Do you ever look back at photos and long for your 20-something skin?
Obviously we’re grateful for the life experiences, laughter and even some of the losses along the way, but there’s no denying that 20-something skin in all its bouncy joy is a thing we’d love to experience for just a day.
Turns out you can with the right routine, which more and more often now includes some sort of ingestible beauty supplement.
Touted as the latest and greatest anti-ageing method, many women are looking to collagen supplements as an extra line of defense in their skincare arsenal. Rather than treating skin topically, collagen supplements are ingested orally and support the skin from within.
But how does this process work? And will any old collagen supplement do? Here, we answer these questions and more so that you can make an informed decision at the checkout.
1. What is collagen?
Here’s the thing about collagen – your body is full of the stuff, especially when you’re young.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in our bodies; it gives our bones, ligaments and tendons their strength, and makes our skin look plump, youthful and supple. Think of collagen as your skin’s structural net – it keeps your skin strong and elasticised.
Once we hit our mid-20s, collagen production starts to decrease; this is one of the reasons why our skin starts to show visible signs of ageing.
2. What is the best collagen supplement?
Not all collagen supplements are created equal. There are different types of collagen with bovine (from cows) and marine (from fish) being the ones most commonly found in supplements. From there, brands usually combine the straight-up collagen with other nutrients for boosted benefits. Be sure to read the ingredient list thoroughly to understand the full picture of what you’re taking.
Our pick of the bunch? Isagenix Collagen Elixir. These easy-to-take single-dose shots contain Scandinavian sourced marine collagen peptides, alongside Double Nutri Technology, to improve nutrient absorption and supercharge results. Importantly, Isagenix collagen is sustainably sourced from the picturesque Scandinavian Sea, following strict environmentally friendly practices that help support marine diversity.
To double down on results, Isagenix Collagen Elixir also contains botanical ingredients including goji, aloe vera, acerola berry and chamomile which are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are all tried-and-tested ingredients, known to promote healthy skin.
3. What are the benefits of taking a collagen supplement?
Taken orally, a collagen supplement can boost our collagen levels, especially after our natural stores start to decline.
Speaking to marine collagen specifically, studies have shown that consuming marine collagen can increase collagen density by almost 30%, resulting in firmer, more hydrated skin. Similarly, wrinkles and texture were also reduced, by 14.4% and 16% respectively, over four weeks.
4. Is it safe to take collagen supplements?
Isagenix recommends one serve of Collagen Elixir per day. It is safe for anyone ages 12 and up; however, you probably won’t need to take it until your collagen levels start to decline in your mid-20s.
While Collagen Elixir contains food-based ingredients that can safely be consumed by pregnant and nursing women, it’s always best to consult with your GP before starting using any supplements.
5. Can I take collagen every day?
Yes! You can and you should! Regular use = better results.
Brought to you by Isagenix.