The concept of ingesting collagen supplements to promote firmer, youthful skin originates from Japan and its now catching the attention of celebrities and beauty editors in the US and Europe. No wonder collagen supplements that promise beautiful, youthful skin are now the fastest growing anti-aging product category. As a result, there are many collagen brands and types to choose from-- but not all collagen beauty supplements are created equal.
Here are 7 tips for buying the best quality, most effective collagen beauty supplement that will benefit your skin, and help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
- TYPE OF COLLAGEN
There are 28 types of collagen in the body. Type 1 Collagen is the most abundant in our body and stronger than steel by weight. It makes up 80% of the dermis layer of our skin.
Type II collagen makes up movable joints, so it is commonly used to treat joint aging and relieve pain associated with arthritis.
Type III collagen is the second most abundant collagen in human tissue. Babies and children have a lot of type III collagen, which is why their skin is so soft and plump. As we age, type III collagen is gradually replaced by type I collagen.
Look for a collagen supplement that contain at least 90% type I collagen if you want the collagen supplement to work for your skin.
- HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN VS AMINO ACIDS AND BIOAVAILABILITY
Hydrolyzed collagen is a processed form of collagen that is obtained when collagen fibers are broken down into small collagen chains also known as "collagen peptides" through a process known as "Hydrolysis" .
By comparison, a Collagen supplement that contains "Hydrolyzed Collagen" is more effective because it contains a complete amino acid sequence as a collagen peptide which can be absorbed and transported to the dermis of the skin.
If you want a true collagen supplement that works for your skin, look for one that contains Type 1 Hydrolyzed Collagen with High Bioavailability.
- CONCENTRATION AND POTENCY
There are many clinical studies that confirm ingesting a high concentration of hydrolyzed collagen helps to increase skin thickness and reduce wrinkles. Many of these studies were based on consumption of 10,000mg hydrolyzed collagen per day over a period of either 6-8 weeks.
- FORMULATION and INGREDIENTS
In addition to hydrolyzed marine collagen, key active ingredients are vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), coenzyme CoQ10, ceramide, and chondroitin sulfate. These complementary ingredients maximize the absorption of collagen as well as provide powerful and effective anti-aging benefits: reduce fine lines and wrinkles, increase hydration and firmness.
Hyaluronic acid -Hyaluronic acid is a form of sugar molecule naturally produced in our body that maintains the skin’s ability to retain water. Hyaluronic acid makes our skin look plump and hydrated, but hyaluronic acid levels in our body decrease as we age.
- SOURCE OF COLLAGEN
The four main sources of hydrolyzed collagen found in supplements are bovine (cow), porcine (pig), chicken, and marine (fish) collagen.
Marine collagen extracted from fish is the purest and safest form of collagen. Our body's cells easily absorb marine-derived collagen and use it to keep the skin tight and wrinkle free.
Now you know what to look out for while shopping for the best collagen supplement that works for your skin.