The Proven Collagen Benefits for Skin

2.1.2020 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

Are you looking for a solution to keep your skin healthy and prevent aging? Join the club!

It’s amazing how many people are trying to stave off the effects of age. Skin care has grown to a global industry worth over 141 billion US dollars, and that number will rise to nearly 190 billion by 2025.

Myriad creams, lotions, serums, tighteners, plumpers, fillers, and moisturizers are being sold in droves to people desperate to keep their skin from wrinkling, sagging, and aging.

But what if there was a simple solution that didn’t require a complex regimen of beauty products? What if a single supplement could do wonders to stave off aging skin?

Enter collagen, a protein that is absolutely integral to your skin health and crucial for slowing skin aging.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at not only what collagen is, but answer the question “what does collagen do for the skin?” We’ll fully explore both the skin benefits of collagen and its side effects.

Finally, we’ll share with you simple strategies to boost collagen in your skin to naturally protect it against aging—not only taking collagen supplements, but other solutions worth exploring.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is one of the proteins found in your bones, skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It provides elasticity and keeps your skin tight, preventing wrinkles, age lines, and sagging.

Your body’s collagen production is at its peak during your teenage and young adult years. But it decreases as you age.

However, decreased collagen production is a common side effect of growing older. The less collagen proteins your body produces, the faster you’ll begin to show signs of skin aging.

Key Collagen Benefits for Skin Health

Below, you can see the positive effects of collagen on the human skin physiology.

Creates New Cells

Collagen is needed for the production of fibroblasts, which help your dermis to produce new skin cells. Without collagen, production of new skin cells slows down significantly.

Aging causes this slowdown in skin cell production, which in turn leads to wrinkled, sagging, and dry skin. 

Increases Skin Elasticity

Collagen forms a “scaffold” that serves as the structure for your skin. It holds your skin cells together, but also maintains skin elasticity and strength.

Taking collagen for skin tightening will also make it more resilient against damage.

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

A lack of collagen causes the “scaffolding” of your skin to weaken and the skin itself to lose elasticity. When this happens, wrinkles and fine lines begin to form.

Wrinkles are a common side effect of UV radiation exposure, air pollutants, and smoking. Wrinkles in your face form as a result of facial muscles and expressions wearing little grooves into your skin. Without enough collagen, your skin is unable to snap back, and the decrease in flexibility is what causes wrinkles to form.

Increasing your collagen intake, therefore, can help to reverse this problem. Restoring your skin’s elasticity will reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

Improve Skin Hydration

A lack of protein—including collagen—in your skin can lead to dehydration of your skin. Dehydration can further deteriorate existing proteins and accelerate the breakdown of the skin structure, leading to faster signs of aging (including wrinkles and sagging).

Sufficient intake of proteins like collagen can increase skin hydration, which in turn protects the skin structure against deterioration.

Improve Skin Texture and Firmness

Collagen holds together the cells of your skin, playing an important role in its texture. Without collagen, your skin begins to sag and droop, losing its firmness along with its elasticity and flexibility.

Taking collagen for loose skin can reverse this deterioration and tighten your skin.

Research Supporting Oral Collagen Supplementation

One study conducted in 2015 [1] involved two placebo-controlled trials that assessed the viability of collagen peptides used in nutricosmetic products. Administered orally, these supplements were intended to provide the body with the collagen peptides needed to produce skin collagen.

The supplements were taken daily, and the results examined closely using high-resolution ultrasound, detailed microscopy, and corneometry to measure skin hydration. Human skin explants were taken for closer study of the extracellular matrix components to determine the presence of collagen peptides after taking the supplement.

According to the research, just 8 weeks of supplementation yielded results the study labeled “significant”. Skin collagen density increased, and fragmentation of the dermal collagen network decreased after just 4 weeks. Even after 12 weeks post, the results persisted.

The ex vivo examinations of the skin explants proved that collagen supplementation not only increased the production of skin collagen, but also glycosaminoglycan, another critical molecule that plays a role in healthy skin.

To quote the study’s conclusion, “oral supplementation with collagen peptides is efficacious to improve hallmarks of skin aging.”

