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Q&A: Is collagen powder a worthy investment or more of a marketing hype?

by Vinka Wong

 

I see lots of "influencers" using collagen powder in their coffee, smoothies etc. Is collagen powder a worthy investment or more of a marketing hype? Are there other ways to get collagen?

Doing these Q&A’s has made me realise I absolutely suck at keeping it brief!! But if you want the short answer then hell yes I think it's a worthy investment!

Personally I love collagen. And I would be lying if I didn't admit that the main reason was to make me look 21 again! Wishful thinking! But in all seriousness collagen has many wonderful benefits in the body. Collagen is the structural protein that makes up our skin, tendons, cartilage, and bone. It’s the “glue” that holds us together. It’s not unique to humans and is also the main component of animal protein. That’s why most collagen supplements are derived from chicken, beef or fish.

Collagen production goes down as we age, which leads to dry, crepey skin, wrinkles, expression lines, bags under the eyes, sagging skin and jowls, and slowed healing/tissue repair. The decline in collagen is what leads to the change in appearance we associate with aging. This also happens with a prolonged exposure to sun (UV radiation). From my years of tanorexia I feel I may need to take collagen for life!

Some signs and symptoms of low collagen in the body include the following:

  • Premature aging (wrinkles, crepey skin, sagging skin)
  • Broken capillaries on the face
  • Abnormal pigmentation (including “age spots”)
  • Dry, rough, or scaly skin
  • Brittle nails
  • Thinning hair
  • Cellulite
  • Varicose veins and spider veins
  • Intestinal permeability (often referred to as leaky gut) - e.g. food intolerances

So what can we do to boost collagen?

Here are my top tips:

  • Collagen Supplement - I love Integra Nutritionals BCP-S for skin and gut or Design for Health Whole Collagen for comprehensive mix for skin, gut, bones, collagen and joints.
  • Vitamin C - think kiwfruit, capsicums and citrus
  • Zinc - good sources include oysters, pumpkin seeds and lamb
  • Dietary polyphenols, such as green tea, black currant (OMG so love black currant oil for glowing skin and reducing arthritic pain), lemon balm and pomegranate.
  • Good sleep (sleep increases human growth hormone, needed for collagen synthesis) 
  • Lowering stress – According to research, chronic stress weakens the integrity of your skin’s collagen.
  • Fasting or the production of ketones 
  • Quit smoking 

And I would be remiss if I didn't talk about my new favourite ...my red light mask!! Seriously one of the best investments I have made for building collagen in the skin. Red light increases collagen production, and decreases inflammation which over time causes tissue damage and speeds up aging. It also improves circulation to help increase blood flow and oxygen to skin.

It has many other benefits that I really love...if I feel a headache coming I pop this baby on and it really helps. Also if I can't get to sleep I put this on before bed and I will often wake up with it plastered to my face (and a wee bit of dribble too haha!!).

With that lovely visual I will sign off!

Here are my favourite Collagen boosting supplements
~ use password myhealth

Thorne Zinc Piccolinate 25mg
Seeking Health Optimal Vitamin C
Integra Nutritional BCP-S
Design for Health Whole Body Collagen

 

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