Collagen supplements have been enjoying a romantic surge in popularity over recent years, being touted as the ultimate solution to the premature signs of ageing and the ideal tonic for stronger hair and nails – but with such a plethora of health and beauty products already on our to-buy lists, do you really need to add them to your ever-expanding daily regime?
Here, we take a look at all you need to know about collagen supplements so that you can make an informed decision about whether they are right for you – from their myriad of benefits to the signs to look out for that might be telling you it’s time to take the plunge.
What is the purpose of collagen supplements?
Collagen is a protein that is naturally produced by the body and that helps to keep skin looking plump, smooth and radiant, and hair and nails strong, as well as strengthening tissues within the body to support joints and prevent injury. As we age, the body’s natural collagen production begins to decline, and in your 30s and 40s, you may begin to notice the effects, so it’s at this point that many are opting to add a collagen supplement into their daily routines.
The purpose of a collagen supplement is essentially to provide the body with more of it, replenishing what has been lost so that it can continue to do the jobs it’s needed for. Collagen has the ability to improve your skin, muscles, bones, nails, and hair – but without it, you may begin to see age-related issues including but not limited to discomfort in your joints, weakened muscles, and wrinkles.
What are some signs that you might need a collagen supplement?
An easy way to determine whether it might be time to start taking a collagen supplement is if you start to notice some of these key signs:
Joint stiffness and discomfort
Deteriorating joint function can lead to pain, discomfort, and less mobility and can make good simple things like getting up in the mornings and doing your daily tasks start to feel like more of a chore than they should. It can also lead to you becoming more reluctant to engage in physical activity such as working out or going for a run, which can be distressing if these are things you’ve always enjoyed. If you notice any of these things, then they could be trying to tell you that it’s time to give your body a much-needed collagen boost.
Dry and brittle hair and nails
If you’ve noticed that your nails have become more brittle, or that your hair has lost its shine, then it’s likely that you’re lacking in collagen. Adding a supplement to your morning routine, could eventually see both of them looking stronger and feeling healthier, just like they did before.
Dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles
One of the most popular reasons many turn to collagen supplements is to combat the early signs of ageing. If your skin has lost its radiance and has become more dull, or you’re starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles developing, then this could be a sign that the collagen levels in your body are falling and could do with an extra boost.
Loss of muscle mass
Muscle mass, like collagen, tends to decline as we age, but maintaining a good level of collagen in the body will help to slow down this process. If it’s starting to become more of a challenge to stay toned or maintain strength, then consider it a red flag. With a regular diet that is rich in protein along with collagen supplementation, your muscle mass can be more effectively retained as you get older.
It’s true that it’s impossible to stop the aging process, but you can do your part to make sure you age gracefully and feel your best along the way. And it’s not just a case of waiting for signs to appear, as collagen supplements can also be used as a preventative measure while you’re young – so people of all ages can benefit from starting to take one sooner, rather than later.
The bottom line
If you’re eager to continue looking and feeling your best and maintain a healthy lifestyle in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, then adding a collagen supplement to your routine will help you to do so. As well as the aesthetic benefits, it offers a plethora of unseen ones too, and from the skin, hair and nails to joints, muscles, and more – collagen supplements pack a real punch that your body will thank you for later.
