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In This Article
Drinking collagen has its perks.
Need a quick protein fix?
Add a scoop of collagen creamer to your morning coffee.
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Want to give your muscles some love after a tough workout?
Drink a collagen-packed smoothie to aid their repair.
But, does drinking collagen do anything for your skin?
Let’s dive in.
Meet the Experts
What Is Collagen?
In short, the superstar protein is considered the scaffolding that holds the body together.
With the help of elastin, collagen keeps the skin plump and youthful.
How Do Collagen Supplements Work?
How does this relate to the skin?
This contributes to sagging, fine lines, andwrinkles.
Cue the collagen supplements, which are available in multiple forms.
Is Collagen Vegan?
However, they don’t contain any collagen at all.
Can Drinking Collagen Improve Skin Health?
The fact is, no one knows for sure whether drinking collagen can improve skin health.
(Read: the resultscouldbe slightly biased.)
The results were variable, with some studies showing no statistically significant improvement while others did show some benefit.
Some objective measurements, like hydration of the skin, were improved with oral collagen supplements.
However, many of the studies relied on subjective measurements like patient satisfaction and visual improvement.
These are much more prone to anecdotal experiences and errors when reporting results."
However, there are believers out there.
Advocates of collagen drinks and pills say that traditional skin serums only penetrate the top layer of your skin.
Recently, there has been new data suggesting that oral collagen supplements may be effective, Zeichner says.
Is Collagen Consumption Bad For You?
Though collagen consumption has its benefits, there are some side effects to look out for.
“Drinking collagen may improve the health of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness,” says Christina.
“It does so by helping your body regenerate new collagen.
However, excess collagen can trigger acne, especially in powder form.
The only form of collagen I recommend is bone broth.
Most powdered collagen is not in a bioavailable form and is not actual collagen.”
If you have a history of kidney stones, Zubritsky recommends avoiding collagen.
“Every day, we are exposed to UV rays.
UV rays directly cause collagen degradation.
“Wear Sunscreen!”
“Using sunscreen can protect the collagen and help to boost its production.
I recommend CLEARSTEMs latest SPF product, YOUARESUNSHINE SPF 50 ($42.)”
Antioxidants
Dermatologists Ranella Hirsh and Zubritsky emphasized the importance of a diet rich in antioxidants.
Vitamins E, C, andzincare helpful to the bodys process of creating new collagen.
Antioxidants can also be applied topically via a potent serum.
Ideally, Zubritsky recommends both topical and dietary consumption of antioxidants to stimulate collagen.
Key Ingredients
Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, is critical for the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are key to all anti-aging skincare routines.
These micro-injuries stimulate our bodys own natural repair system to rebuild collagen in the skin.
The procedure is safe and very effective Zubritsky says.
Mineral Water
“Drink plenty of mineral water,” Christina says.
“Keeping your skin hydrated will help keep it plump and encourage collagen production.
If you filter your water, dont forget to add minerals back into it.”
Exercise
“Stay active,” Christina says.
“Regular exercise promotes circulation and brings nutrients to your skin, including nutrients that boost collagen production.
verify you get a good sweat in a few times a week either from a workout or sauna.”
Chemicals in tobacco smoke have been found to break down collagen and elastin.
2020;9(2):181. doi:10.3390/antiox9020181
