Collagen is a protein.
It gives skin the strength and elasticity that it needs.
Over time, the body naturally loses collagen, and its production slows down.
This is partly why older skin is more prone to wrinkles and flab.
Many skincare products promise to increase collagen production rates for bouncy, smooth, and youthful skin.
However,collagen creams aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
They might be hydrating, but they often don’t deliver on restoring the skin-plumping protein.
It’s actually collagen supplements that may be the answer to reverse the effect of aging.
With this protein in the supplement version, the enzymes and amino acids have already had a face-off.
But does taking them really return your youthful glow?
Collagen supplements may improve skin elasticity
Oral collagen boosts come in different forms of powders and pills.
You want to look for supplements that have collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides.
A2018 studypublished in Nutrients found subjects taking collagen supplements had an improvement in skin hydration and elasticity.
Another2019 studyin the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology supports these findings.
Patients in these reports saw significant changes in their skin after 12 weeks of added collagen.
It may not hurt to try if wrinkles and sagging skin are your enemy.
The most prominent side effects of these supplements are stomach aches and loose stool.
Talk with your dermatologist or primary physician to know if this treatment is right for you.
In the meantime, eating right and diligently applying sunscreen can go a long way.
Sun protection is the first defense from environmental factors that increase signs of aging.
“It can dilate blood vessels to give skin a red tone.
It also creates something called elastotic material, which creates a cobblestone appearance in the skin.”
As a dermatologist, Dr. Ross recommends a broad-spectrum sunblock with at least 30 SPF.
Dermatologist and clinical assistant professor Dr. Patricia Farris toldU.S.
While cutting down on sugar helps, so does adding nutrients.
Collagen supplements can be a helpful boost, but don’t forget about the basics.
