Collagen Protein's Impact on Skin, Hair, Nails & Joints

When it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance and supporting our body's connective tissues, Collagen Protein takes center stage. This vital protein, which is the most abundant in our body, plays a key role in ensuring the health and beauty of our skin, hair, nails, and joints. As we age, however, our collagen production gradually declines, which can lead to various age-related concerns. So, how can we combat these issues? The answer lies in collagen supplementation. Join us as we delve into the incredible benefits of collagen protein and discover how to choose the best supplement for your needs.

What is Collagen, and Why is it Important?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up around 30% of our total protein content. It is a key structural component found in our connective tissues, such as skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage (1).

There are several types of collagen, with Types I, II, and III being the most prevalent. Type I collagen, which makes up around 90% of the body's total collagen content, is primarily found in the skin, bones, and tendons (2). Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, while Type III collagen is found in reticular fibers and is most abundant in organs and tissues (3).

Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, leading to various age-related concerns such as wrinkles, sagging skin, brittle nails, and joint pain. Supplementing with collagen protein has become increasingly popular as a way to combat these issues and promote overall well-being.

Collagen for Glowing Skin

Our skin's structure, elasticity, and firmness largely depend on the presence of collagen. The decrease in collagen production as we age results in the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin (4).

Collagen supplements, such as hydrolyzed collagen, have been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a more youthful complexion (5). Furthermore, collagen supplementation may help support the body's natural collagen production by providing the necessary amino acids required for collagen synthesis (6).

When it comes to skin health, another fantastic supplement to consider is Liposomal Silymarin, which provides liver protection and skin health benefits. To learn more about this potent ingredient, check out our article "Liposomal Silymarin: Liver Protection & Skin Health."

Strong, Luscious Hair with Collagen

Collagen plays a significant role in maintaining hair strength and structure. The hair follicle, the part of the skin responsible for hair growth, relies on collagen for its structure and function. Additionally, collagen helps maintain the integrity of the hair shaft, which is made up of keratin, a protein that gives hair its strength (7).

As collagen production decreases with age, hair may become more susceptible to breakage, thinning, and dullness. Supplementing with collagen can provide your body with the building blocks it needs to support healthy hair growth and improve hair thickness, strength, and overall appearance (8).

Try our Hair Vitamin Gummies to keep your hair strong and healthy for even more hair support. To find out how this supplement works to help build strong hair, read our article "Hair Vitamin Gummies for Healthy, Strong Hair."

Nailing It: Collagen for Nail Health

Much like our hair, our nails are made up of keratin, a protein that relies on collagen for its structure and strength. The nail matrix, which is responsible for producing the cells that form the nail plate, requires adequate collagen to function properly (9).

As we age and collagen production declines, nails can become brittle, weak, and prone to breakage. Collagen supplementation may help improve nail strength and growth by providing the necessary amino acids for keratin production and supporting the nail matrix's function (10).

Supporting Joint Health with Collagen

Collagen is a vital component of our joints, as it provides strength and structure to the cartilage that cushions and protects our bones during movement. With age, the wear and tear on our joints and decreased collagen production can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility (11).

Studies have shown that collagen supplementation, particularly Type II collagen, can help improve joint health by promoting cartilage regeneration and reducing inflammation (12). This can reduce joint pain and improve mobility, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis or other joint-related conditions (13).

Collagen supplements can be a valuable addition to your joint health regimen. For additional joint support, try our Ultra Joint and read our article "Ultra Joint: Comprehensive Joint Health Solution" to learn how this powerful compound can take your joint health to the next level.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Supplement

With the increasing popularity of collagen supplements, selecting a high-quality product to ensure maximum benefits is essential. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a collagen supplement:

1. Type of Collagen: Look for a supplement that contains the types of collagen most relevant to your needs. For example, Type I collagen is best for skin, hair, and nail health, while Type II collagen is more suited for joint health.
2. Source of Collagen: Collagen supplements are typically derived from bovine, porcine, marine, or chicken sources. Choose a source that aligns with your dietary preferences and consider any potential allergies.
3. Hydrolyzed Collagen: Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is more easily absorbed by the body and may offer better results compared to non-hydrolyzed collagen (14).
4. Additives and Fillers: Opt for a collagen supplement with minimal additives and fillers to ensure you're getting the most out of your product.
5. Third-Party Testing: Look for a collagen supplement that has undergone third-party testing for quality, purity, and potency.

The Bottom Line

Collagen protein plays a critical role in the health and appearance of our skin, hair, nails, and joints. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to a variety of age-related concerns. Supplementing with collagen can help combat these issues by providing the necessary amino acids for collagen synthesis and supporting the function of key connective tissues.

When considering a collagen supplement, be sure to choose a high-quality product that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Incorporating collagen and other beneficial supplements into your routine can support your body's natural processes and promote optimal well-being. So why wait? Try our Collagen Protein or Collagen Gummies and start your journey to healthier skin, hair, nails, and joints today!

References:

1. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, S. L., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D., & Darnell, J. (2000). Collagen: The fibrous proteins of the matrix. Molecular Cell Biology, 4th edition. W. H. Freeman. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/
2. Ricard-Blum, S. (2011). The Collagen Family. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a004978. 
3. Shoulders, M. D., & Raines, R. T. (2009). Collagen Structure and Stability. Annual Review of Biochemistry, 78(1), 929-958. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833. 
4. Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: Roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American Journal of Pathology, 168(6), 1861-1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302. 
5. Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V., & Oesser, S. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47-55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376. 
6. Borumand, M., & Sibilla, S. (2014). Daily consumption of the collagen supplement Pure Gold Collagen® reduces visible signs of aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9, 1747-1758. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S65939. 
7. D'Souza, R., & Sharma, S. (2017). Hair and nail changes in systemic disease. In: Griffiths C., Barker J., Bleiker T., Chalmers R., Creamer D. (eds) Rook's Textbook of Dermatology (pp. 1-34). Wiley-Blackwell. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118441213.rtd0394. 
8. Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F. O., & Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 16(4), 520-526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393.
9. Pereira, R. F. P., Bártolo, P. J., & Rodrigues, M. T. (2013). In Vitro Study of the Proliferative Human Fibroblast Cells with Collagen/Chitosan/Sericin Scaffolds. Procedia CIRP, 5, 296-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2013.01.053. 
10. Shibuya, S., Ozawa, Y., Toda, T., Watanabe, K., & Tometsuka, C. (2019). Collagen peptide and vitamin C additively attenuate age-related skin atrophy in Sod1-deficient mice. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 83(7), 1356-1363. https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2019.1580558.
11. Martel-Pelletier, J., Barr, A. J., Cicuttini, F. M., Conaghan, P. G., Cooper, C., Goldring, M. B., Goldring, S. R., Jones, G., Teichtahl, A. J., & Pelletier, J. P. (2016). Osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2, 16072. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2016.72.
12. Dar, Q. A., Schott, E. M., Catheline, S. E., Maynard, R. D., Liu, Z., Kamal, F., Farnsworth, C. W., Ketz, J. P., Mooney, R. A., Hilton, M. J., Jonason, J. H., Prawitt, J., & Zuscik, M. J. (2017). Daily oral consumption of hydrolyzed type 2 collagen protects cartilage and bone from the effects of osteoarthritis in a rat model. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 25, S138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2017.02.198.
13. Bello, A. E., & Oesser, S. (2006). Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: A review of the literature. Current Medical Research and Opinion, 22(11), 2221-2232. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079906X148373.
14. Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102494.