You’ve probably heard about collagen from its popular feature in anti-ageing creams, gels and supplements. But what exactly does this nutrient do for our skin, and how should we be taking it? Here’s everything you need to know about this essential protein.
What Is Collagen?
As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen makes up the connective tissues in our skin, muscles and tendons. Collagen provides the skin with structure and supports its elasticity and firmness, meaning that when we lack collagen, wrinkles and fine lines can become more prevalent.
The Types Of Collagen
The benefits of collagen aren’t limited to the skin. In fact, the uses of this protein range from hair health to joint function, meaning collagen really can impact us from head to toe. There are 16 different types of collagen, but the three most commonly researched include:
- Type I - This is the most common type of collagen and plays an important role in the health of our hair, skin, nails and bones.
- Type II- This variation is essential for our joints and cartilage.
- Type III- Type III maintains the structure of our arteries, muscles and organs. 1
Collagen has also been linked to improvements in weight loss, gut health and heart function. Although more research is needed on these areas, it’s clear that increasing our intake can contribute to much more than ageing skin. 2
Why Use A Collagen Supplement?
From the age of 25, our collagen levels naturally begin to decrease. This can cause our skin to lose its elasticity, maximising visible signs of ageing.
So should you use a collagen supplement? Collagen creams can add this nutrient to the skin's surface, but supplements help to support your intake from within. A recent study showed that women who used a powdered collagen supplement for 12 weeks saw a significant reduction in wrinkle depth as well as increased skin hydration in comparison to the control group. 3
We can source collagen from food, and it’s naturally found in bone broth, meats and fish. A collagen supplement, however, is a simple, cost effective way to support your levels every single day. The Myvitamins Collagen Range includes capsules, powders, drinks and snacks. Our most popular products include:
- Coconut & Collagen Capsules – An expert blend of coconut oil, hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C in a convenient capsule form.
- Beauty Bites – A delicious Salted Caramel Almond flavour snack, enriched with collagen, retinol and hyaluronic acid to support skin health. 4
- Beauty Collagen Stick Packs – A tasty daily drink formulated with hydrolysed collagen and beauty vitamins including biotin, vitamin C and niacin. Our stick pack sachets mean you can boost your collagen levels anywhere, anytime.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for our immunity, (5) cognitive function (6) and general wellbeing, but it’s also important for our skin. Vitamin C supports the natural formation of all types of collagen, so you might want to supplement your intake.
So, now we’ve covered all of the benefits of this important protein, why not try a collagen supplement for yourself. Shop the whole of the Myvitamins Beauty range, here.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits#2.-Helps-relieve-joint-pain
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23949208/
- Vitamin A (retinol) contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function.
