What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is made up of amino acids. It has several significant functions, including providing structure to the connective tissues and promoting skin health.
Skin Collagen Benefits
Collagen has an abundance of skin benefits. It can help to:
- Improve the preservation of skin texture
- Reduce the appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles
- Increase blood flow to the skin
- Aid skin elasticity and hydration
- Repair damage and healing wounds
Why Do We Need Collagen Supplements?
As we age, we begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s. Additionally, we lose as much as 30% during the first 5 years of menopause. Resultantly, the loss in collagen leads to thinning, sagging skin, as well as wrinkle development, and a loss of natural fullness.
Above all, around 80% of the skin is made up of its collagen supplies. As it is such a vital component of our skin, it is crucial for dermatological health.
The loss of collagen is a natural process, however, factors such as sun exposure, regular smoking, pollution, and the overconsumption of sugar, refined carbs, and alcohol, can accelerate the process.
Fortunately, however, collagen supplements can slow down the process as they help to replenish lost collagen production and supply in the body.
Please note that you can only enjoy the benefits of collagen supplements whilst taking them. When the supply is gone, the effects will resultantly likely disappear. This is why it is important to consistently and regularly consume collagen.
Are Collagen Supplements Safe?
Collagen supplements can come in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder. A series of independent healthcare professionals have validated their safety. On top of this, supplements go through rigorous testing before reaching the mass market.
Does Collagen Supplementation Work?
In recent years, there have been a plethora of studies aimed at understanding the relatively new science of collagen supplements.
For instance, one such study by Dermatest saw 72 women aged 35 years or older take 2.5 grams of hydrolysed collagen types I and II daily for 12 weeks. The women reported a reduced wrinkle depth of 27%, as well as an increase in skin hydration of 28%.
Another study reported that women who took 1 gram of a collagen supplement per day for 12 weeks had 76% less dryness, 12% fewer visible wrinkles, better blood flow in the skin, and a 6% higher collagen content.
So although the science is relatively new, there is plenty of security in the fact that collagen supplementation is safe, effective, and healthy.
What is Liposomal Collagen?
A liposome is essentially a more effective delivery system of supplements and/or medicine. It works by containing said supplement inside very small particles that mimic our bodies' cell membranes. This therefore allows it to travel further and more safely through the body by preventing the supplement from being broken down prematurely.
As most forms of collagen can’t survive the pH levels in our digestive system, liposomal collagen is the safest bet for effective oral consumption.