Collagen peptides are usually considered the best form of collagen for ingestion. Hydrolyzed collagen should be taken if a person wants to take a collagen supplement. Hydrolyzed collagen means the collagen has been broken down into small peptides, which are easy for the body to digest.
"Look for hydrolyzed collagen as this is broken down into amino acids and may be easier to absorb," she says. "Products with Types I and III collagen are also best, as these are the predominant collagen types in human skin, with the ratio shifting with age."
A further 2021 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 3 months is effective at reducing skin ageing, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration (4).
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In short, yes. Taken daily, clinical trials have shown a collagen supplement has the ability to slow down the body's breaking down of its own collagen. In fact, the marine collagen in Beauty Pie's Collagen Super Powder reduced it by a huge 31 per cent.
The recommended supplement intake of hydrolyzed collagen is 10g a day. The recommended intake of undenatured type II collagen is 40mg a day.
Since collagen is an animal product, choosing collagen from a reputable source is important. Look for collagen that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals or wild-caught fish. The collagen should not have any additional fillers or additives.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Collagen peptides are made by breaking animal collagen down through hydrolysis. So, while collagen is a complete protein, collagen peptides are fragments of that protein. Whole collagen is difficult for the body to digest or absorb, while collagen peptides are significantly more accessible for the body.
Victoria Beckham has been known to take Skinade collagen drinks to compliment her skincare routine, whilst Kourtney Kardashian is a fan of Vital Proteins collagen powder. Now, the next generation of collagen beauty supplements has arrived…
One person who religiously uses collagen is Kourtney Kardashian. The 40-year-old doesn't look a day over 30, so when she says a brand is an everyday essential, we listen. Her favorite brand? Vital Proteins.
Bovine collagen is easily absorbed by the body, as it's the closest form of collagen to that found in humans.
Collagen's role in the body
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
Collagen Lift, also known as 'The Facelift Facial' is a non-surgical treatment for skin tightening and firming loose or sagging skin. This treatment tightens, tones and lifts achieving firm, youthful looking skin – without the telltale frozen stares and 'puffed up' look associated with injectables and fillers.
The best collagen for joints is type 2 collagen. Although collagen type 2 is found in lesser amounts in the human body than type 1 collagen, it's the type of collagen that primarily helps to build connective tissues and cartilage.