Many people these days are taking collagen supplements in the hopes of reversing the clock and regaining some youth back to their skin. Do collagen supplements actually work or are they just a gimmick from the skin care industry?
Collagen supplements have become very popular among people in recent years for their promise of reducing wrinkles and strengthening hair and nails. From capsule supplements to teas, collagen seems to be the answer to achieving a youthful glow. But just how effective are collagen supplements? And why is it suggested to take vitamin C alongside collagen for even better results?
What is collagen?
First, let’s understand what collagen is exactly. Collagen is your body’s most abundant form of protein, accounting for around 30% in total. Collagen is essentially the glue that helps to keep your body together. Collagen helps to keep your muscles, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues functioning and strong, while also providing a protective covering for your organs. As you advance in age, your collagen production tends to slow down. This is a completely normal process that makes itself most apparent after the age of 60. You may notice that your skin isn’t as soft, and you may see wrinkles begin to form on your face and body.
This is the telltale sign of a decrease in collagen production.
- Helping to relieve joint pain
- Helps to keep bones strong
- Helping to retain muscle mass
- Stronger hair and nails
- Helping with Gut health
Do collagen supplements work?
There are many ways in which collagen supplements are marketed. You can get collagen through capsules, through liquids, through powder, and so on. Those who choose to take collagen supplements may have a varied experience, as no two people are the same. It’s typically the consensus that you should consume your collagen supplement for at least 8 weeks before you begin to see results, although some studies have seen results after about a year of taking these supplements. Many of those who were consistent with their consumption of collagen supplements do report firmer skin, however, there’s no evidence to support collagen helping achieve stronger hair or nails.
Vitamin C & Collagen supplements
Collagen and vitamin C work together to support the formation and maintenance of your body’s tissue. Vitamin C by itself helps to protect the body from free radicals and helps in promoting immunity and wound healing. As collagen wears over time, vitamin C can have great regenerative abilities in restructuring lost collagen. When you take vitamin C supplements, it helps to increase the bioavailability of collagen through your gut. This means that taking vitamin C can help you absorb your collagen supplements more effectively. You can take vitamin C and collagen separately, or you can opt to get a supplement product that offers both at the same time.
Getting Collagen & Vitamin C Through Food
If you find that supplements just aren’t your thing, there are still ways in which you can get a healthy dosage of collagen and vitamin C through subtle diet changes. Your body does not produce Vitamin C naturally, so eating vitamin C-rich food is crucial in maintaining overall health. Many foods are rich in collagen and vitamin C at the same time such as tomatoes, berries, and broccoli.
Collagen Rich Foods
- Beef
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Bone Broth
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Aloe Vera
- Oysters
Vitamin C-Rich Foods
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruit, etc)
- Cruciferous vegetables ( broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc)
- Cherries
- Red peppers
- White Potatoes
Conclusion
Overall, those who take collagen supplements report firmer skin after at least 8 weeks of consistent ingestion, but results greatly vary by case. Taking vitamin C alongside collagen supplements may help you achieve even better results in repairing damaged internal tissues, and issuing a brighter youthful glow.
Whether you get collagen and vitamin C through supplement form or your diet, when these two work together, they can promote and elevate overall internal and external health.
