When considering skincare beauty products, collagen is one ingredient many have in common. Collagen is known for giving skin a healthy glow, and it’s important to include it in your dietary and daily routines to fight aging.
But what exactly is collagen and what makes it so essential in promoting healthy aging? Read on to find out.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It is found in bones, muscles, skin, the digestive system, blood and tendons. It gives tendons flexibility and elasticity and works in a similar way in the skin fighting wrinkles and providing a healthy glow.
As we get older, collagen production slows in the body. When women reach their mid-twenties, they can begin losing as much as 1% of collagen a year. After menopause, total loss can be as high as 30-50%. This results in thinner skin that is more prone to wrinkles.
Decreased collagen in the body also leads to weak or decreased cartilage making for weaker joints and tendons and reduced range of movement.
Why Taking a Collagen Supplement is Important
Taking a collagen supplement can make up for the collagen our bodies lose over the years.
When finding a supplement that’s right for you, there are a few things to consider. First, you should be aware that there are different types of collagen – collagen Type 1 and collagen Type 2.
Here are the benefits the different types of collagen provide:
Collagen Types 1 and 2:
· Supports healthy aging
· Supports healthy skin
· Supports healthy bones
· Supports hair and nail health
· May support circulation
· Supports muscle health
Collagen Type 2:
· Supports cartilage health
· Supports joint health
· Contains glucosamine, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin
Collagen comes in a variety of forms including powders and capsules. It can also be found in topical formulas that can be applied directly to skin.
Collagen found in lotions will be most beneficial to skin and will not affect health in other areas of the body. Dietary supplements may be formulated to help skin while others will be beneficial throughout the body.
Finding the Right Products
If you are interested in adding collagen to your daily routine, it’s important to source it from a brand you can trust. That way, you will feel confident that the product you are buying is as pure and potent as possible.
Jarrow Formulas and Irwin Naturals are two brands that manufacture collagen products you can rely on.
Jarrow Formulas is a company that produces nutritional products that cover the entire field of natural health. Their amino acids, digestive enzymes and concentrates are potent and high quality. They have a variety of collagen supplements that support healthy skin, bones, joints, and muscles.
Irwin Naturals offers a range of supplements that promote the health of almost the entire bodily system. Their liquid soft gels provide the ultimate absorption of nutrients. Their collagen products are designed to provide optimal wellness throughout the body.
Collagen is an important part of healthy aging. A supplement will make up for the natural loss that occurs throughout the years. How will you be adding it to your diet to reverse the hands of time?