If you’re a beauty maven, chances are that you’ve heard of the term collagen. It’s a fairly popular skincare ingredient that experts swear by, but why? What really is collagen? Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body. It forms the connective tissue throughout the body so from skin, muscles, and bones to tendons and ligaments, they are all made up of collagen.
It actually forms 80% of our skin and works with another protein called elastin that keeps our skin elastic. However, as we age, our bodies naturally start producing lesser collagen. During our 20s, we begin losing 1% of the collagen each year which means drier skin. Even smoking cigarettes, sun exposure, and pollution can cause collagen breakdown. So, dermatologists suggest that we start supplementing our collagen as we age.
Does Collagen Actually Work?
Skin expert, Dr. Kiran Lohia recommends collagen supplements. Research shows that taking them over a course of several months can improve skin elasticity, as well as reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and roughness. They have also been known to increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back, and knee pain. So if skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity are something you’re looking for powder-based collagen supplements could be the answer.
What Does Collagen Do For Your Hair?
Your body uses several amino acids to build keratin and some of these can be found in collagen. Your body breaks down the collagen you consume and breaks them into amino acids that are then used to build new proteins and compounds. So, building blocks of hair can also be found in these supplements. These help in hair growth and strengthened hair. Collagen supplements also have antioxidants present in them which help you fight free radicals that cause your hair to get damaged. These free radicals are compounds that develop in your body as a result of stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences.
Collagen also helps with hair thinning because like the skin it helps with the elasticity and strength of your strands. And like the anti-aging miracle they are- they also help with hair graying because the fight cell damage. As you age, the cells that produce the melanin pigment that gives your hair its color naturally begin to die. Even free radicals can cause your hair to grey so the antioxidants in collagen help with just that.
Amazing right?
Should You Really Start Taking Collagen?
If you really want to start taking collagen then you can though we would recommend getting a dermatologist’s opinion on it once. However, if you do decide to start taking it- be ready for a very long relationship with them. Since the collagen production in our bodies reduces over the years, you’ll have to keep taking the supplements if you notice them helping your skin and bones.
Chinese women have sworn by this protein for centuries and call it the fountain of youth. They often eat foods like pig’s feet, shark fins, and donkey skin and give them credit for having firmer skin even as they age. Even celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have adequated for collagen supplements (she starts her day with a collagen beverage).
Collagen Supplements That You Could Choose From
There are a few collagen supplements in the market that you can buy, but if you’re interested in getting your hands on Dr Kiran’s Isya Glow Dust, you can get in touch with her on Instagram! Isya Glow Dust which is the collagen supplement that Dr. Kiran has formulated herself! She also recommends Neocell Collagen- Bovine and the Nutrova and Radiplex Elixir- Marine Collagen.
Now that we’ve given you all the scoop on collagen, we hope you can make an informed decision. And always remember, before taking any kind of supplements, it’s best to check with your doctor first!
Also Read: Benefits of Collagen
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