You must have heard that collagen is great for skin, especially when it comes to reversing signs of aging. However, loads of misinformation has been spread about collagen supplements and their health benefits, so it is time to bust those myths for good!

Myth 1

Collagen supplements aren’t effective as collagen gets broken down in the digestive tract

Some doctors don’t believe that ingesting collagen is effective as they claim the collagen molecule is too large for the body to absorb. They believe the only way to replenish collagen in the skin is by injecting it, or using hyaluronic acid, or retina A to peel off top layer of your skin to stimulate collagen production.

Collagen is a major building block of the body and the most abundant protein. In its native state, the collagen molecule is actually too big to be absorbed effectively by the intestine. This is why many medical experts believe that ingesting collagen is not a viable option to improve skin health. But collagen can be absorbed orally, as long as it is hydrolyzed. It effectively breaks down the collagen into small, bioavailable components, similar to how our bodies break down food during digestion. Thus, they can be quickly absorbed through the intestine into the bloodstream.

Myth 2

Collagen peptides are absorbed into the dermis of the skin and automatically become collagen

The body produces loads of collagen when you are young, but production starts to slow down as you age. By the time you are 30 years old, collagen levels start to decrease significantly. 75% of the skin is made of collagen created by fibroblasts – specialized cells located in the dermis.

When taken orally, hydrolyzed collagen reaches the small intestine and is absorbed into the bloodstream in the form of free amino acids and small collagen peptides. Then these are distributed throughout the body and to the dermis via the network of blood vessels and into the skin.  The presence of collagen peptides in the dermis stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin by binding to the receptor sites on the fibroblast member. The more concentrated collagen peptides are present, the more collagen gets generated.

Myth 3

Consuming collagen won’t combat signs of aging

Collagen supplements have become a rage in skincare, but they have attracted their fair share of critics too.  However, there is scientific proof that collagen supplements offer several benefits for the skin. Some people use collagen supplements to treat signs of aging, along with conditions that cause joint pain and physical discomfort. Numerous clinical studies have shown that consuming concentrated doses of hydrolyzed collagen for an extended period of time can reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity.

Myth 4

All hydrolyzed collagen is created equal

There are four types of animal collagen that are used to make hydrolyzed collagen and collagen peptides - bovine, chicken, porcine, and marine. The first three consist mostly of type-II collagen, which is good for joints, while marine collagen is primarily type-I collagen.

Not only are type-I and type-II sourced differently, but their physical qualities vary too. For instance, marine collagen has smaller molecules, so it becomes easier for your body to absorb it. Why not try out yummy Mango Juice + Marine Collagen Crush? Please keep in mind that various types of collagen react differently when ingested with other supplements and vitamins.

If you want to combat signs of aging by reducing lines & wrinkles and enhancing skin health, try a supplement that contains type-I collagen, as more than 80% of the skin is made up of it. Marine collagen is a superior form of collagen as it is digested and absorbed by the body more efficiently. Marine collagen extracted from the skin and scales of cold water fish has 1.5 times more bioavailability than bovine or porcine collagen. Thus, it enters the bloodstream quickly through the intestinal wall.   The Matcha + Marine Collagen Crush indeed works wonders, and you will see visible results in a few weeks.

It is tougher to remove calcium and fat from bovine, chicken, and porcine collagen. Marine collagen has little to no calcium or fat, so people on a diet or those with high blood pressure can consume it without any concerns. Mix a sachet of Turmeric + Marine Collagen Crush or Lucuma + Marine Collagen Crush in your morning coffee! You are sure to have an amazing day ahead.

Myth 5

Taking protein can replace taking collagen for improving skin health

You will come across several amino acid supplements on the market that claim to build collagen. This is because amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. While amino acids have an abundance of health benefits, ingesting a certain amount of these building blocks don’t guarantee the production of peptides or collagen itself.

Some people think that taking amino acid supplements can help restore lost collagen. However, it isn’t the same as taking hydrolyzed collagen.  Assembled collagen peptides travel through your bloodstream and are deposited in the dermis, so the body doesn’t have to synthesize the compound.  Collagen is made up of amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – they make up about 50% of the total amino acid content. Taking amino acids have powerful health benefits, but taking a hydrolyzed version produces better results in terms of collagen production.

A word of caution though – it is always better to consult a doctor, before you consume any supplement. While collagen supplements don’t have any adverse affects as such, it is best to get the all-clear from a medical professional and then get started.