Collagen is a popular ingredient in many skincare and beauty products for a reason — it’s the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s created in the body by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids, which are then used to create different types of protein, including collagen.
So how can collagen peptides help you achieve more luminous skin the natural way?
What Is the Role of Collagen?
There are 28 different types of collagen, and each plays several vital roles. Of all the different variations, type one collagen is the most predominant, making up around 90% of the collagen in our bodies. Type one collagen is found in all kinds of tissues, including our skin, tendons and internal organs, while the other types of collagen are found in our joint cartilage, bone marrow, cell membranes and even our hair.
The role of collagen in all of these parts of the body is to provide tensile strength to the tissues, giving them elasticity and support. As we get older, collagen production starts to slow down. This is where signs of ageing can start to appear as our skin becomes less elastic and our joints start to wear, sometimes causing joint pain. This is where a collagen peptide supplement can help.
What Are Collagen Peptides?
In supplement form, collagen peptides often appear as a white powder. But they’re available in different formats, including powders and capsules, making them easy to take regularly. Collagen peptides themselves are short chains of between two and 50 amino acids and are essentially small pieces of protein that your body can easily make use of.
Collagen supplements can be used to effectively improve the appearance of ageing skin and help prevent bone and joint issues in later life. They may also help strengthen brittle nails and maintain muscle mass, making peptides a favourable option for anyone looking to improve their health in multiple areas.
How Do You Take Collagen Peptides?
Taking collagen peptides as a dietary supplement is a simple, effective and convenient way to support your body’s natural collagen production. If you’re using a powder, it can be mixed with water or a smoothie to make a collagen-infused drink. Capsules are also easy to take and don't require any mixing, simply take them with water. Some people report seeing results after a matter of weeks, but studies have proven that taking collagen peptides for three months is effective in restoring skin elasticity.
Collagen supplements are considered safe for use and aren’t likely to cause adverse side effects, although uncommon instances of heartburn and feelings of fullness can sometimes be present.
Can Collagen Peptides Benefit Your Skin?
Studies have shown that collagen supplements taken orally have the potential to increase skin elasticity and dermal collagen density, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, redness and other age-related imperfections on the skin’s surface. They also help keep your skin hydrated, which is ideal if you’re prone to dryness.
Taking collagen peptides as a dietary supplement allows for the restorative effects of increased collagen to reach deeper layers of the skin, sustainably improving your skin physiology and appearance.
Are There Any Other Benefits of Taking Collagen?
Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that will benefit from collagen supplementation. Research indicates that supplementing collagen can support joint health and possibly reduce the risk of joint deterioration, especially in people at risk of developing joint-related issues. That’s good news if you’re an athlete, but it also has implications for people who struggle with ongoing joint problems, as collagen supplements may help reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
With so many benefits, collagen peptides make a great, natural choice to help you achieve better health quickly and easily, just so long as you follow a nutritious, balanced diet and undertake regular exercise.
