Collagen is a protein naturally produced by the human body and is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. It is pivotal for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones. Lack of collagen in the body leads to skin issues like loss of elasticity, dullness, and skin aging. To replenish the depleting amount of collagen in the body, there are a variety of collagen supplements available in the market. Marine collagen is one such type of collagen supplement that is derived from the skin of fish and is highly beneficial in boosting collagen production in the body and aiding with achieving healthy glowing skin.
What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen is a type of collagen supplement that is derived from fish skin and scales. Most collagen supplements contain hydrolyzed collagen which is significant in the process adopted to obtain the collagen peptides (smaller units of protein) found in the product. In the case of marine collagen, this denotes that the collagen has been broken down into peptides to ensure that it is more easily absorbed by the body. It is packaged into powder, pill and liquid forms and can be chosen as per one’s convenience of consumption.
A lot of food and skincare products already contain collagen, however, these may contain other forms of collagen obtained from animal skins. Marine collagen is thus more popular as a wide variety of the public opt for it due to health and religious reasons alike. Marine collagen is a more sustainable option of collagen supplements as it is derived from a raw material (fish skin) that would otherwise go to waste in the marine industry. This makes it a more environmentally-friendly choice for people to indulge in, guilt-free.
Uses of Marine Collagen
In a country like India, where the rate at which fish is consumed is already high, people are barely unaware of the many benefits of fish for the skin, hair, and overall health. The benefits of marine collagen too are innumerable. Collagen derived from fish not only benefits the skin and hair but also strengthens bones, joints, and muscles. However, let us have a look at the various marine collagen benefits for the skin.
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Excellent for the Skin, Hair, and Nails
Healthy skin is not enough when it comes to achieving a beautiful appearance. It is the hair and nails that compliment an already healthy glowing skin. Marine collagen does just that! In addition to proving beneficial for your skin, it also makes your hair and nails healthier and shinier. It enhances the radiance on the skin, tackles signs of discoloration and dull skin, and also makes it soft and supple.
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Has Anti-Aging Properties
As we progress in age, the body’s production of the protein collagen starts to slow down. This starts happening in the mid-twenties and by the age of 40, collagen supplements almost become a necessity. To slow down the signs of aging that the skin begins to reflect such as fine lines, wrinkles, saggy skin, etc., marine collagen can be taken as a supplement. It delays the signs of aging and makes the skin more elastic and firm by replenishing the collagen content in the body.
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Hydrates the Skin
Collagen in the body is an excellent provider of hydration to the skin. Hydrated skin does not just appear soft and radiant but is also an indicator of excellent skin health. People with dry skin are already advised to increase their fish intake as it not just provides collagen but the Vitamin E contained in the fish is also helpful in that regard. Marine collagen too does this job equally well and is commonly advised by dermatologists.
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Helps Tackle Saggy Skin
Marine collagen, in addition to boosting the collagen levels in the body, also helps produce certain other proteins like fibrillin and elastin. These proteins help build the structure of the skin and maintain it. Using marine collagen thus, ensures younger-looking skin and also saves you big bucks that you would otherwise invest in cosmetic products and treatments.
Conclusion
Marine collagen differs from eating fresh fish as it is derived from parts of the fish that one normally does not consume, like the scales, cartilage, and fins. This means that marine collagen supplements typically contain a higher amount of collagen as compared to fresh fish. While 28 types of collagen have been identified, marine collagen is known to be the highest in collagen type I, which is the most beneficial for the skin. While it is safe for use for all, people who are allergic to fish should consume it only after consulting with their medical practitioner. To seek the maximum benefits from marine collagen, it should be consumed daily in a dosage recommended for the skin issue you are trying to address.
