Collagen - Whether it is Necessary to Drink it and Choose it

Now everyone is drinking collagen, and we decided to ask an expert when to expect an effect from him, which type to choose and whether it is necessary to take tests before use.

For several years now, collagen has been in the recommendations of many cosmetologists and beauty specialists. Some advice is adding it to drinks or food, others - to mix it with day and night creams. In the end, experts promise smoother skin and shiny hair. And, it would seem, just something, you need to figure out which of the dozens of types of collagens to choose, whether you need to consult a doctor and get tested before use, why are there such different prices for it everywhere. Beauty blogger Alexandra Chudakova shared her opinion about all this.

Alexandra Chudakova

Collagen is an essential component of our body. It is a building protein that plays a vital role in functioning almost every organ and tissue in the body. Collagen makes our bones strong, skin elastic and youthful, joints mobile and helps heal wounds faster.

Why does everyone drink collagen?

After 25 years, collagen production decreases significantly; therefore, wrinkles appear, the skin begins to sag, bones weaken, and joints' inflammation may occur. Also, the main signs of collagen deficiency include brittle nails, hair loss, stretch marks, long-lasting creases on the skin after sleep, and joint pain. In this case, it is necessary to replenish the balance of this protein. Still, it is essential to understand that our body does not assimilate normal collagen since its molecule is too large, has a thick wall, and cannot penetrate the bloodstream through the small intestine. Then taking collagen peptides comes to the rescue.

The effect of taking fish collagen peptides on the skin will be visible in a couple of weeks: the complexion will become more even, inflammation and acne will decrease - especially if you supplement the intake of collagen by applying it to the skin with a cream. The only point: collagen is not a "magic pill" for everything. The result will be only if you take collagen in a course without skipping it. And don't forget - no one has canceled home care and a healthy lifestyle.

If everything is done correctly, then this is what happens to the body when taking collagen:

smoothing of wrinkles, restoration of skin elasticity, inhibition of aging processes;

strengthening hair, nails, bones;

elimination of acne and skin allergies;

elimination of inflammation and pain in joints and bones;

stimulating the growth of muscle tissue during sports;

improvement in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteochondrosis, arthrosis, intervertebral hernia, rheumatic joint lesions;

acceleration of wound healing, smoothing of scars and stretch marks, skin regeneration after plastic surgery operations;

renewal of the mucous membrane, strengthening of the gums.

There are so many types of collagen; let's give it a try - which one to choose? When choosing collagen, be sure to pay attention to its kind. There are more than 20 of them, but the most significant are three types:

The first type: found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, teeth, and connective tissue, makes up 75% of the total collagen in the body.

Second type: found in cartilage and eyes but makes up less than 10% of the total collagen in the body.

The third type: found in muscles, blood vessels, and skin, makes up 15% of the total collagen in the body.

Are there also different types of collagen?

Yes. When talking about the types of collagen, they mean the source of the raw materials from which it is obtained. The effectiveness and bioavailability of the additive depend on the type of this raw material.

Collagen is a substance of animal origin. It is obtained either from fish skin scales or from the joints and skin of animals. The cost of a supplement made from animals is small, but such collagen can cause an allergic reaction, is not well absorbed and is inferior in the number of nutrients to fish.

Fish collagen is an alternative to bovine, pork, and chicken collagen. It is obtained from the skin and scales of marine and freshwater fish. In terms of amino acid composition, it is closer to a human, which means that the body much better perceives it.

Also, the main advantage of fish collagen is that amino acids penetrate deep into the cell and stimulate it, giving it a new building material, which is not yet as allergic as an animal.

How to use collagen correctly?

Collagen peptides are suitable because you can do almost anything with them: add to drinks, food, creams. For example, you can add collagen powder to juices, smoothies, matcha, or just water. You can also add it to food - porridge, yogurt, granola, baked goods, and any desserts. There is a life hack - add a pinch of collagen to a serving of the night cream and apply the mixture on your face before bed. After three to four days, you can see the effect: the skin will become noticeably more hydrated, smoother, and more even.

Do you need a doctor's consultation before applying collagen?

If there are no serious complaints, you can not go to the doctor with this question and not get tested. Collagen is a dietary supplement acceptable for everyone; it is not a medicine and is not used for treatment. A daily dosage of 5,000-10,000 mg is considered safe.