Collagen supplements have been generating buzz in the skincare industry, promising to enhance skin, hair, and nail health from within. But are these supplements truly worth the hype? Let’s delve into the science behind collagen supplementation and whether it stands up to its promises.
Role of Collagen
Collagen is a crucial protein found in the body’s skin, bones, and connective tissues, providing structural support, strength, and elasticity. It’s particularly abundant in the dermis, where it forms a fibrous network alongside elastin and hyaluronic acid to maintain skin elasticity and hydration.
Age-Related Collagen Loss
As we age, our body’s natural collagen production declines, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging skin, rough texture, and brittle hair and nails. Research indicates that collagen levels start decreasing by about 1% every year from our mid-twenties and by 2% post-menopause. By the time we reach our 40s, we may have lost up to 20% of our collagen. During menopause, women can lose 30% of their collagen over five years. While men also experience collagen loss, they begin with 25% more collagen in their skin, which slows down the process.
Several factors contribute to collagen loss, including genetics, ageing changes, poor diet, excess sun exposure, smoking and vaping, and stress. For the body to produce collagen, it requires specific raw materials, including vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and copper. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for optimal collagen production and skin health.
How Collagen Supplements Work
Collagen supplements work by stimulating the body’s natural collagen synthesis, activating dermal fibroblasts, and triggering an increase in the body’s collagen levels through neo-collagenesis (new collagen formation). This process not only enhances the quality of your skin but also supports the health of your bones, joints, muscles, and gut.
A high-quality collagen supplement will contain significant levels of skin-specific amino acids such as Proline, Glycine, and Hydroxyproline, which are essential building blocks for the Triple Helix of Collagen.
When choosing a collagen supplement, the source of collagen is an important consideration. The two most common sources are ‘Bovine,’ which comes from cows, and ‘marine,’ which comes from fish. Marine collagen, derived from fish scales of cod, pangasius, and tilapia, is believed to be more bioavailable and biocompatible.
What’s the Ideal Dose of collagen supplements
The ideal dose from clinical trials is 8-10g (8000-10,000mg) of hydrolysed collagen per day. At this dose, oral collagen has been clinically proven to reduce the rate at which our collagen breaks down, improve the skin’s innate collagen production, and enhance skin hydration and healing.
Clinical Evidence on Collagen Supplements
In March 2021, a Systematic Review of 19 different Randomized Controlled Trials* (the gold standard in medical evidence) was published in the International Journal of Dermatology. It showed clear and consistent positive skin health benefits for daily hydrolysed collagens. This groundbreaking evidence has led to a surge in collagen supplementation among the general population, with athletes also using collagen for its tissue repair benefits.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Clinical trials have shown that daily hydrolysed marine collagen supplementation (10,000mg) can:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin hydration
- Enhance skin elasticity
- Stimulate new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production
- Improve skin luminosity
- Reduce inflammation
Why Choose Hydrolysed Collagen?
Opting for hydrolysed collagen is crucial because this process makes the supplement more bioavailable, allowing your body to absorb and utilise it more effectively. Collagen isn’t easily absorbed by the body in its natural form. However, the hydrolysed form is broken down into smaller particles through a process involving water, making it easier to absorb.
Supported by clinical trials and data, hydrolysed collagen is believed to be the most effective collagen type for skin health.
The link between collagen supplementation and skin health involves a dual effect. Once ingested, hydrolysed collagen is metabolised into peptides. These peptides reach the fibroblast cells in the skin, signalling them to increase collagen production. Additionally, these peptides serve as the building blocks for new collagen. Some peptides also stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid within the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collagen Supplements
How long does it take to see results from collagen drinks? You can start seeing results from collagen drinks after about six weeks of consistent supplementation. During this time, you may notice that fine lines around the eyes and mouth begin to soften. As the collagen matrix becomes stronger and thicker, your skin regains its firm and smooth qualities, reducing the appearance of deeper wrinkles. By the 12-week mark, you may experience improved skin elasticity.
When is the Best Time to take Collagen supplements? Collagen supplements can be taken at any time of the day with or without food; as a protein-rich breakfast or before meals to support weight loss; before and after workouts for optimum performance, results, and recovery, and before sleep for a more regenerative and restful night.
Which Collagen Supplements Do we offer?
Taking all these considerations into account, Skin Enhance and Wellness in Billericay is proud to introduce Zenii collagen supplements to our clinic. We offer a selection of two exceptional collagen supplements for daily use:
Zenii Fusion: This multi-award-winning blend features high-strength marine collagen (10,000mg), hyaluronic acid, MSM, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Clinically proven to enhance skin hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, it can be taken as a shot of 25ml either neat or mixed with sparkling water or juice. For optimal freshness, store in the fridge once opened.
Zenii Fusion Collagen Creamer: For those seeking a delightful dairy-free vanilla creamer with the benefits of our best-selling ZENii Fusion, this product is the perfect choice. Simply mix one scoop into a hot or cold drink or incorporate it into baking recipes.
Both of these offerings are doctor-formulated blends of high-strength marine collagen (10,000mg), hyaluronic acid, MSM, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in a dissolvable powder form. Supporting skin, hair, nails, joints, vessels, and more, they serve as the ultimate anti-ageing health support and longevity supplement. Available for purchase at £65 each for a month’s supply.
Conclusion
While collagen drinks offer promising benefits for skin health, it’s important to manage your expectations. While some individuals may experience positive results, others may not see significant changes. However, when combined with other skincare practices such as sun protection and a healthy diet, collagen drinks like Zenii Fusion and Zenii Collagen Creamer can be a valuable addition to your beauty routine.
For more information about Zenii Fusion Collagen and Zenii Collagen Creamer, visit our clinic or click here to purchase online.
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