Collagen is a protein that is found within the connective tissue of our skin, hair, muscles, joints, and blood vessels. We know collagen is involved in maintaining the structure, durability and strength of our skin, and over the years there has been a rise in the number of collagen supplements, whether they be powders to add to smoothies, or in a capsule form.
Vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, however as we age the production of collagen decreases. This is one of the reasons why we develop wrinkles and maybe even achy joints.
Will Adding a Collagen Supplement to Your Diet be Beneficial?
Currently, we do not have any robust evidence to confirm that the collagen that you may take as a supplement will be converted into structural collagen for our skin. We must keep in mind as well, that it’s not just our skin that contains collagen, but the list mentioned above. There is no evidence that collagen supplements will target the skin cells on our face, so there is limited evidence to support the need of supplementing collagen.
As mentioned above collagen is a protein, which means that when we consume it, it will be broken down into amino acids (which are the building blocks for proteins), absorbed and used however our body needs those amino acids. Ensure that you are consuming enough protein in your diet, along with vitamin C, and having a wide variety of foods, to help with your skin health (and collagen synthesis) as much as possible.
What About Collagen Containing Skin Lotions?
Lotions that claim to increase your collagen levels due to containing collagen are unlikely to be able to achieve this. A collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed through our skin. You may find your skin feels different after using, but this may just be due to the product moisturising your skin.
It’s not worth spending your money on collagen supplements, some people may find that it helps them, but this could be due to a placebo effect, or something else. Currently, however, the evidence does not support the need for collagen supplements to help with our collagen levels.
Credit to David Loftus
Daisy, MSc PGDip ANutr, is a Registered Associate Nutritionist with a Master's Degree in Public Health Nutrition, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Eating Disorders and Clinical Nutrition, both of which are Association for Nutrition (AFN) accredited. She, also, has a BSc degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience; and has completed an AFN accredited Diet Specialist Nutrition course.
Daisy has worked for an NHS funded project, the Diabetes Prevention Programme; and shadowed a nutritionist in Harley Street.
About Lucy Bee Limited
Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.
Lucy Bee is a lifestyle brand selling food, skincare and soap products all completely free from palm oil and with minimal use of plastic. Lucy Bee is concerned with Fair Trade, organic, ethical and sustainable living, recycling and empowering people to make informed choices and select quality, natural products for their food and their skin.
