Collagen is a protein found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues of the human body. 28 types of collagen have been identified so far out of which types I, II, and III are found in abundance in the human body. While type I is found in the bones, type I, IV, and V are found in the layers of the skin. Type II is found in the cartilage that supports joints. The human body naturally produces collagen. However, collagen supplements are also available in the market that promise to help boost skin elasticity, burn fat, build muscle, promote joint health, etc.
But do collagen supplements for the skin indeed manage to do all that? Read on to find out.
What Does a Collagen Supplement Do?
Collagen is one of the main structural proteins in the human body that plays an integral part in bodily functions. It amounts to about one-third of all the protein found in the body and it provides structure to the skin and other connective tissues of the body. Collagen can be easily touted as the building blocks of healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones. Healthy glowing skin is a representation of the presence of an adequate amount of collagen in the body.
Lack of collagen in the body leads to skin issues like loss of elasticity, dullness, and saggy skin. This usually happens when the body starts finding it difficult to produce adequate amounts of collagen as we progress in age. Various lifestyle and environmental factors like prolonged exposure to the sun, smoking, etc also hamper collagen production and contribute to breaking down existing collagen in the body.
To reap the benefits of collagen on the skin and replenish the amount of collagen in the body, collagen supplements are an effective alternative. The best collagen supplements come in either a powder, gel, or tablet form that helps deliver different types of collagen to the body with daily use. Widely researched and tested, collagen supplements are found to be an efficient way to boost skin elasticity and suppleness.
How Do Collagen Supplements Work?
As we grow older, the amount of collagen production in our body keeps reducing. This process starts slowing down from the mid-twenties and by the age of 40, collagen supplements become an excellent much-required alternative. Collagen supplements when taken daily help slow down the process of breaking down the body’s collagen. They also help improve hydration of the skin.
Daily use of the best collagen supplement for skin not only ensures healthier and softer skin but also benefits the hair and nails. In recent years, with the popularity of more innovative formulations of collagen supplements, doctors have taken to advising it without hesitation. There are a variety of options available and it is important to keep in mind that the idea is not just to consume collagen for it to be broken down by the body’s natural digestive processes.
Hydrolyzed collagen formulas are typically advised by experts as they are not only properly absorbed in the digestive process but are also utilized where they need to be – to benefit the skin. However, to optimize its benefits, collagen supplements should be taken daily and in quantities as prescribed by your doctor. The average amount is 10 grams a day. However, to serve different benefits, this amount may differ, and thus, it is important to consult a doctor before choosing from the best collagen supplements and for dosage queries.
Conclusion
Collagen supplements benefits are numerous and are not just restricted to achieving healthy glowing skin. In addition to improving skin elasticity, and hydration, and helping combat the signs of skin aging, collagen supplements also boost joint health, muscle health, and bone health.
Collagen supplements are generally safe for use for people of all age groups, the dosage however differs depending on the purpose it is meant to serve. While there can be dietary alternatives to replenishing the collagen content in the body, collagen supplements do the job more easily and hence are widely preferred.
