Do Collagen Supplements Really Help Your Skin?

Many health and beauty companies include collagen in their products as an anti-aging ingredient, but do they really work? Probably not, since it is difficult to absorb through the skin. But do collagen supplements help improve your skin? The answer might be yes. Various clinical studies prove that collagen helps your skin elasticity and firmness.

 

What is Collagen?

Collagen is one of the main structural proteins in our bodies, making up about one-third of our total protein. It’s found throughout the body, including our skin, hair, and connective tissues. Collagen is made of hard, insoluble, and fibrous protein that’s packed together to form long, thin fibrils. Fibrils are any threadlike fibers that make up a cell or a larger structure, and allow us to maintain the shape and form of our tissues. The structure of collagen gives our skin both its elasticity and strength.

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What does Collagen do?

Collagen helps create a network for new cells to grow and also plays a role in replacing and restoring dead skin cells. Some even act as protective coverings for delicate organs. As we age, our skin ages too. Our body produces less collagen as we become older, leading to a gradual loss of skin elasticity, forming wrinkles and dry skin.

 

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Many health and beauty companies heavily market collagen supplements as a way to counteract skin aging. In a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, two placebo-controlled clinical trials tested the effectiveness of collagen supplements on skin health. After the eight-week trial, oral collagen supplements were found to significantly increase collagen density in the skin. They also increased skin hydration.

Another clinical study conducted by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Kiel in Germany showed positive results of collagen supplements in women aged 35-55 years. Similar to the study above, the results of their four-week study showed a great increase in their skin elasticity. However, though their skin moisture improved as well, the correlation was not as strong. .

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These clinical studies have proven that oral collagen supplements improve aging skin. However, collagen supplements can’t save your skin from aging without the help of a healthy diet and overall lifestyle. To achieve better skin, first address the skin concerns you have, and then ask a dermatologist.