That Collagen Supplement Isn’t the Miracle You Think It Is
Collagen. You’ve probably heard of it, from supplements, sugar gummies to face masks, but what exactly is it and what does it do?
Collagen is our primary structural protein. Our body synthesizes collagen, which comes from cells that makeup our connective tissues. Collagen is essential for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and skin elasticity.
Naturally, our collagen production declines with age. Collagen in our connective tissue is susceptible to degradation from reactive oxygen species as well. Cigarette smoking, excessive sun exposure, environmental pollutants, excessive alcohol, and too much of fried foods are all lifestyle factors that contribute to the generation of reactive oxygen species and skin aging. With most things that change as the years go by, companies have marketed ways to defy nature and replenish the collagen that is lost. So what’s real?
First, let’s talk about supplements. Supplemental collagen can be found in many forms and you can often find it at most health food stores. Ancestrally, collagen was consumed through a “nose to tail” dietary approach. Oxtail, chicken wings/drumsticks, fish skin, and bone broth are all dietary sources of collagen. Bone broth is a dietary staple that has been consumed for centuries, especially as an immune aid, due to its nutrient’s active effect.
Taking collagen supplements have been reported to improve skin health and appearance. According to Healthline.com, “Oral and topical collagen products like supplements and face creams are popular for treating signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin hydration, and joint pain.” There are also reported potential benefits for bone health, increasing bone mass density. You can purchase collagen in powder, capsule, or liquid form.
While these forms of collagen are very mainstream and praised, it is key to take into account our digestive process. According to Byrdie.com, “When we ingest collagen (which is technically a protein) our stomach acid breaks it down and converts into the amino acid proline-hydroxyproline. There is little proof collagen survives digestion and it may be unlikely that any collagen makes it into the bloodstream let alone the correct layers of the skin.” Many scientists have questioned whether supplemental collagen peptides actually get incorporated into connective tissue once they are broken down in the gut into amino acids. Proline-hydroxyproline, however, is an amino acid that “helps to increase the skin’s hyaluronic acid content, which means the skin could appear more hydrated. This would seemingly improve skin laxity and improve the appearance of saggy and wrinkled skin.”
It is important to know that collagen is derived from the connective tissue of animal products, not plants. When you purchase vegan collagen, what you are generally getting is plant-derived amino acids, micronutrients such as vitamin C, and other antioxidants to support your body's ability to make and maintain collagen.
What does this mean if you’re looking for supple, bouncy, hydrated skin? Is collagen the answer…? Vaguely put, maybe. Collagen consumption, whether it be ingested or incorporated into your skincare routine, is not a groundbreaking, full-proof miracle that will defy aging. The great thing is there aren’t any known side effects of collagen supplements. If you are looking for effective ways to increase your body’s collagen production, sunscreen, antioxidants, and retinoids are here to stay.
