Collagen, which accounts for 30% of the proteins your body produces, is your body’s natural way of strengthening your bones, muscles, and skin. Recently, athletes and others with active lifestyles may be turning to collagen supplements to help augment this natural process, and a thriving industry has been developing to meet this demand. The fitness-minded may be turning to collagen to strengthen their joints, but a number of people are interested in uses of collagen that extend beyond muscles and movement. Their hope is that collagen will help improve skin and hair health, as well as their overall wellness.
For them, collagen supplements may not just be about how the body performs, but also about how it feels. People may turn to this protein hoping not only to increase their wellness but also their health and beauty.
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Collagen and Skincare
Exposure to the sun over the years, high stress, and the natural aging process can all reduce your body’s ability to produce collagen. Because collagen supports and strengthens your skin, this reduction can have visible effects: fine lines and wrinkles, reduced elasticity, and dry skin. These are more than just signs of age. They can be signs that your skin is gradually losing its structural support.
Many may hope that by replenishing this essential protein, they can strengthen their skin and achieve a smoother, firmer, and more hydrated look.
Creams vs. Peptides
The go-to collagen supplements have been skin creams and serums, but recently collagen peptides have grown in popularity. Unlike creams that primarily are applied to the skin’s surface, peptides are ingested into the body. After you ingest them, they break down into smaller peptides and amino acids that circulate throughout your bloodstream, with the goal being to stimulate natural collagen production. On the other hand, creams have their uses too, as they can be used to target a specific area on your skin.
Beyond Skin: Hair, Nails, and Gut
Collagen doesn’t just strengthen joints and skin, however. This natural protein also promotes stronger hair and less brittle nails, which is why your hair may become more fragile as you age and your body produces less collagen. Those seeking to slow this decline in collagen production may combine a collagen supplement with the use of water ionizers and a consistent home skincare routine. Finally, some studies have suggested that collagen also may support gut health.
One Supplement on an Active Schedule
From joints to skin, to nails, hair, and your digestive tract, collagen might be a key ingredient in a holistic approach to improving your wellness. Taking a comprehensive approach to wellness doesn’t always have to take a lot of time or even effort — just intention. For those living active lives and rarely sitting still for long, collagen offers the appeal of a single supplement that may affect your well-being in varied ways. In the form of peptides, it’s also quick to take, because you can blend the supplement into your morning smoothie, add it to your coffee, or drink it in your post-workout shake.
If this is a supplement you’re interested in, you will want to look for a high-quality protein. Naked Nutrition’s Collagen Peptides Powder, for example, is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine in Europe, without fillers or artificial additives. This clean formula aims to ensure that you get a potent dose of bioavailable collagen.
It will be exciting to see what future studies find about the health benefits of collagen peptides. For now, some people with active lifestyles are adding clean-formula collagen to their existing skincare and post-workout routines, hoping peptides can help accelerate the good work their bodies are already doing. If successful, increased collagen production may nourish your skin and joints as you pursue the active life you love with greater vitality and confidence.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional prior to beginning any diet or exercise program or taking any dietary supplement. Any views, thoughts or opinions in this contributor content belong solely to the writer and do not represent the views of Lee Enterprises.
Lee Enterprises newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.
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