Did you know collagen can be ingested-not just applied to the skin in order to increase skin elasticity? Yes it can and it’s so easy! Not to mention, ingesting collagen also helps many other functions in the body, including healthy thyroid function, joint and bone health and even digestion! A collagen supplement can go a long way when restoring and preserving the youth of your skin. It’s easy to incorporate and one of the more affordable supplements to take. It’s definitely a lot of bang for your buck!
As a skin care enthusiast, I often talk about the importance of collagen. As you probably know, our skin produces collagen in abundance when we are younger, but when we hit the age of 40, our collagen production starts to decline. Menopause causes a dramatic decline.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of its protein composition.
It’s one of the major building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is also found in many other body parts, including blood vessels, corneas, and teeth. It is the glue that holds everything together.
Collagen is responsible for giving skin a smooth appearance. It has been called the “scaffolding of the body”. Collagen gives skin it’s strength as well as encouraging healthy cell turnover. Collagen is not only found in the skin-it is also in the bones, tendons and muscles.
Studies have shown that taking a collagen supplement can improve moisture and firmness in the skin.
If a person is lacking in collagen, the skin begins to sag and wrinkle and the joints and bones lose their strength.
Causes of Reduced Collagen Production:
- Aging
- Sun exposure
- Sugar
- Smoking
- Auto-immune disorders
The Many Benefits of Taking Collagen:
- Firmer & younger looking skin
- Increased moisture content in skin
- Improved bone and joint health
- Hormone balance
- Improved digestion
- Faster hair and nail growth
- Stronger hair and nails
- Improved sleep
- Possible cellulite reduction
- Improved circulation
- Faster wound healing
- Reduces inflammation
- Helps maintain healthy weight
As you can see, collagen serves more purpose in the body besides giving you younger looking skin. It’s extremely important for many functions of the body!
Why Perfect Supplements Collagen Brand?
I get my collagen from Perfect Supplements. I used to use a different brand but once I discovered the VAST benefits of Perfect Supplements, I immediately switched. It is important that your collagen is glyphosate tested as well as heavy metal tested. Perfect Supplements is extremely transparent with all their 3rd party testing results.
- 100% Hydrolyzed Collagen-No fillers
- Sourced EXCLUSIVELY From Brazilian Pasture Raised (Grass Fed) Cows
- 100% Natural and Pesticide and Hormone Free
- Non-GMO
- Lactose & Dairy Free
- Low Molecular Weight For Easy Absorption
- High Bioavailability
- Free of Pesticides, Hormones, Chemicals and Contaminants
- World’s First Certified Glyphosate Residue Free Collagen
- Contains Type I & Type III Collagen
- Easily Mixes in Any Liquid – Hot or Cold
- Lab Tested With Proof of Purity
- 60 Servings Per Bottle, 660 gram container (approx. 1.5 lbs)
- The Only Collagen to Receive Perfectly Pure Certification (learn more)
Find Perfect Supplements’ Hydrolyzed Collagen HERE.
Why Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Hydrolyzed means the molecular structure of collagen is small enough to be easily absorbed so that you can reap all the benefits of taking a collagen supplement. Because collagen has a very long molecular structure, it can be hard to absorb it. Regular collagen has a molecular weight of 100,000 Daltons. Perfect Supplements’ Collagen has a molecular weight of 5,000 Daltons making if 90% bio-available. It is easily absorbed into the bloodstream which is not the case for most collagen brands.
My Personal Experience with a Collagen Supplement
I’ve taken a collagen supplement for years. I don’t always have it on hand so I definitely know the difference of taking it and not taking it. My fingernails get brittle and thin when I don’t take it but when I add it and combine it with my Nail Strengthening Roll On, my nail health greatly improves. When taking it, my skin brightens and appears more radiant. Digestion issues are less. I believe I have leaky gut and collagen can help repair holes in the intestines which cause much digestion discomfort. Also, my legs appear smoother which is why I always take collagen during the warmer months.
I like taking collagen in my morning smoothie because it is very filling. The added protein keeps me full and allows me to lighten up my eating by making my smoothie a meal supplement. Check out my Beautiful Skin Smoothie recipe as well as a very personal post that also contains my Meal Supplement Smoothie recipe.
Supplements Matter for Skin Health
Collagen infused skin care is not always the most effective way to increase collagen in your skin. Often times the collagen molecule is just too big to penetrate the skin effectively. Beautiful skin truly comes from what you put in your body and your lifestyle rather then what you put on your skin. That’s an unpopular truth but it is the truth.
I wrote a post a while ago about the top supplements that are truly making a difference with my health and I still am taking these today and still experiencing huge benefits. Collagen is definitely included in my top supplements. Go HERE for that post.
I love the Perfect Supplements company. I also take their magnesium nightly for better digestion and sleep among many other benefits. You can use my code JENNI10 for 10% off your order!
Get the best collagen supplement HERE.
xx, Jenni
P.S. When doing research for the benefits of taking collagen, I did read that it could be very helpful in tightening loose skin due to pregnancy or weight loss!
PIN IT!!!
Hi Jenni,
Do you know if this is ok to take when pregnant? Great article.
Lisa Villaume | Career Growth. Office Fashion. Lifestyle.
Hi Jenni,
Do you know if this is ok to take when pregnant? Great article.
Lisa-I searched and searched and found that the answer is inconclusive due to not enough research. Of course, doctors have to be so careful and several said don’t risk it but in my own common sense, I probably would take it if I were pregnant. Can you ask your OB?
Jenni,
Thanks for spreading the word about collagen. I am such a big believer in it! I have been using collagen for several years now. For over a year it has been the Vital Proteins brand. I can honestly say that my skin is firmer now at age 49 (almost 50!) than it was at 39. I have mentioned it so many times on my blog…I typically blend it into my coffee in the morning, along with coconut oil, stevia, and maybe one other mix in (raw cacao, maca, etc.) Sometimes I make a matcha latte if I am home in the afternoon and mix it into that. It’s also great in smoothies as you’ve pointed out. It’s amazing for your nails…mine were always nice but even better now. Highly, highly recommend. So glad you are getting the word out!
Elizabeth-Yes, I remember you saying how much you loved it back at the beginning of the year. It took me so long to incorporate it into my routine-don’t know why, because it’s so easy! Thanks for sharing about your skin! That is an amazing testimony! I’m so excited to share it and continue to use it!!
This post is informative and helpful. I am also taking hydrolyzed collagen powder and put it in my coffee every morning. Consuming my third bottle now and I can say that there’a already an improvement in my skin texture. I’ll make sure I’m never going to run out of stock 😀
Riza-I’m so glad! It really does make a difference!
Great content Jennifer Phillips
My trainer says Collagen supplementation has a lot of health benefits and only a few identified concerns. Vitamins may help to improve the health of your skin by minimizing wrinkles and dryness. They may also aid in the development of muscle mass, the prevention of bone loss and the relief of joint pain.