Blog

In this beauty blog, our award-winning aesthetics and skincare expert Amish Patel shares the truth and benefits of collagen for skin and how taking a collagen supplement can boost your glow-up.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a vital and abundant protein that acts as the primary building block for our skin, as well as other connective tissues in the body, including bones, muscles, and tendons. Comprising about 75% of the skin’s structure, collagen provides support, strength, and elasticity, which are essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, typically starting in our mid-20s. This decline leads to a loss of skin firmness, sagging, and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

These areas of concern can be treated with PRP facials, 8 Point face lift, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections, but to get the most benefit out of these types of aesthetic treatments at our Longfield clinic, boosting your collagen levels through diet or supplementation pays dividends in the long-term approach to anti-ageing.

Why is Collagen Important In Anti-Ageing Skincare?

The importance of collagen for skin health cannot be overstated. It plays a critical role in maintaining skin elasticity, helping the skin to stretch and bounce back after movement. This elasticity is crucial for preventing signs of ageing, as it allows the skin to retain its shape and resist the formation of creases and folds that can develop from repetitive facial expressions or environmental factors.

Moreover, collagen contributes to the overall hydration of skin health by supporting the structure of the dermis, where moisture is retained. A well-hydrated skin barrier is essential for a radiant complexion and for protecting against external aggressors. Additionally, collagen is involved in the healing process of the skin, aiding in the repair of wounds and reducing the appearance of scars.

How Can I Increase Collagen Production?

To maximise the benefits of collagen for skin health, consider incorporating collagen-rich foods or supplements into your diet. Foods such as bone broth, fish, chicken, and various plant-based sources of protein can contribute to your collagen intake. Additionally, ensuring a diet rich in vitamins and minerals—such as Vitamin C and Zinc—can further support collagen synthesis and skin health. To support collagen production, consider nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids and help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage, further supporting collagen’s integrity. Maintaining healthy collagen levels and boosting collagen production is fundamental for keeping skin plump, youthful, and resilient against the signs of ageing.

Unfortunately, few of us regularly consume the optimum levels required through our daily diet, which is where a collagen supplement can benefit your skin and body with a measured and consistent dosage, but here are some comparisons;

Collagen-Rich Foods vs. Collagen Supplements

Collagen-Rich Foods

Natural food sources of collagen include:

• Bone Broth: Made from simmering animal bones, it is rich in collagen and amino acids.
• Chicken Skin: Contains a good concentration of collagen, especially from the connective tissues.
• Fish: Marine collagen, found in skin and scales, is easily absorbed and beneficial for skin health.

Benefits of Collagen-Rich Foods:

• They provide not only collagen but also other nutrients that support skin health, such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in collagen sources can promote overall skin health in conjunction with other nutrients, such as vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis.

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements, like powders and capsules, offer concentrated doses of collagen, making it easier to increase intake without consuming large quantities of food.

Benefits of Collagen Supplements:

• They are convenient and can be easily incorporated into daily routines.
• Supplements often contain hydrolyzed collagen, which is more bioavailable and can lead to quicker results in improving skin appearance.

What Are The Benefits of Taking A Collagen Supplement for Skin?

As explained earlier, collagen is a vital protein that plays a significant role in maintaining skin health and appearance. Here are some key benefits of collagen supplementation for the skin:

1. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

As we age, the body’s natural collagen production declines, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen supplementation can help replenish collagen levels in the skin, smoothing out these imperfections. Studies have shown that collagen peptides can stimulate the body’s own collagen production, thereby reducing the appearance of ageing.

2. Improves Skin Hydration

Collagen has been shown to enhance skin hydration by improving the skin’s barrier function. A well-hydrated skin barrier is essential for preventing moisture loss and maintaining overall skin health. This moisture retention is essential for a healthy skin barrier, which protects against environmental stressors and promotes a radiant complexion and can lead to a more plump and youthful appearance, as hydration is crucial for healthy skin.

3. Increases Skin Firmness

Collagen provides structural support to the skin, contributing to its firmness and elasticity. Supplementing with collagen can help improve skin elasticity, making the skin appear tighter and more resilient. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing sagging skin due to ageing or other factors.

4. Promotes Wound Healing

Collagen plays a crucial role in the wound-healing process by providing the framework for new tissue formation. Improved collagen levels can help accelerate the healing of skin injuries, cuts, or scars, leading to smoother and healthier skin overall.

5. Enhances Skin Barrier Function

A strong skin barrier is essential for protecting against environmental stressors, allergens, and irritants. Collagen can help strengthen this barrier, reducing the risk of skin issues such as dryness, sensitivity, and irritation.

6. Supports Overall Skin Health

Collagen is rich in amino acids that are essential for skin health. By providing the building blocks necessary for skin regeneration and repair, collagen can enhance the overall health of the skin, leading to a more radiant and youthful complexion. Supporting your skin’s needs all year round and making it a winter skincare essential!

Incorporating A Collagen Supplement into Your Daily Routine

Supplementing with collagen can boost skin health by increasing collagen levels, which may improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and enhance overall skin texture. Studies have shown that collagen supplementation can lead to noticeable improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

Incorporating collagen supplementation in your daily routine can provide numerous benefits for skin health. Reducing fine lines and improving hydration in dry skin to enhancing firmness and supporting overall skin integrity. By prioritising collagen along with a balanced diet rich in nutrients, you can achieve a glowing and youthful complexion.

Most collagen comes in a powder sachet form, which can be easily mixed with water to create a drink for glowing skin. I recommend you take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach because it is absorbed best in an acidic environment. However, some manufacturers suggest you can also benefit from taking a dietary supplement at night before bed because collagen contains glycine, which can help you sleep better coupled with the fact that when we sleep, our body repairs itself, so you are optimising this process.

Best Forms of Collagen for Skin

There are several types of collagen, but the most relevant for skin health are Type I and Type III collagen.

1. Hydrolyzed Collagen: Also known as collagen peptides, this form is processed to break down the collagen into smaller, more easily absorbed molecules. Hydrolyzed collagen is often found in powders, which can be mixed into beverages or food. It’s effective for skin health because it delivers peptides that stimulate collagen synthesis in the skin. The Nuskin Beauty Focus Collagen+ supplement is one example and a product I use and recommend to all my clients with fantastic results.
2. Collagen Supplements: These come in various forms, including powders, capsules, and ready-to-drink products. Collagen powders and peptides are typically more easily absorbed and digested, making them a preferred choice for enhancing skin health.

For skin health, hydrolyzed collagen is usually considered the most effective form, as it has higher bioavailability and is readily utilised by the body and supports your goal for glowing skin.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

The time frame for seeing visible improvements in skin after starting collagen supplementation can vary based on individual factors, including age, skin condition, and diet. Generally, users can expect to see noticeable results within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent collagen intake.

• 1-4 Weeks: Initial hydration improvements may be observed, leading to softer and more supple skin.
• 4-8 Weeks: Elasticity and firmness may begin to improve, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.
• 8-12 Weeks: More significant changes in skin texture and appearance, including enhanced radiance and reduced signs of ageing, may be evident.

Consistency in taking collagen supplements, along with a balanced diet rich in skin-supportive nutrients, can significantly enhance aesthetic treatment results and overall skin health. Don’t forget the importance of a tailored skincare routine alongside to give you a natural glow to improve your skin tone and benefit your 360 approach to looking and feeling fantastic.