When it comes to anti-ageing, collagen supplements are being heralded as the ultimate tonic for eternal youth in 2024 – but do they really work, and if so, how?
Collagen is a protein that is produced naturally by the body, and plays a key role in our bodies in myriad ways – but it’s particularly important for the health and appearance of the skin.
As we age, the natural production of collagen decreases, leading to wrinkles, loss of firmness, and elasticity in the skin – so it’s little wonder a growing number of people are turning to dietary supplements containing collagen, hoping to bridge the gap.
But with the market for anti-ageing health supplements like this one booming, the question on everyone’s lips is, does collagen supplementation actually deliver the expected results? And can it really measure up to the body’s own natural production of it? Here, we take a closer look.
Collagen supplementation
Dietary supplements often contain collagen in various forms, but most commonly in its hydrolysed form, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Advocates of collagen supplementation emphasise that regular use of these products can improve skin hydration, increase elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, rolling back the years and allowing you to maintain youthful appearance for longer. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed that these benefits are the real deal, and show improvements in skin condition in people who have taken collagen for several months.
One of collagen supplements’ mechanisms within the body that gives ageing skin a much needed boost is the stimulation of fibroblasts – the cells responsible for producing new collagen in the skin. So it’s not just about supplying the body with collagen to make up for its own increasing shortfall over time, as supplementation can also support the skin’s natural regenerative processes, leading to renewal and strengthening of its structure.
It’s important to remember that results can vary depending on individual factors and the condition of the skin before starting supplementation, but by all accounts, it seems to be promising. And the good news is, the benefits don’t end there.
Collagen and its impact on health
In addition to its advantages for the health and appearance of skin, taking a quality collagen supplement regularly has also been shown to have a positive effect on joint health, as well as that of hair and nails.
Native type II collagen is particularly beneficial in this context as it is able to inhibit inflammation, and hydrolysed collagen is packed with peptides that minimises degeneration of the joint tissues, thus helping to reduce joint pain. It also improves the health of hair and nails, making a strong case for incorporating it into your routine.
Even so, it’s important to note that collagen supplementation should be seen as complementary to a healthy lifestyle – not the sole solution for improving the appearance of your skin. Regular physical activity, a diet rich in antioxidants, and a regular skin care routine bases around high-quality anti-ageing products are all crucial elements that, when combined with collagen, can help you ensure you see the best results and most importantly, boost your overall vitality as well as your physical appearance
The bottom line
Collagen as a dietary supplement can offer numerous benefits for the skin’s appearance, including improved hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction – so if you’ve been debating whether or not to add it to your routine then it may well be worth the investment. Regular use of collagen, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can contribute to an overall improvement in skin condition and firmness, and with so many benefits, it has got to be worth a go – but be sure to do your research to make sure you’re investing in a high-quality product for the best possible results.