Another study from early 2019[2] conducted a systematic review of eleven studies and more than 800 patients, examining the use of collagen supplements (collagen hydrolysate and collagen tripeptide) for all sorts of skin problems—from ulcers to cellulite to skin aging.

As the systematic review discovered based on these many studies, “Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Collagen supplementation is generally safe with no reported adverse events.”

Pretty amazing, right? One simple supplement, but it can lead to some impressive results!

If you’re looking for a way to slow skin aging, it may be worth trying a collagen supplement to help naturally increase your skin’s collagen production. The supplement might not be a “magic bullet” that will stop skin aging overnight, but it could be one more weapon in your battle to fight off aging.

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Long-Term Effects on Skin Health

Meta-analyses of the available scientific research have suggested highly favorable outcomes from daily collagen supplementation taken over the long-term.

Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen already broken down to be more easily absorbed) has been shown to decrease wrinkles, increase skin hydration, and enhance skin elasticity far beyond placebo treatments.

Prolonged use of collagen supplements can also improve overall skin health and reduce the formation of new wrinkles, blemishes, or fine lines.

Best of all, there are no serious adverse side effects associated with collagen supplementation.

Additional Ways to Boost Collagen Production

To enjoy the beauty and health benefits of collagen, you can keep in mind the tips in the next paragraphs.

Healthy Foods that Encourage Collagen Synthesis

If you’re looking to increase your collagen synthesis naturally, you can begin with eating collagen rich foods for skin health that you should add to your balanced diet.

Here are some of them:

• Vitamin C Foods, including tomatoes, citrus fruits, dark leafy greens, and green and red peppers. Your body needs Vitamin C in order to synthesize collagen.
• Zinc foods, including fortified breakfast cereals, pomegranates, beans, whole grains, and nuts. Research [3] has demonstrated that a diet rich in zinc can lead to an increase in collagen production and can accelerate wound healing following trauma or damage to the skin.
• Copper foods, including dark chocolate, legumes, dried fruits, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, spirulina, and molasses. Copper is a co-factor needed by your body to produce lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that plays a role in the synthesis of collagen.

Not only will all these foods increase healthy collagen production, but they will contribute to healthier skin and connective tissue too. They’re a crucial part of a healthy diet!

Dietary Supplements

Dietary collagen supplements may be a good option to consider if you’re trying to increase your collagen intake.

One meta-analysis looked at the data of 19 medical studies [4] and found “favorable results of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation compared with placebo in terms of skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles”. It concluded that collagen supplements were effective at slowing down skin aging and improving skin hydration, tone, and overall health.

In particular, research showed collagen supplements containing two specific collagen peptides, prolyl- hydroxyprolyl-glycine and hydroxyproline, led to more visible improvements in facial skin health and tone [5].

The collagen peptide supplements can enhance the proliferation and production of new skin cells while also improving the efficiency of dermal fibroblasts. The data collected in this study proved that oral collagen peptide supplementation had a marked improvement on skin roughness, wrinkles, elasticity, and skin moisture.

Proper Skin Care

Proper skin care involves the application of antioxidants to slow down UV-generated skin damage, as well as sunscreen and UV protection to stop solar radiation and excessive sun exposure from damaging your skin.

Add retinoids into your skin care to increase the production of collagen naturally, and make sure to get plenty of Vitamins C and E, both of which are critical for healthy skin.

You can also use collagen skin care products (i.e., creams) to infuse the collagen directly into your skin where it’s most needed. Using collagen for skin care can lead to noticeable improvements in skin tone and tightness.

Research [6] suggests that hyaluronic acid (often found in skincare products) may also improve skin health by increasing collagen production.

But even the simple act of washing your skin can do wonders to improve skin health. Washing eliminates excess skin oils, dead skin cells, and other impurities that may form on the surface of your skin.

To properly wash your skin, do the following:

• Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that will get rid of dirt or grime without irritating your skin or stripping away crucial skin oils.
• Use warm or lukewarm water to wash and rinse. Hot water may cause skin dryness.
• Use your fingertips to gently massage the cleanser into your skin. Avoid scrubbing or exerting too much pressure.
• Pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel. Rubbing or scrubbing can damage your skin.
• Moisturize as needed. Pay attention to your skin tone and texture, and use a moisturizer (rich in Vitamins C and E) to replenish any oils that may have been eliminated in the wash.

