr. Idris recommends collagen supplements to her patients as a way to supplement the body's natural collagen production and she has witnessed impressive results. “My patients who take collagen supplements have seen improvements in the appearance of their skin, including increased hydration, firmness, and elasticity.”
“A diet that is good for your general health will be good for your skin, but eating more collagen-rich foods is highly unlikely to have any effect on your own collagen production or levels,” says Mahto.
What type of collagen supplement is best?
When looking for collagen supplements, it is best to look for a hydrolysed marine collagen, according to Dr. Idris. This type of collagen is made from fish skin and contains lots of Type I collagen, the most abundant and important sort in human skin. It is also essential to commit to a daily routine and take the marine collagen supplements consistently to get the full benefits.
How can I incorporate marine collagen into my daily routine?
If you are looking for a high-quality collagen supplement, Rare by Nature offers powerful marine collagen capsules that contain the world's purest hydrolysed collagen. Rare by Nature source sustainable collagen from wild Arctic codfish in the Norwegian Sea. Each capsule contains 100% pure natural marine collagen, with no additives or fillers, ensuring better results than farmed collagen.
So, can collagen really reverse the signs of ageing? Collagen supplements may not be a magic solution to reverse the signs of ageing, but they can slow down the deterioration of your collagen, leading to smoother and more youthful-looking skin. When choosing a collagen supplement, it is crucial to select a hydrolysed marine collagen and commit to a daily routine to see the full benefits.
