Collagen for skin?

You want glowing, fabulous skin, but is oral collagen worth the investment?

Let’s separate the hype from the truth. 

Collagen provides support and structure for your skin (think the 2x4s in the framing of your house).  As you age, collagen production naturally declines. At the same time, collagen degradation speeds up because that scaffolding is exposed to things like UV radiation, pollution, and advanced glycation end products (sugar), which tear it apart.  The result:  Wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of radiance. 

You know collagen is needed in your body, but does taking it orally make a difference? 

Studies on collagen peptide supplementation for skin health have yielded mixed results. While several studies suggest that collagen peptides improve skin elasticity, moisture retention, and the appearance of wrinkles, others indicate no significant difference compared to a placebo. 

Let’s weigh the pros and cons of collagen peptide supplementation:

Pros:

1. Potential improvement in skin elasticity and hydration.
2. May enhance the skin’s natural protective barrier.
3. Can support the growth of strong and healthy nails.

Cons:

1. Absorption and effectiveness may vary depending on the type and quality of collagen peptides.

If you’re considering collagen peptide supplementation, hydrolyzed collagen (collagen broken down into smaller peptides or peptides) is more easily absorbed by the body and is likely more effective.  

At HOP, we’re big fans of Verisol collagen peptides because they have randomized, placebo-controlled studies showing improvement in wrinkles and elasticity within four weeks and cellulite within three months of daily use.  This particular ingredient is found in multiple different collagen brands.  

Moving beyond collagen, several other oral ingredients have shown benefits for skin health (and they happen to be found in HOP Box!):

1. Astaxanthin: A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation.
2. Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate: An ingredient believed to support collagen production.
3. NMN/NR: These compounds are precursors to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a molecule involved in various cellular processes, including skin repair and rejuvenation.
4. Hyaluronic Acid: Known for retaining moisture, hyaluronic acid helps keep the skin hydrated, plump, and youthful-looking.

And, of course, slowing skin aging starts with dialing in your healthy lifestyle – a clean diet, proper hydration, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and sun protection.