Collagen Supplements: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Them
Posted by Ivatherm
Food supplements are preparations that contain micronutrients or macronutrients and supplement certain nutritional needs that the body has and that it cannot obtain from the daily diet alone.
Supplements dedicated to beauty are called "nutricosmetics", and among the most well-known are those with collagen.
Collagen has many benefits for skin health, but it is best known for its ability to delay the aging process. The body naturally produces collagen, but after the age of 20, production begins to decline, so from this age onwards, an additional intake of nutrients is indicated to support the production and maintenance of collagen and elastin fibers. In addition, collagen fibers can be damaged due to ultraviolet radiation, vices (smoking), pollutants and some diseases. The appearance of wrinkles can be associated with collagen deficiency.
Therefore, supplementing endogenous (natural) collagen with the help of nutricosmetics – which can be in the form of tablets, capsules, dragees, powders or liquids – is an effective way to maintain the youthful appearance of the skin.
Here's what you need to keep in mind when choosing collagen supplements:
content
Type of collagen in dietary supplements
There are at least 22 different types of collagen, which have distinct structures and perform various functions. Type I collagen is the most common type and has numerous roles in the body. In addition to providing strength to the dermis, type I collagen provides the structure of bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissues, and teeth.
Therefore, type I collagen is what the skin needs to maintain its strength and structural integrity. When choosing a collagen supplement, check the product label and make sure you choose one that contains type I collagen.
How to extract collagen from dietary supplements
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down the chemical bonds that exist between a particular substance.
Hydrolyzed collagen is a processed form that is obtained when collagen fibers are broken down into small chains of collagen amino acids called collagen peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysis is superior to other types of hydrolysis: it is a natural process that does not use chemical solvents.
Collagen supplements obtained through hydrolysis are more easily absorbed by the body and can reach the skin to repair collagen fibers and support collagen production. Collagen peptides also exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity .
Collagen that is not fully broken down – it is partially hydrolyzed – is called gelatin. Gelatin supplements contain larger peptides and are not absorbed as easily.
Source of collagen from dietary supplements
Collagen itself is a fibrillar protein, made up of several amino acids. It is found in the connective tissues, muscles, bones and skin of all animals. To be used as a supplement, collagen must first be broken down into peptides – fragments of collagen with a molecular weight smaller than its original size. This is done through a process called hydrolysis and is necessary to make it easier to absorb and distribute in the human body.
Collagen peptides are small pieces of collagen protein derived from an animal source.
Collagen in dietary supplements can be extracted from several animal sources:
pig;
chicken;
cow;
fish (marine collagen).
The most sustainable source of collagen is marine collagen. It is extracted from the scales, skin, and bones of fish. It can be used as a biomaterial because it is water-soluble, metabolically compatible, and highly accessible.
Studies have shown that hydrolyzed marine collagen supplements are effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and delaying aging, but they also have positive effects on the wound healing process .
Other ingredients used in collagen supplements
When choosing collagen supplements, you need to consider – as mentioned before – the type of collagen, the source of origin and the extraction method. Choose type I collagen, because it is the most abundant in the skin, opt for the one from controlled marine sources, obtained following a natural extraction, by enzymatic hydrolysis, without chemical solvents.
In addition to these aspects to keep in mind, don't forget to check the other ingredients in collagen supplements and choose formulas with ingredients that act synergistically to support skin firmness and a youthful appearance.
For example, elastin is a protein that, together with collagen, plays an important role in maintaining the skin's youthfulness, giving it elasticity, i.e. the property of returning to its original shape following deformation, including natural deformations such as those from a smile.
Also, essential amino acids like L-Lysine, along with vitamin C, are essential nutrients for collagen synthesis and have antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from free radicals. Collagen supplements that also contain these ingredients are ideal for mature skin.
Ivatherm has launched the Collagen Elastin food supplement designed to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. It contains collagen and elastin peptides of marine origin, vitamin C (obtained from Acerola powder), L-lysine (an essential amino acid that ensures endogenous collagen production and stabilizes collagen chains) and zinc (which has an anti-inflammatory and soothing effect on the skin).
Collagen Elastin reduces the risk of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the number of existing ones, improves hydration, supports collagen and elastin production, and nourishes hair, skin, and nails.
Collagen Supplement Tests and Reviews
When choosing collagen supplements, opt for products that have undergone rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they are free of additives and unnecessary ingredients.
Following a study to evaluate the anti-wrinkle effect of collagen and elastin, results were observed after just 28 days of administration.
In the study, some participants were given collagen and elastin, while others were given maltodextrin. While the subjects who were given collagen and elastin had a 19% reduction in wrinkles, those in the placebo group saw a 28% increase in the number of wrinkles.
So, check the tests that have been done before choosing a dietary supplement to make sure you are giving your skin the care it needs.
You can also read reviews from people who have evaluated the effectiveness of collagen supplements. These can help you make an informed decision.
At the same time, it is very important to seek the advice of a dermatologist before consuming dietary supplements, to know what your body needs, but also which nutricosmetics suit you best.
