Collagen, this is such a popular word right now, from ‘Fountain of Youth’ to ‘Miracle Hair Growth Elixir’, the claims and promises are endless.

 

What I can guarantee is, Collagen is one of the keys to keeping your skin looking young and healthy.

So many products, face creams, infusions, liquid supplements etc. contain this ‘miracle’ ingredient. But what exactly is collagen and why do we need it? Let’s talk about the common myths you should stop believing, and the ways Collagen can be a major part of your anti-ageing plan.

 

“Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look.”

 

 

 

It’s one of the most abundant proteins in the body, it functions as a durable yet flexible adhesive that supports the structure of healthy skin. Collagen is found in your bones, muscles, joints, skin, hair, and nails, it’s essentially the “glue” that keeps everything together.

Starting in our mid-20s, we slowly begin to lose collagen, for women, we can lose up to 30% of our collagen production in the first 5 years of menopause.

When you’re young, the body provides an ongoing production of collagen which gives the skin a firm, supple feel. As we get older, our natural collagen synthesis decreases, thus contributing to visible signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Collagen is essential to slow the visible effects of ageing, and for keeping the skin strong.

 

So, now we know what it is let’s talk about some of the claims that may not be quite the whole story…

 

Myth: Taking a collagen supplement is enough to give you all the anti-ageing benefits.

 

 

Although taking collagen supplements can help, it’s not enough on its own. Often the supplement is benefiting the collagen in our joints, and throughout the body, not fully impacting the skin.

What types of collagen are there, and which one will benefit your skin the most?

 

There are 16 different types of collagen. However, the most researched types of collagen are types I, II and III.

 

Type I collagen:

• It is usually considered best for the skin. It is the most prevalent type of collagen in the body.
• Levels of type I collagen begin to decline around 25 years of age.
• Because it is so prevalent in the connective tissues, the decrease of type I collagen can be observed when the skin starts to sag, fine lines appear, nails become brittle, and the hair becomes thin.
• However, type I collagen isn’t just a beauty-related substance. It’s also a major component of the tendons, organs and bones. This makes it a vital component of any diet or wellness routine.

 

Type II collagen:

• Another common type of collagen to find in supplements is type II collagen.
• Though somewhat less prevalent in the body than type I and IIl collagen, it is extremely important.
• It is the main component of cartilages and extremely healthy for the skeletal system.
• Active people who need to rely on their joints could also benefit from adding type II collagen into their diet. Cartilage collagen is composed of type II collagen.

 

Type III collagen:

• Type III is generally found in reticular fibres, such as in the bone marrow.
• It’s usually found alongside type I collagen in the body.
• Vital proteins, collagen peptides and marine collagen are rich in types I and III collagen.

 

Collagen peptides help repair the damaged skin and make it more youthful by making firmer skin, improving skin elasticity, and reducing skin dryness. These peptides improve brittle nails, damaged hair and fine lines and wrinkles.

Studies show that collagen peptides may actually slow signs of ageing by keeping the skin hydrated, which prevents wrinkles.

If you want to increase production of collagen in your body, hydrolysed collagen peptides may be your best bet.

We recommend Isagenix Collagen Elixir Liquid Marine Collagen.

This is Step 1 in our Anti-Ageing Journey, stay tuned for Step 2.

Nicki ❤