From shampoo and conditioner to capsules and drink additives, collagen is in hundreds of products advertised to us constantly. This protein is lauded as the key to a youthful complexion, larger muscles, and easier movement, though little is known about collagen by lay-folk. Given that this vital protein comprises three-quarters of our skin and is found in our muscles, bones, and blood, its importance to our bodies can’t be overstated! So, what type of collagen supplement will fit your needs, and how can you ensure that your body will use it effectively? Speaking to your doctor or nutritionist is always the perfect first step, then consider these types of supplements and how to use them!
Natural collagen, topical, or oral supplements?
When created organically in the body, collagen is synthesized using tons of vitamin C and other minerals in the body’s cells, in its many types, and in excellent quality before the body reaches maturity and production and excellence decreases. This heavily impacts the appearance of our skin, hair, and nails, as well as our bones and joint health. Oral collagen supplements are considered by experts to be the most effective form, while creams and other topical solutions don’t have many studies backing their usefulness. Fear not, however, as your hair, skin, and nails can still get a boost from this great protein, even after production has slowed. So, how do we go about boosting our collagen?
Collagen from food
As an abundantly natural-occurring protein, many foods contain collagen, the most common of them being the skin, fibrous meat, and tendons of animals. Tough cuts of meat like brisket and chuck steak can give your body a large amount of collagen from just one meal, however, an abundance of red meat in your diet isn’t recommended. Turn to fresh fish, as the skin and bones are also rich in collagen, while also offering omega-3s and other fatty acids! To boost your collagen production, eat a balanced, health-conscious diet, including foods like poultry, legumes, and soy. To help jump-start that collagen making, get plenty of nutrients like zinc and vitamin C while getting plenty of sleep!
Collagen for hair, skin, and nails
These collagen supplements often combine multiple types of collagen to give the desired effects: skin elasticity, hair and nail strength, and speedy cell turnover.
- NeoCell Super Collagen Type 1 & 3 Powder
- Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen
Collagen for joints
Type II collagen is found in abundance in joints and cartilage, and often, when that production slows, we feel it! These supplements can help, however, talk to your doctor before introducing a supplement to help with long-term joint pain.
- Instaflex® Advanced Featuring UC-II® Collagen
- Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Booster
Overall boost
For something to cover all your bases, be sure to get a healthy diet first, with an emphasis on those foods listed above. If you still aren’t seeing your desired results, consider these.
- Codeage Multi Collagen Peptides
- Sports Research™ Collagen Peptides
With tons of benefits to be found, be sure to consider having a discussion with your doctor or nutritionist about the advantages of adding more collagen to your diet!