Complete your skincare routine with nutricosmetics to keep your skin looking bright and youthful for longer. Read collagen supplement labels carefully and choose products that align with your skincare goals so you can nourish your skin from the inside out and achieve the radiant complexion you desire.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Collagen Supplements: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Them
Food supplements are preparations that contain micronutrients or macronutrients and supplement certain nutritional needs that the body has and that it cannot obtain from the daily diet alone.
Supplements dedicated to beauty are called "nutricosmetics", and among the most well-known are those with collagen.
Collagen has many benefits for skin health, but it is best known for its ability to delay the aging process. The body naturally produces collagen, but after the age of 20, production begins to decline, so from this age onwards, an additional intake of nutrients is indicated to support the production and maintenance of collagen and elastin fibers. In addition, collagen fibers can be damaged due to ultraviolet radiation, vices (smoking), pollutants and some diseases. The appearance of wrinkles can be associated with collagen deficiency.
Therefore, supplementing endogenous (natural) collagen with the help of nutricosmetics – which can be in the form of tablets, capsules, dragees, powders or liquids – is an effective way to maintain the youthful appearance of the skin.
Here's what you need to keep in mind when choosing collagen supplements:
content
Type of collagen in dietary supplements
There are at least 22 different types of collagen, which have distinct structures and perform various functions. Type I collagen is the most common type and has numerous roles in the body. In addition to providing strength to the dermis, type I collagen provides the structure of bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, connective tissues, and teeth.
Therefore, type I collagen is what the skin needs to maintain its strength and structural integrity. When choosing a collagen supplement, check the product label and make sure you choose one that contains type I collagen.
How to extract collagen from dietary supplements
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down the chemical bonds that exist between a particular substance.
Hydrolyzed collagen is a processed form that is obtained when collagen fibers are broken down into small chains of collagen amino acids called collagen peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysis is superior to other types of hydrolysis: it is a natural process that does not use chemical solvents.
Collagen supplements obtained through hydrolysis are more easily absorbed by the body and can reach the skin to repair collagen fibers and support collagen production. Collagen peptides also exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial activity .
Collagen that is not fully broken down – it is partially hydrolyzed – is called gelatin. Gelatin supplements contain larger peptides and are not absorbed as easily.
Source of collagen from dietary supplements
Collagen itself is a fibrillar protein, made up of several amino acids. It is found in the connective tissues, muscles, bones and skin of all animals. To be used as a supplement, collagen must first be broken down into peptides – fragments of collagen with a molecular weight smaller than its original size. This is done through a process called hydrolysis and is necessary to make it easier to absorb and distribute in the human body.
Collagen peptides are small pieces of collagen protein derived from an animal source.
Collagen in dietary supplements can be extracted from several animal sources:
The most sustainable source of collagen is marine collagen. It is extracted from the scales, skin, and bones of fish. It can be used as a biomaterial because it is water-soluble, metabolically compatible, and highly accessible.
Studies have shown that hydrolyzed marine collagen supplements are effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and delaying aging, but they also have positive effects on the wound healing process .
Other ingredients used in collagen supplements
When choosing collagen supplements, you need to consider – as mentioned before – the type of collagen, the source of origin and the extraction method. Choose type I collagen, because it is the most abundant in the skin, opt for the one from controlled marine sources, obtained following a natural extraction, by enzymatic hydrolysis, without chemical solvents.
In addition to these aspects to keep in mind, don't forget to check the other ingredients in collagen supplements and choose formulas with ingredients that act synergistically to support skin firmness and a youthful appearance.
For example, elastin is a protein that, together with collagen, plays an important role in maintaining the skin's youthfulness, giving it elasticity, i.e. the property of returning to its original shape following deformation, including natural deformations such as those from a smile.
Also, essential amino acids like L-Lysine, along with vitamin C , are essential nutrients for collagen synthesis and have antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from free radicals. Collagen supplements that also contain these ingredients are ideal for mature skin.
➡️ Read also: Ten ingredients that support collagen production .
Collagen Supplement Tests and Reviews
When choosing collagen supplements, opt for products that have undergone rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they are free of additives and unnecessary ingredients.
Following a study to evaluate the anti-wrinkle effect of collagen and elastin, results were observed after just 28 days of administration.
In the study, some participants were given collagen and elastin, while others were given maltodextrin. While the subjects who were given collagen and elastin had a 19% reduction in wrinkles, those in the placebo group saw a 28% increase in the number of wrinkles.
So, check the tests that have been done before choosing a dietary supplement to make sure you are giving your skin the care it needs.
You can also read reviews from people who have evaluated the effectiveness of collagen supplements. These can help you make an informed decision.
At the same time, it is very important to seek the advice of a dermatologist before consuming dietary supplements, to know what your body needs, but also which nutricosmetics suit you best.
Complete your skincare routine with nutricosmetics to keep your skin looking bright and youthful for longer. Read collagen supplement labels carefully and choose products that align with your skincare goals so you can nourish your skin from the inside out and achieve the radiant complexion you desire.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.