In the quest for eternally youthful skin and healthy tresses, collagen powder is our true savior. With endless health and wellness benefits, collagen has been assuming dominance in our routines. In the skincare aisle, it holds court in the form of collagen-spiked creams, dietary supplements, chewable gummies and more. For those looking to make the most of its beauty benefits, it helps to head straight to the source with collagen powders for beauty from within. Ahead, we take a closer look at the some of the most prominent collagen benefits from head to toe:
Vogue Arabia, May 2022. Photo: Suzana Holtgrave
What benefits do you get from collagen?
As with all other buzzy beauty trends, it is perhaps natural for skeptics to wonder, “Is there any benefit in taking collagen?” If you have been looking to demystify what it can do for you, read on:
Collagen benefits for face
The anti-aging benefits of collagen powder for wrinkles are practically industry lore, but here’s a quick refresher:
- Stripped to its bare basics, collagen can be most simply described as one of the most abundant proteins in the human body that lends elasticity and support to the skin, nails, hair and joints.
- However, as we age, the collagen production of our body takes a dip, which causes age-related signs to show up on the face, such as wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
- If you are looking to tighten loose facial muscles, the consumption of collagen powders has been proven to improve skin elasticity, retain moisture and fortify the density of the collagen fibers that exist within the skin.
Morning get up & glow, Vital Proteins
Collagen benefits for hair
- If you have been wondering how does collagen benefit hair, the answer is simple: much like its skincare benefits, collagen for hair can serve as a steady guard to ward off age-related signs, such as hair thinning and graying.
- How does it get the job done? The dermis is a layer of the skin that contains the root of each individual hair and collagen constitutes 70% of this layer.
- The daily consumption of collagen supplements has been found to improve skin elasticity and maintain a healthy dermis, thereby leading to better hair growth.
- Its antioxidant properties, meanwhile, help slow down the graying of hair with age.
Multi collagen protein + sleep support, Ancient Nutrition
Collagen benefits for skin and nails
- While collagen’s benefits for skin health are widely documented, it also bodes good news for weak, brittle nails.
- The role that it plays in nail health was decisively proven with a study that discovered the oral intake of collagen was linked to improved nail growth, clinical improvement in brittle nails and reduced density of broken nails.
True collagen powder, Ancient Brave
Collagen benefits for liver
- Beyond cosmetic benefits for the skin, hair and nails, collagen also plays a crucial role in maintaining the functioning of the entire body.
- For those looking to boost the health of their liver, common measures include opting for an alcohol and sugar detox, regular exercise and consuming a healthy diet loaded with leafy greens.
- Collagen can further aid these efforts with its potent supply of glycine, an amino acid that can help reduce liver damage and maintain its health in the long term.
Collagen peptides, Vital Proteins
Benefits of collagen powder for joints
- The same role that collagen plays as a ‘glue’ for the skin, hair and nails also extends to joint support.
- As the body’s natural reserves of collagen decline with age, its oral consumption can further fortify joint health by stimulating the tissues that produce collagen.
- Beyond alleviating joint stiffness, the role of collagen peptides for muscle recovery is another benefit to consider. Athletes are known to rely on collagen peptides for strengthening ligaments and boosting mobility.
- Furthermore, collagen can also aid gut health by soothing inflamed tissues and warding off digestive imbalances.
Super collagen peptides, Neocell
Does collagen increase weight?
- A common concern with weight watchers before adding any new supplement to their diet is to clarify whether it can impact their health goals.
- The good news is that collagen can, in fact, contribute to weight loss—albeit in an indirect way.
- By promoting feelings of satiety, it can keep unchecked cravings and binge-eating at bay. Research is also ongoing to determine how it can help impact the way that the body stores fat.
Does collagen help you heal faster?
- While collagen can help reduce muscle soreness after a grueling workout, it can also play a larger hand in wound healing.
- By acting as a scaffolding for wounds, warding off bacterial infections and rebuilding cartilage at the site of the wound, it can help ease the body’s journey to recover.
Types of collagen: Which one should you choose?
- The human body consists of 29 different varieties of collagen that lend support and elasticity to the skin, hair, nails, bones and ligaments.
- While its reserves decline with age, it can be fortified with a healthy diet featuring bone broth, fish with the skin on and egg whites.
- If you are looking for an additional nudge in the right direction, collagen can also be consumed orally in several forms: pills, capsules, gummies and powder supplements.
- Collagen supplements assume a leg-up over the competition given their easy-to-digest nature and flavors.
- So, what is the healthiest collagen to take? While the answers may depend on individual lifestyles and preferences, adding collagen peptide powder to your everyday diet serves as an easy way to boost skin, hair and nail health.
Collagen super powder, Beauty Pie
- While finding the right supplement for yourself, it helps to factor in collagen sources (e.g. bovine collagen and marine collagen).
- Marine collagen is derived from fish—such as wild cod that is not at the risk of being endangered—and is counted among its most bioavailable sources.
- Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is a form of protein that is primarily derived from cowhides and has a lower absorption rate than its marine counterpart.
Armed with all the information that you need to know on collagen powder, healthy skin, hair and nails undoubtedly lie in wait ahead.
