Skin & Beauty

Collagen makes up almost 30% of the protein in our bodies, especially in the connective tissue - skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

To give you an idea of just how important collagen is, here’s where the body uses it most: 

• Skin: 75%
• Tendons: 65-80%
• Ligaments: 70%
• Cartilage: 50%
• Bone Mass 20% 

But, what is collagen? 

Collagen is a general term for structural proteins which hold the tissues together, providing strength and stability to the entire body. 

Thanks to collagen, our blood vessels can expand and contract, our joints are flexible, and our skin looks plump and elastic. It sounds amazing right? 

But, as we get older our ability to produce collagen decreases. 

Researchers suggest that we begin to lose about 1% of our collagen each year from our late 20s onwards, with this rate increasing faster the older we get. 

This decrease in collagen means our connective tissues lose strength and stability, our bones and joints become weaker, and lines and wrinkles start to appear. And factors like sunlight exposure, smoking, pollution, alcohol, and nutrient deficiency can accelerate this process.

The good news: Collagen Peptides have shown to help reverse or at least delay this process when taken as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Here are some of the benefits of Collagen intake: 

• Improved skin’s hydration, elasticity, and plumpness. Visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Reduced appearance of cellulitis: In a study of women ages 24-50 with moderate cellulite, compared to placebo, 2.5g of collagen peptides taken daily for 6 months resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the degree of cellulite and skin waviness
• Bone mineral density BMD improvements especially in the neck and spine, contributing to a reduced fracture rate, accelerated fracture healing, reduced bone loss and improved bone density in the long term.
• Over 20 studies involving over 3000 people have proven the health benefits of collagen in joints, cartilage, ligaments and bones.

These results were achieved using the collagen peptides below: 

For joints, Fortigel®. Proven to activate the growth of new cartilage by stimulating chondrocytes, leading to a reduction in joint discomfort.

For skin, Verisol®. Shown to upregulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans in the dermal layer of facial skin, resulting in reduced wrinkles, increased hydration and improved cellulite appearance by increasing dermal thickness and elasticity

For bones, Fortibone®. Stimulates osteoblast and osteoclast activity leading to an increase in the synthesis of bone components such as collagen. Studies show with regular intake of Fortibone positive changes in bone mass density. 

When searching for collagen supplements, quality is key. Therefore, choosing a well-researched product means you are more likely to get results. 

As always, please remember that supplements should be taken as part of a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle, and under the care of a qualified healthcare professional.

And if you have questions, please contact us or leave a comment :-)

With love 💕

Simone O Feltham

References: 

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20191212/collagen-supplements-what-the-research-shows

https://www.designsforhealth.com.au/hydrolysed-collagen-proteins-make-a-comeback/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/