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.
Type I or type 1 collagen is the strongest type of collagen. If you're looking for a collagen for supporting skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it's literally a building block of the skin.
Type 3/Type III: Type 3 collagen is made of reticular fibers and a major component of the extracellular matrix that makes up our organs and skin. It's usually found with type 1 and helps give skin its elasticity and firmness.
The types of collagen that are most effective for weight loss are Types I and III. Type I collagen is the most abundant type of collagen in the human body and is found in the skin, tendons, and bones.
To increase skin's elasticity, firmness, and texture, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, studies show that taking up to 2.5 grams is effective. Here's a caveat: most users will find that they need less than 2.5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen to see skin-benefiting results.
Vitamins A, C and E
Cellular damaging free radicals have no chance when facing these combinations of vitamins. Vitamin A helps to hydrate the lower layer of skin, vitamin C preserves and protects skin-firming fibers such as collagen and elastin, and vitamin E safeguards skin from sun damage.
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
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).
Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.
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 31 per cent.
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.
According to a 2021 review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, compared with those who do not supplement with collagen, taking collagen every day for 90 days is linked to better hydration and elasticity. Additionally, collagen takers may experience fewer wrinkles on their skin.
Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
Jen Says: "My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides ($27; shop now) in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie – so easy to use."
Where collagen is a protein that's responsible for the skin's firmness and suppleness, peptides work to stimulate collagen production. As such, collagen peptides are a no-brainer for jowl treatment.
Liposuction: This body-shaping procedure dissolves undesirable fat from hard to target areas, including submental fat under the chin. Neck-Tite™: This minimally-invasive procedure uses radiofrequency energy to melt fat and rejuvenate the neck and jowls.
One of the best peptides for skin tightening is this one right here: Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2. This peptide stimulates collagen and elastin in your skin, strengthening them and tightening skin for a firmer, youthful appearance.
Skin-Tightening Treatments: Chemical Peels, Facials, and Ultherapy. In old Hollywood, many celebrities got plastic surgery to tighten their skin. But today, more celebrities are turning to modern, less invasive options, like chemical peels, specialized facials, and Ultherapy.
One review of 11 studies focusing mostly on women found that taking 3–10 grams of collagen per day for an average of 69 days led to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration ( 6 ). These supplements may work by stimulating your body to produce collagen on its own.