Why is collagen good for our skin?
Is it better to eat it or apply it?
You’ve heard every kind of content creator talk about it - that’s right, we’re talking about collagen. It’s available in so many forms: collagen serums, moisturisers, and supplements - there’s gotta be something to it, right? This post will take a deeper look into the benefits of collagen for skin, whether it's consumed or applied topically.
What even is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body - found in our skin, hair, nails, and joints. As we’ve talked about before, it’s responsible for providing structural support and elasticity to our skin. As we get older, our body’s natural collagen production declines which leads to signs of ageing such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and an overall loss of firmness.
But mere vanity isn’t the only reason you may want to consider incorporating collagen into your lifestyle. It has many more benefits!
The benefits of consuming collagen
Collagen-rich foods and supplements can help improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and joint and bone health. Collagen-rich foods include bone broth, salmon, berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.
The collagen in our skin aids in skin renewal which helps to reduce the appearance of scars more quickly. It promotes moisture retention which leads to a plump and hydrated complexion.
Can I apply collagen to my skin?
That’s certainly another way to do it! Collagen creams can help tighten loose skin and improve overall firmness. The key thing to remember is that applied collagen can help to improve your skin texture, making it softer, more supple, and a generally smoother appearance.
There are a few studies that have found that collagen molecules are too large to be effectively absorbed by the skin. However, when collagen has been hydrolyzed, its molecular structure changes, making it more soluble and easier to absorb.
How will I know that collagen is working for me?
The best way is to look in the mirror! Touch your skin! Ask yourself if you see or feel the difference.
Animal-derived collagen vs. Plant-derived collagen
You can expect most collagen to have an animal source, typically from cows, chickens, or fish. These sources provide collagen that closely resembles the collagen found in our own bodies, making it easier to absorb. However, there are some who are concerned that animal-based collagen may contain contaminants like pesticides and antibiotics.
Conscious consumers may be more inclined towards plant-based collagen such as that found in the Collagen Green Tea Ceramide Bounce Cream. It’s made with a seaweed called sea staghorn (hydrolyzed extension liposomes derived from sea staghorn). It also contains green tea-derived ceramide, an occlusive that encourages your skin to retain its moisture and prevent water loss.
At the end of the day, your skincare journey is in your hands! It’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your skin.
Just remember that whenever you’re looking to incorporate something new into your skincare routine, it pays to do a patch test first!
See you next time!
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