Wash your skin first thing in the morning, after sweating heavily (such as at the gym or at work), and just before bed. Frequent washing will keep your face clean and clear of germs, dirt, and grime without drying it out or stripping necessary skin oils.

Epidermis Resurfacing Techniques

Chemical peels, light-based skin rejuvenation, and other skin “resurfacing” procedures can help to remove the top layers of damaged skin and promote better health of the skin layers beneath.

While these procedures can be invasive and must be considered with care (and a doctor’s advice) before undergoing them, they can be a solution for restoring and rejuvenating skin that has begun to show signs of aging.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) increases the levels of critical hormones like IGF-1, HGH, TSH, melatonin, DHEA, thyroid hormones, and testosterone and estrogens.

For those who are aging, the natural decline in the production of these hormones can lead to extrinsic signs of aging—including skin health decline. Replacement of these hormones may lead to rejuvenated skin.

If you want to live a long, happy life, that’s free of painful diseases, you need to keep your body in “cell repair mode” for as long as possible. Our Restore Life formula supports boosting your longevity and restoring your youthful glow, both inside and out. It is the only product in the world that is specifically designed to “switch off your aging button.”

Click here to learn more about Restore Life and its 7 multi-purpose ingredients that have antioxidant properties, boost your collagen production, make your skin look more youthful and wrinkle-free, and help reduce the biological age of your cells.

Conclusion: Integrating Collagen Supplements for Youthful Skin

By now, you’ve seen a great deal of evidence proving just how useful collagen can be to reinvigorate dry, flaking, sagging, or wrinkling skin. But not only that, it can also slow or even reverse skin aging.

Your first step toward healthier skin should be to incorporate more collagen-rich foods into your diet. Pick and choose from the list of foods we shared above and add at least one of them into every meal.

But consider taking it a step farther by adding collagen supplements, too. Consult your doctor before adding them into your life, and pay attention to any possible side effects as they crop up.

The beneficial effects of collagen supplements for your skin are very real and may be just what you need to keep your skin healthy, fresh, and young for decades to come!

FAQs

Does collagen make skin more elastic?

Collagen provides the strength, structure, and elasticity that keeps your skin healthy. Your skin begins to sag as you age because collagen production decreases. Ingesting more collagen via supplements and natural foods can restore and maintain skin elasticity.

What is the downside of taking collagen?

Side effects of collagen supplementation may include digestive issues like nausea, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. Some people may suffer from skin breakouts or allergic reactions as a result of collagen supplements. Increased collagen intake may lead to an increased formation of kidney stones due to the high levels of the amino acid hydroxyproline in collagen that is converted into oxalate.

Which form of collagen is most effective?

Collagen found naturally in food is the most effective, especially when paired with foods rich in Vitamin C, zinc, and copper (all needed for collagen synthesis). However, the specific bioactive collagen peptides prolylhydroxyproline and hydroxyprolylglycine, found in many collagen drinks and pills, are a good dietary supplement form.

Which types of collagen are best for the skin?

The best types of collagen for skin health are Type I and Type III. Type I boosts skin strength, hydration, and reduces wrinkles, while Type III supports increased skin elasticity and firmness. Most collagen supplements use animal collagen from bovine or marine sources, rich in these types. Bone broth is also a natural source of collagen that benefits the skin.

What are some other benefits of collagen supplements?

Except for its skin anti-aging properties, collagen supplements typically have multiple other health benefits. These include improving bone health by reducing the risk of bone fractures, supporting healthy joints, and alleviating joint pain. Collagen is rich in essential amino acids that contribute to stronger, faster nail growth and can help prevent brittle nails. Additionally, collagen supplements may boost muscle mass and overall strength, making them beneficial for muscle recovery and physical performance.

Resources

Collagen

What is collagen, and why do people use it?

Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis

Collagen and the Battle Against Skin Aging

Wrinkles

Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of a Collagen Hydrolysate Enhances Postprandial Absorption Rate

Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications

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