Collagen has been the centre of attention since 2018, and we expect it to receive even more attention in 2019 as a way to keep people looking younger.
Collagen has been making the headlines for over five years now, with many claiming it is our saviour in our battle to stay looking young. But do we believe the hype or wait until conclusive testing has been performed? Have there been any tests or studies of note? Does collagen live up to its claims of being the fountain of youth? Many swear by it while others are not yet convinced that it really is the answer to eternal youth.
As you may know, collagen is used in creams, supplements and other products promising to help combat the signs of ageing. Leading brands, including So Body Co, strongly believe their products offer the best form of defence against the signs of ageing.
But, surely, we have heard this all before about other ingredients used in anti-ageing products? That is what we’re going to look at today – whether collagen really is some big breakthrough or just another of many false fantasies.
What is Collagen?
Simply put, collagen is an important protein found in many parts of our bodies. It is in our bones, skin, teeth, nails, and even muscles. It is everywhere! Essentially, although a cliché, it is like glue that helps to keep our bodies together. It also plays a big part in keeping our skin looking young and tight.
Unfortunately, collagen production naturally declines in our mid-20s, and certain lifestyle habits can speed it up such as smoking, repeated sun exposure without sunscreen, and poor diets, especially high sugar intake.
Collagen has many potential health benefits that go beyond its vital functions. These include helping with aching joints, supporting muscle growth, and promoting digestive health. However, the primary reason it is getting so much attention is its proposed anti-ageing effects. Collagen, as creams or supplements, is supposed to be the key to glowing, vibrant, and tighter skin. But are these claims true?
Do Collagen Creams and Supplements Really Work?
Despite what some companies claim, there are currently no rigorous studies that support the claim that you can absorb collagen from topical creams. While these creams may make your skin more hydrated and shiny, the evidence does not show that they actually affect collagen production.
Regarding supplements, a randomized controlled trial of 114 women aged 45-65, concerning eye wrinkles, found that by 4 weeks, the women given the collagen supplement had a significant reduction in eye wrinkle volume, which continued to be significant at the end of the 8 weeks.
In a similar study by the same researchers, 69 women aged 35-55, were given a placebo or collagen hydrolysate daily for 8 weeks. The women taking the collagen supplement had a significant improvement in skin elasticity, but there was no significant difference in skin moisture.
A recent study of 120 male and female participants aged 21-70 found that those taking a liquid supplement comprising collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants daily over 90 days had significant improvements in skin elasticity, joint pain, and joint mobility.
Does That Mean They are Safe?
That all sounds great, right? But you have to remember that these were small studies performed over a short period. All the participants were also required to stick to a balanced diet in order to qualify for the studies. Is that really enough evidence to suggest that collagen supplements and creams work and are safe to use?
Those against them point to the fact that these products are still not regulated. They also have concerns about the levels of heavy metals that these products could contain.
Collagen supplants do at least have short-term benefits. However, it is important that you choose products made by reputable brands. At least until we know more.
Also, as they make these supplements using animal products, try to stick to brands that use free-range, antibiotic-free sources. Vegetarians and vegans, in particular, will want to avoid many of the core ingredients found in regular supplements. So, stick to brands that focus on using natural ingredients.
The Takeaway
How you feel about collagen supplements will come down to personal experience and opinion. We doubt anyone really suggests collagen does not have its benefits. It is just that until it is regulated and more studies have shown big positives and minor risks, then some will always question whether it really is as beneficial as others claim. That said, if you believe in the powers of collagen, stick to the reputable brands. It is better to be safe than sorry.
