Here’s the truth: Collagen is having a very special moment. You may have first heard about collagen when plumping your lips with injections first became a thing. But the benefits of collagen go well beyond the world of aesthetics. Whether in the form of a pill, powder or liquid, collagen supplements can make significant improvements to the appearance of your skin, as well as the strength and vitality of hair and nails.
Here’s what we know about collagen at Style Salute HQ, plus how adding collagen supplements to your diet can help will make your skin look glowy and fresh, your nails and bones strong, and your joints pain-free.
What is collagen
So, what exactly is collagen? Collagen is the superglue that holds your body together–literally. It’s a protein in our body that is found almost everywhere: skin, tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, teeth–everywhere. Over time, our collagen production decreases, and our supply starts depleting over time. And when collagen production starts to diminish, so does our skin elasticity. It’s a lack of skin elasticity that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite. It can also cause slower muscle recovery and a decrease in mobility in our tendons and joints.
To prevent these aging effects of time, people turn to daily collagen supplements, which promise to boost the body and skin. The problem here is that there’s no agreed-upon answer when it comes to the efficacy of these supplements.
The benefits of collagen
Studies have shown that supplements could help keep your skin tighter, your muscles stronger, and your bones more resilient. This leads to a gradual tightening of the skin.
Users of collagen supplements swear by them, while others are skeptical that oral supplements can’t do anything for the skin. So while there’s no definite good-or-bad answer to the “should I take collagen” question, there are, in fact, many experts who find these supplements to be an effective and helpful boost to the vitality of your skin.
We’re all about skin health, so why not try something that has the potential to improve our skin?
What’s the deal with supplements
Dietary supplements aren’t exactly new news (we’ve been fans for a while). The supplement market in the U.S. is currently worth $133 billion, according to Zion Market Research, and there’s been a resurgence in recent years of new start-ups like Ritual and Care/Of which now deliver personalized vitamin assortments to your doorstep. There are also formulas with more holistic ambitions, focused on wellness and beauty.
Plastic surgeons are even recommending collagen supplements as a part of a healthy post-surgery routine, in order to help speed recovery as well as improve overall wellbeing. “I often recommend my patients take collagen supplements post-surgery as the extra boost helps deliver an increased level of protein than what they may be able to produce from food intake alone,” says Dr. Farhad Ardeshirpour, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the helm of Ardesh Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. “After surgery, your body needs protein to repair tissue, slow muscle catabolism, and decrease inflammation.”
The best collagen supplements
Thankfully, these supplements are an ultra-convenient way to improve your hair and skin health. Most supplements are hydrolyzed, which means that the collagen has been broken down into smaller fragments, making it easier for the body to absorb. If plumping your face with injections isn’t for you, keep scrolling for some alternatives.
Whether in the form of pills, gummies, or powders, collagen supplements are a great addition to your diet.
Keep scrolling for the best collagen supplements of 2020 according to Amazon reviewers!
The Collagen Peptides Powder by Sports Research contains hydrolyzed type I and type III collagen. Add the powder to water, or mix it in with your oatmeal, yoghurt or smoothies. It’s certified by the Paleo & Keto Foundation and non-GMO verified by the IGEN program. It’s also unflavoured and gluten-free.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (6,709 customer reviews)
Vital Proteins is a well-known name in the wellness world. Their collagen powder is pasture-raised, grass-fed, non-GMO and kosher, and it’s soluble in cold and hot liquids. Pro tip: mix it in with your morning coffee or tea.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,490 customer reviews)
Health Logics Joint and Skin Care Supplements has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reduce skin dryness. A recent study also demonstrated that BioCell Collagen aids musculoskeletal tissue during sports activity, making it a highly effective performance recovery supplement too.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (527customer reviews)
Great Lakes’ collagen is made from hydrolysate beef gelatine, which helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. It’s a great source of amino acids that help support healthy bones, teeth, hair and nails.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (5,286 customer reviews)
NeoCell’s Super Collagen powder contains a combination of type I and II hydrolysed collagen peptides that work to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. It has about 6,600mg of both collagen types per serving. Dissolve one scoop of the unflavoured powder into your favorite beverage and make sure to consume it daily to see optimal results.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,053 customer reviews)
Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen formula features five collagen types, including types I, II, III, V and X from four different sources. It’s a high-quality blend of hydrolysed bovine, chicken, fish and eggshell collagen peptides. It’s also keto friendly, high in protein and low in calories.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,634 customer ratings)
Youtheory’s formula is made of collagen peptides advanced with vitamin C to fight the signs of ageing. Take this supplement daily to revitalise skin, hair, nails, tendons and ligaments.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (1,191 customer ratings)
It can be hard to find a vegetarian-friendly collagen supplement that actually does the job. That’s where ForestLeaf comes in. Their Advanced Collagen supplement is non-GMO and free from dairy, gluten, eggs and nuts.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (607 customer reviews)
Bulletproof’s Unflavoured Collagen Protein contains more collagen than bone broth and is sourced from pasture-raised cows. The formula is all natural and doesn’t contain any dairy, egg, sugar, corn, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten or preservatives.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (676 customer reviews)
WellPath’s collagen powder is formulated with five nutrient-rich sources of natural collagen peptides that help keep your joints agile. Offering more benefits than single-type collagen, RENEW is a blend of types I, II, III, V and X collagen peptides that are sourced from grass-fed bovine, wild caught fish, cage-free chickens and eggshell membrane.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (759 customer reviews)
Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel is paleo and keto friendly. It doesn’t contain any gluten, grain, dairy, whey or soy. The yummy vanilla coconut flavour is perfect for smoothies and shakes, and it also works great as a coffee creamer.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (164 customer reviews)
HUM Collagen Love contains a unique skin repair and protection blend with Collagen I and III essential for healthy, younger looking skin. Combining in a powerful formula with chondroitin sulfate and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this restorative blend supports elasticity and firmness in all the right places.
Get some HUM Collagen lovin’ to provide natural restoration and protection for your skin.*
Amazon Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)
Zint’s collagen peptides dissolve easily in any liquid, making it ideal for smoothies or your coffee. Sourced from non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, Zint is paleo-friendly and kosher certified.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,221 customer ratings)
These extra strength Collagen Gummies by MAV Nutrition are designed for those who want to improve the appearance of their hair, skin and nails without the struggle of having to swallow pills. Each serving provides 50mg of hydrolysed type I and III collagen and also includes vitamin C, E and biotin.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (549 customer reviews)
This Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught deep-sea fish from Canada. Fish skin is naturally rich in collagen and helps to support skin tone and elasticity. It also nourishes hair follicles for new growth.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (455 customer reviews)
BioSil is an advanced collagen generator: Beautify your hair, skin and nails and protect your healthy bones and joints with a natural collagen generator in an easy-to-take capsule. Formulated with a patented and vegan silicon and choline complex to help improve beauty protein levels without the use of beef, chicken or fish collagen
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,258 customer reviews)
Looking for more? Here are more beauty and wellness topics for you…
10 Ways to Reduce Bloating Fast
The Best Probiotics for a Healthy Gut and Brighter, Better Skin
What Are Adaptogens? A Guide To Healing Herbs for Stress and Fatigue
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Related Stories
Trending Stories
We send good emails.
Subscribe Now.